Local Guides frequently report that their contributions are not being counted and that the system is broken.
In this post, @ErmesT and @MortenCopenhagen will explain how frequently the various contribution figures are normally updated. Without this knowledge, it is easy to falsely blame the system for malfunctioning or to suspect Google Maps of cheating when awarding points to Local Guides.
Some points require approval
Some points are given immediately while others are given only after a delay. Delayed points are delayed for a reason. Contributions like Edits, Addition of new places, Addition of new roads, and Merging duplicate places all need to be approved by computers or humans before the points are awarded. Notice the text in the red box in the screenshots below.
Points are applied immediately for contributions that do not require verification. This includes Photos, Videos, Reviews, Answers, and Facts Checking. |
For contributions that require review and approval, the points are applied approximately 24 hours after approval. This includes all types of edits. The time it takes to get approval varies greatly. |
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Points for new roads are applied within 24 to 72 hours of approval as illustrated below.
Some statistics are calculated less frequently
While the count of different contributions may show up quickly in your contribution stats, the total number of points, your total number of photo views, and the badge statistics are updated only once or twice per week. Sometimes even less frequently. In the screenshots below the numbers that are updated the least frequently are marked in red.
Also on your photo and review contribution lists some figures are updated less frequently:
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Numbers that are updated instantly or within a few minutes are colored GREEN
Contributions that need approval and then wait for 1-2 days are colored YELLOW
Contributions that are updated only weekly or bi-weekly are colored RED.
Why are the red numbers not updated in real-time?
It all comes down to deciding how to prioritize the computer resources required to run Google Maps. Some functions, such as navigation, can never be postponed. Showing photos, search results, and place sheets can also not be delayed without causing user annoyance. Counting our contributions has a lower priority because it is not necessary for Google Maps to function. Tallying our total photo views and total points has an even lower priority. As a result, the red numbers are updated infrequently and only when the necessary computer resources are available.
There are over 150 million Local Guides and over a billion Maps users. Many with thousands of contributions and millions of views. If these non-critical totals should be updated on a daily or hourly basis Google would have to purchase and manage thousands of new servers. All of these servers will consume energy simply to keep our totals updated more frequently. It is understandable and reasonable for us not to prioritize this task. What are your thoughts?
Understanding how frequently our contribution stats are recalculated and updated can help us avoid becoming overly frustrated.
So waiting for the next update is often the best we can do. But keep in mind that the system is often updated and things will change over time.
We hope you found this information relevant and helpful.
Cheers
ErmesT and MortenCopenhagen
