Initially I started to contribute to Google Maps without knowing about the Local Guides Community. Small vendors and friends whom I know, were keen to put their names and businesses on Google Maps but did not know how to make corrections in address or location or phone number etc after they publish the information. When I could do it for them, they were extremely happy and thankful to me ! This made me feel good and I kept on doing it as it went.
Last year I was with my friend in Sydney. He and his children also had a problem with Google maps. They said when someone wanting to visit them at home using Google Maps was taken to some other house few roads away, I tried and corrected the location on the maps. Now the address was showing correct and when they tried, they were taken directly in front of their house ! They were so happy !! I felt so good knowing that I could make them happy.
Then I decided that whenever I get time, I will try and make the little little corrections which will make so many people happy. Doing all this is so simple and I really enjoy it. I am now more keen to see how other Local Guides work, what they do and the ratings and system that Google has.
I still have an unresolved issue with Google Maps related to my own home address. I so far could not correct my own home address appearing on Google Maps ! I tried many times but it is not successful. So I am eager to know how it works and how I can make it right. This will enable me to make the corrections wherever it is difficult to correct. I am sure with the Local Guide Connect I will be able to resolve this one day.