Before I explain what I love to share most on Google Maps and why, I would like to go two years back and share my journey and how it started.
I’m based in New Delhi, India. And as I brought up, studied, did my college, job and now doing business in Delhi only, who else knows Delhi and Northern India better than me.
As my role includes lot of travelling locally as well as outside, I use Google Maps a lot even if I know the places. My purpose to keep an eye on Google Maps is to see the traffic condition, time to reach, any alternative route and so on.
One day I found the road which Google Maps directing me is gradually getting so narrow that my car can’t move ahead. It’s a narrow lane in a congested residential area where only two-wheelers or maximum an auto-rickshaw can cross. But maps was indicating to go 200 meters further to approach to main road.
This actually compelled me to improvise Google Maps. And then I started contributing on Google Maps. As I love to share landmarks, small businesses and roadside info. including shops, buildings, offices, restaurants, monuments, residential structures, etc. and their inside information, I started uploading those informations. The more I upload addresses, exact locations, informations, photos, correct incompleted and wrong updates, etc., I found Google respect my efforts and trust me and improve what I suggests. They are also giving some points, batches for my every efforts.
Further, I found Google watermarked my shared photos with my name. Also I am getting so many thankful messages and positive reviews. This encouraged me to contribute more and I can see that my inputs are appreciated by people globally. So, that’s how my journey of contributing Google Maps voluntarily started.
It was around two years back when I started contributing. And reached to level 8 in one and a half year’s time. Even till last year, I was not aware that Google organises an annual global conference for local guides. But when I got informed, I realised that how Google respect, regard, reward and recognise its voluntary contributors or local guides. It excited me too and I wish if I could be a part of this conference, this year.