Lately I’ve been getting the question, “Which floor is this place located on?” (see photo) For places that are single floor, I’ve been answering “First Floor”. But now I’m wondering, if I say that it’s on the first floor, does that imply that there are multiple floors? Would an answer of “None of the above” be more appropriate? How should one answer this question when there are no other floors? I realize there is a difference between how the US defines 1st floor and the UK defines first floor, so for clarification let’s go with the US definition that first floor is the same as the ground floor as I’ll be answering these questions in the US.
Interesting observation @Sleuther ! I actually often get confused if I should refer a floor as first floor or ground floor.
Looking at the options that are presented you, I think it makes sense to refer the first floor as… well, first floor, since the option for ground floor is not presented. Otherwise, the option for ground floor would’ve been included as well since it’s also important to have that option while answering the survey.
Hello @Sleuther , how are you!? Hope you are doing great!
We are having the same questions in Spanish, and we have Planta Baja as Ground Floor, however I assume that the question in US english the first floor of a building refers to the ground floor.
Notice that you have in the question the first floor as the beginning one , and then the second floor.
Have a nice day!
Interesting observation, @Sleuther
In my opinion, to name a floor we should refer to local custom how they named their floor. Or even refer to how the building owner choose to named their floor.
I think in some building they attach the floor number next to stairs or elevator.
Because if the building owner is Asian, there would be a different floor naming system.
Imho, “none of the above” floor is for 4th, 5th, etc. floor.
Ground level or single story building @Sleuther
Hello @Sleuther
According to British English the floor of a building at street level is called Ground floor. The floor above it is called first floor and the floor below is called the basement.
But
According to American English the floor of a building at street level is called first Floor, and the floor below is called the basement (same as british english). There is no ground floor.
This is interesting @Sleuther , because just a few days ago a Local Guide was asking about the meaning of “Floor G” in this question from Google Maps.
Maybe @DeniGu have some insight about a change in the question, as it was changed several time, as you can see in this screenshot taken in February
Update.
@Sleuther , just yesterday the question from Google Maps about a place I visited was again the one I was used to see.
Maybe, thanks to the questions of the Local Guides, Google improved the question, that is now quite clear
You are right sir @ErmesT
Maximum people facing this problem. Now its much better
Hello @Sleuther ,
Welcome to Connect and thanks for reaching out to us! Iam glad to see you have received many helpful answers from other Local Guides.
As you correctly say, since you are located in the USA, the Google Maps app is prompting the options according to the standard US definition of first floor as the ground level. Regarding your question about what is the best answer for single storey buildings, we should keep in mind that the options are linked to the question “Which floor is this place located on?”, so there is no implication about the number of floors the building has. Hence, for buildings with only one level above the ground, when you are in the United States and you are prompted these options, you should select “FIRST FLOOR”.
If you have a better solution for this specific question, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, you can always share your proposal in our Idea Exchange, the section of this forum where Local Guides share ideas to improve Google Maps, the Local Guides program, or Connect. You can read more about it in this article.
I also wanted to let you know that I am now marking my answer as solution so it can be beneficial for other members with the same doubt. You can read more about the topic in the following post: How do I mark comments as solutions?
Since this is your first post here, you can take a look at Your guide to Connect, where you will find helpful information.