My name is Yacine and I am from Senegal.
I have always thought that Google Maps was just nothing more than a map that helps people know where countries and cities are.
I know that is weird but I realize it was not the case when i started traveling.
I am a little bit shy and when you travel in a foreign country where you dont know anyone , you have to ask for directions.
So that is how i started exploring Google Maps and actuallu realized it was a life savior for people like me who will not actually automatically ask someone for directions.
It happened to me one time when i was in Indianapolis in the US.
I was enjoying my little walk alone , discovering old buildings and i was wondering where the Cathedral was so i decided to ask someone.
The moment i start approaching a woman i saw accross the street, i felt like she was running away from me. I realized that there were a lot of black women around who actually go to people to ask for money. That is the day i started using Google Maps daily to find my way without having to annoy anyone.
Later , i realized that Google Maps was community build and that each one of us could actually contribute.
I am a photography lover , not an expert yet and i like to take random pictures of the places that i got the chance to visit.
I have shared quite a lot of pictures , made some comments on the restaurants, places i visited.
In Senegal, Google Maps is not that reliable because it happened to me quite a lot to be lost after using Google Maps.
I also think if it gets more reliable, delivery services will be easier to use because believe me or not if you order anything online, if you dont live in a well know area, be ready to receive several calls from the delivery guy and give him direction to your house.
I wish people was more sensitized about the importance of contributing. I wish younger people get to know more about it.
How about creating a Mini - Local Guides Programs from Schools, a program which will allow high schools students to contribute to Google Maps during regular mapping sessions and organizing a Competition between those schools with an opportunity to win funding for community projects?
I think that will be awesome and i am really looking forward such types of programs>