The countdown to the 2022 Guiding Stars reveal has started, and we couldn’t be more excited! For the third year in a row, we’ll be recognizing some of our most outstanding Local Guides for their consistent efforts on Google Maps, Connect, and in their communities.
But what have our 2021 Guiding Stars been up to this year? Have you ever wondered what happens when you become a Guiding Star? We caught up with some of the Helpful Heroes, Local Business Champions, and Inclusive Mappers for 2021 to answer these burning questions and more. See what @SilvyC , @KamalHossenR , @SebaasC , @davidrobertclarke , @Zuhralc , and @AnshukMitra had to share.
(Stay tuned for part two, where we speak to the Creative Contributors and Community Builders for 2021!)
What is your favorite contribution you made on Google Maps or Connect this year and why?
Silvy: Аdding the new stores that opened in the Unicenter shopping mall after the pandemic. Now the place looks even better than before.
Kamal: Sharing updated information about educational institutions on Google Maps. Earlier this year, when I didn’t find the information I needed for my admission, I realized I had to be the one to add it. I also hosted two meet-ups to map school safety measures after COVID-19.
Sebas: Мy most helpful Google Maps contributions were the ones I made on my last trip to Patagonia in Argentina. I added new places, made lists, updated business images, and left meaningful reviews. I am proud that I was able to share my experience on Connect, too!
David C.: My Connect article on the Kings Norton Farmers Market. By buying from local producers, my money is invested in greener, tastier, and more sustainable produce.
Zuhra: My comeback post on Connect after a long break. I wanted to understand how I could remain active and positive regardless of the situation, so I came up with this series of Q&A with senior Local Guides. On Google Maps, I focused on writing reviews for the places in my Maps timeline, like this one of the Nila Baby Shop Nairobi that I visited to shop for my newborn. The owners understood the need for an accessible entrance 
and wrote a reply that they will consider it.
Anshuk: Similar to the previous year, I continued to map rural roads, adding more than 200 roads while also removing others — spam roads cause so much hassle for the citizens.
Have you discovered anything new or surprising on Google Maps since you became a Guiding Star?
Silvy: After becoming a Guiding Star, I felt this need to double-check every contribution before I added it on Maps. But then I realized I can help others make better decisions by simply contributing as I’ve always done, with responsibility and honesty. After all, these are things that made me a Guiding Star, right?
Sebas: I already knew that our contributions as Local Guides are important, but after being named a Guiding Star for 2021, I realized the visibility our actions have both on Google Maps and Connect. The number of Maps followers, likes on my reviews, and views of my photos have increased, and although they are just numbers, I like to see the impact we have on people’s choices.
Zuhra: Sharing your location with other people for safety reasons. The best thing is we can share our location without a time limit; we just need an internet connection.
Anshuk: Editing an old review to earn additional 5 points is a new feature I like. It can be helpful to customers to be aware of the most recent changes. Also, in India, Google Maps Street View has returned. And we can now get a real-time air quality index on Google Maps, which is an awesome and unexpected upgrade.
What is your favorite thing that happened to you because of Guiding Stars?
Kamal: When Chris Phillips, VP & General Manager for Geo, talked about my activities during the Guiding Stars reveal, it was a heartwarming moment for me.
Sebas: I always carry the orange water bottle I received as a gift. On one walk, I had to explain to some tourists looking at it why it had my name on it. At first, they looked confused, but then they understood what it meant to be a Local Guide and a Guiding Star!
Zuhra: Several people from my country have recognized me on Google Maps and in person. A few people who know me also congratulated me because I’m the first Local Guide from Kenya to become a Guiding Star and an Accessibility Champion.
Anshuk: When I recently visited a town for the first time, a middle-aged man approached me and introduced himself, saying that he knew me from my contributions on Maps. I was even chosen to participate in a national quiz show, and the people who chose me were enthralled to learn about Guiding Stars and what I do to improve the map for everyone.
Join us on the official Local Guides YouTube channel and here on Connect on December 7, 9 am EST, for the 2022 Guiding Stars reveal. To get notified, register your interest here.
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! Looking forward the 7th !