Hi everyone! As the title suggests, today I want to talk about our photos on Google Maps again, focusing on a specific question: are we sure we’re always uploading them to the right place?
We certainly have plenty of reasons for choosing a specific spot: Google Maps suggested it, I searched for the name of the place, I know for a fact I took the photo right there, and so on. However, sometimes we might unintentionally upload images to the wrong location, or share photos that have little to nothing to do with that place.
To help explain what I mean, follow me for a moment. Today I’m taking you to Milan, to one of the most iconic and visited spots in the world: the Duomo. The best way to get there is by subway, which drops us off right in Piazza del Duomo. We head up to the street, and there it is—our “object of desire” standing right in front of us, in the perfect position to be photographed.
Later, we decide to upload our photos. Often, Maps itself prompts us with a suggestion: “Upload to Duomo” Why doubt it? We do it immediately, maybe even adding a nice review of our experience. And, of course, we don’t realize that we’ve just reviewed… the subway station 
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This happens in most famous places around the world, and it’s one of the most classic examples of images uploaded to the wrong listing. And I can’t even blame Maps or my GPS.
The “Opposite Side of the Street” Trap
There are many other examples, sometimes born out of pure oversight. Imagine I’m photographing a shop window in a narrow, crowded tourist street. To get the shot, I have to stand on the opposite side of the road, right in front of a different shop. I take several photos of various windows along the street. Since I’m a tourist and don’t know the area well, I trust Google Maps’ suggestions which—following my GPS coordinates—suggest I upload the images to the shops behind me on the other side of the street.
The Moon and the Menu
In the evening, I go to a bar or an outdoor restaurant. It’s a gorgeous night with a full moon. Later, Maps suggests I upload the photo of the moon to the restaurant’s listing. Well, if Maps is asking, how can I say no?
I also asked the person at the next table to take a photo of me and my friends; the place is so nice I want to show it off. I also take a dozen photos of my food to choose the best one to send to my family. Again, Maps asks me to upload everything. How can I refuse?
The Moment of Realization
Three months later, I’m planning another trip. This time, I want to be organized. Since I’m traveling for work, my time is limited. I’ve learned that Maps is an essential tool where users share real experiences through reviews and, most importantly, photos.
I start making a “Want to Go” list. I look up a famous landmark—it looks stunning, so I add it. Now, how do I get there? Maps suggests the subway. I check the reviews for the station to see if it’s safe at night, but I find that almost all the reviews and photos aren’t about the station—they’re about the monument above it.
I look for a restaurant for dinner in a characteristic neighborhood. I pick one and explore the photos. I’m confused: the “storefront” photo shows a shoe shop (which I realize is actually across the street). Then there’s a video of someone smiling saying, “Hey Mario, look at this cool place!” And finally, the food photos—dozens of them, but all of the same three dishes. Then, a random photo of the moon.
I look closer and realize that the moon, the selfies, the video for Mario, the shoe shop, and the misplaced monument photos were all uploaded by the same person.
I get frustrated. How can someone upload such confusing information? Then, I freeze. My mind goes back to my trip three months ago, and I realize: that someone could be me 
I immediately open my Maps contributions and delete everything from that trip. I carefully research the correct locations and re-upload only the best, most helpful images. To be safe, I delete the redundant ones from my gallery entirely.
I didn’t do it because of a policy violation. I did it because I realized I had shared content that could confuse users just like you and me.
Two Types of Errors: Position vs. Content
Here is what Google Maps tells us in Tips for contributing high quality reviews & photos - Google Maps Help
“Keep it useful: Make sure the photo is at the correct location, is not a selfie, and may help someone understand what the place you’re reviewing. Avoid submitting similar or duplicate photos. Take clear photos: Make sure the photo doesn’t have superimposed text on it and isn’t overly edited. Try to make sure the picture is not blurry.”
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Location Errors: Don’t blindly trust GPS suggestions! The GPS records where you are standing, not where the subject of your photo is. If you are in a Mall, Google might suggest the Mall’s main listing instead of the specific store you’re inside. Always double-check the location, and if you’re unsure, Google Lens is a fantastic tool to help identify the exact spot.
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Content Errors: Our photos must help others understand the place. Beyond the rules, my advice is always to think like a user and forget about the points. Ask yourself: “Is this content actually useful to someone else?” That should be our guiding thought every time we hit upload.
Deep Dive
If you’d like to read more, here are my in-depth posts on the subject:
- A Reflection on “Original Content”
- Is Two Always Better Than One?
- Selfies? No thanks!
- Local Guides in the Mirror
What about you?
Have you ever found photos using Google Maps that were inappropriate, uploaded to the wrong location, or simply irrelevant to the location?
If so, would you like to share your experience?
…headache then !..