Google Maps category suggestion form

[#1]

Example of Google Maps category proposal form

Hi team, as everyone knows, the category topic is something really important for Local Guides and mappers.

In the past we had some reference using this Knowledge Base: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en

that reference this category list, ordered by country: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10QhWFmHYhZI7FL7cQZUqkDkRbexPVthEIfp8iibhA3s/edit?usp=sharing

Please, consider that the above document refers to Google MyBusiness categories, and not to Google Maps categories, that eventually don't overlap.

My proposal is to create a public workflow, accessible only to LG with a specified LVL, starting with a form like that:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWPr6yED4rJ1qamIfVAzVLrztP8FXa8JgEveFNMpQHhMf4nA/viewform

What do you think? This could lead to a separate workflow different from standard Google Maps feedbacks and could be handled better.

Thanks for your attention

[NeerajKumarIndia]

@LucioV,  It's great.

Regard's

Neeraj Kumar

Patna

[ShafiulB]

Great idea my friend @LucioV ! 

Its important  for our country too ..

[JeroenM]

You got my vote, mainly because I totally agree that the Category issues need to be resolved.

We were told a long time ago that the Maps Team was working on improvements, but sadly the whole User Experience is still very poor.

I am not sure that your proposal is the best way forward. I would have thought that with the AI technology available there should be a solution in a more free-style solution where the "algorithm" understands the synonyms and automatically label the POI to the correct category labels and flag any non-existing categories that might be mappable for human verification. 

In other words, if somebody tries to map something that is not mappable the machine jumps to the conclusion and responds appropriately. If on the other hand, a type of business is described in a way that the machine does not understand, that a crowdsource (perhaps a certain LG level?) will help with flagging missing categories (so it will escalate to Google Team) or match the "free-style description" with an existing category. 

[LucioV]

I understand @JeroenM, my solution is more a workaround (🤪) than a real solution, your suggestion is more Google style. But I still think that category creation needs a human touch. Thanks!

[aka_Rὁn]

@LucioV

This is most definitely something that needs to be included in Google Maps functionality and @JanVanHaver  has already put forward a similar proposal.

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/All-Ideas/Definitions-for-categories/idc-p/1080343#M4345

You will find some important links on his magnificent Best Practice series in theold Local Connect 1.0 forum (see his Ideas Exchange post for the URLs).

One of these provides an immediate workaround and I have been using it to great effect to ensure that the local community amenities in our borough are as accurate and as detailed as possible.

Even with all of that there are still going to be organisations which will be difficult to fit into the existing categories because the nature of their activities is so innovative.

...

[aka_Rὁn]

Sorry ... I just realised that your suggestion is related to the Categories Issue but is only obliquely related to the one put forward by Jan.

I have just uploaded a test-case using the form and now realise that this could be an extraordinarily useful, clear-cut and effective add-on for Local Guides on Google Maps.

Here is a screenshot of part of the entry which does not include the two files I uploaded in support of it.

Brilliant work !

[LucioV]

Yes @aka_Rὁn! Thanks for the live sample! 🙂

This is a tool that could empower the Google Local Guides team and help us compiling better category requests.

Is more likely a workflow than a tool, but it's a start!

[aka_Rὁn]

@LucioV

The user interface and workflow you designed is superior to most of what is currently available and demonstrates your expertise as a software engineer.

I really feel that it is high time for you to be added to the list of moderators because your technical expertise is second-to-none and you are always happy to help and improve the system for the benefit of your fellow Local Guides.

Perhaps someone should add a suggestion that there be some kind of electoral system put in place so that at least a small number of moderators could be voted on by the Local Guides community.

I am sure - that given your honesty, your popularity and your track record - you would be easily voted in.

In the UK our Parliament consists of the unelected House of Lords and the elected House of Commons.

I'm not suggesting that the appointment system should be entirely balanced by an electoral one at present but I do think that this community forum could do with a high degree of democracy.

...

[LucioV]

Thanks for your appreciation @aka_Rὁn! I'm glad that you and many other fellow local guides would love to see me as Connect Moderator, but I will continue help, without any regard to titles and roles 🙂 I think Idea Exchange is really an effective tool, and this is great! 

[DeniGu]

It's great to see Local Guides coming together for improvements you'd like to see on Google Maps. We recommend you use caution when collecting and using other people's information, and as always, being clear this is not an official Google effort as there may be confusion.