Google is adding new ways to contribute to the Google Maps, including just drawing in missing roads, previously uncharted by the world’s foremost navigation app.
The company says an update to the “Edit the map” interface at maps.google.com will soon include a “Missing Road” option, where new or unlisted roads can be added to the mix, just by drawing lines.
It’ll also be possible to delete some old or incorrect roads, change the direction or add new names for those roads. Perhaps those once named after historical figures we no longer like, for instance. You can see how the feature will work in the video below:
Google is also offering a new photo updates experience. With this tool users can share experiences and highlights by uploading a recent photo. These images can be accompanied by a short text caption, offer an alternative leaving a review or rating.
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Google explains: “Simply go to the “Updates” tab when you’re looking at a place in Google Maps to see the latest photos that merchants and other people have shared. To add your own update, tap the “upload a photo update” button, select your photos, leave a short description and post. You can post as many photos as you want and find photo updates that others have left in the Updates tab.”
Finally, the company is also making it easier to show support for local businesses. In the US, Android users can join a “local love challenge” pilot. Google wants to update 100,000 businesses and plans to expand the challenge to other countries in due time.
The firm wrote: “Simply jump into the Contribute tab in Google Maps to join the “Local Love challenge” and add ratings, reviews and confirm information to support local businesses you’ve visited, from your go-to bakery to the neighbourhood hardware store.”
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
