Google has broadened its information base by engaging its over 1 billion users as editors to update and improve applications that were not ordinarily parts of its map before now.
Each day, millions of updates are sent on Google maps globally. But this information does not capture every place where people hang out accurately such as restaurant, neigbhourhoods, places etc. Yet, Google has looked for an easier way to update such information with its user base of over 1 billion.
This is being done through a number of features, which help users to share location details more easily, as well as confirm edits suggestions by others, thus, turning users to help the company improve its mapping service. On the page are already these options “Suggest an Edit,” or “Add a Missing Place,” for example, which allows users make contributions. Many users had already seen these changes rolling out, but on July 21, 2016, Google is made them official – an indication that the broader rollout is completing.
The company has broadened its scope by allowing users to add missing places to Google maps or edit existing business or landmark information all over the world on both Google map (Android, iOS) and though Google search. By so doing, people can contribute updated information to the Map from more places- whether the search is on a new spa, mall, restaurant or anywhere you can find something at your own convenience.
Now these edits don’t immediately go live, as one user’s input is not a determinant factor whether such information is absolutely accurate. But Google pops up a notification whenever there is a location with a pending unit with these words “ Someone suggested new info.” A user taps the notification, with which an edit is verified. When a number of people have verified the same information, it can now go live on Google Maps.
Google is going beyond the basic factual details of store hours, and addresses to improving customers experience by allowing any one contribute their knowledge of a given location or venue by providing a description of such – like what the venue has to offer- Is it a cool spot? Are there happy hours? Is there romantic vibe? What menu do they have to offer? What are their prices etc?
According to the official blog of Google Maps, it states, “There’s more to a place than its business hours or address—you might want to know if a place has a romantic vibe, serves vegetarian food or offers outdoor seating. Now on Google Maps for Android and when searching on your mobile phone, you can contribute what you know about a place so that others can benefit from the info as well. Knowing these types of details helps us build a deeper understanding of a place so we can better help users find the places most relevant to them.”
However, for now, this option is only available on the Android version of the Google Maps app, along with mobile Google Search on both iOS and Android.
OMOBOLAJI DAVID-OJUMU
