Google reopens Map Maker edits in August with your help

Google put Map Maker editing on ice in May after digital vandals got away with some rogue changes, but it's finally ready to get things back on track... if you're willing to pitch in. The internet giant says it will start reopening edits in early August, but it's asking the community to play a much larger role this time around. Instead of leaning primarily on Google itself for moderation, some Map Maker areas will also depend on Regional Leads (that is, eager volunteer cartographers) to review any tweaks.

This may take longer to moderate edits, but could be worth it. In Google's experience, a "well-intentioned" community is better at catching pranksters than employees grappling with backlogs. That's not a guarantee of success by any stretch, but it at least makes sense -- those who have the most interest in accurate local maps will have more of a say in which edits make the cut.