MapMaker
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Google will retire Map Maker, the tool that let anyone update Maps
Google's Map Maker tool was released in April 2011 as a parallel version of its official Maps app that encouraged user-submitted geographical and business changes, essentially crowdsourcing updates. Ideally, moderators would check the edits and roll them into the official versions once confirmed, though some trolling vandalism has squeaked through in the past. But it seems the dream to trust everyone with public maps is dead. Yesterday, the search giant announced that they will retire Map Maker and fold it wholly into Maps by March 2017.
Google Map Maker returns to the US, UK and over 40 other countries
Google's Map Maker tool returned a few weeks ago after being shut down following an issue with digital vandalism. While it went live in six countries earlier this month, the US and UK weren't among the selected locales for the initial return. Map Maker is available in those areas once again, though, as well as over 40 other countries to bring the total tally to more than 50. As part of the re-opening, Google has "regional leads" in each country to keep an eye on things, looking to keep any would-be vandals at bay. To find out if Map Maker is available where you are, head over to the site and input your location.
Google reopens Map Maker edits after digital vandalism
Google is ever so slowly reintroducing Map Maker, the service that allows anyone to contribute to Google Maps. The company was left a little red-faced in May when a prank submission was discovered depicting an Android mascot urinating on the Apple logo. Google eventually took it down and suspended auto-approved edits while it figured out a new moderation system. The answer, it hopes, is to increase its reliance on the community. Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, India, Ukraine and the Philippines are now open for editing again, but this time Google has appointed "regional leads" to double-check the submissions in each area. Google only has so many employees dedicated to Map Maker, so it's praying the passion of its fans will be enough to avoid any further mishaps.
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.
UK finally gets access to Google's Map Maker editing tool
Those red pins look almost like little hearts, revealing which countries have been showered with the affection of Google's crowdsourced map improvement tool and those -- like the UK -- that have so far been left out. We can now safely ignore the chart, however, as the UK has just received its dose of Map Maker love, taking its rightful place among nations like the US, France, India and even North Korea. Instead of just reporting problems, which has long been possible, Brits can use the browser-based service to contribute additional local knowledge about everything from bus stations to cycle routes, as well as natural features like parks and even bits of shrubbery. (Hopefully, only really amazing bits of shrubbery.) You can watch folks adding these sorts of things, almost in real-time, at the Google link below -- and it's weirdly addictive.
Updated Google Map Maker accents neighborhoods, shows changes in Activity Stream
Google wants you to think locally with its new Map Maker update featuring neighborhoods and an Activity Stream to track mapping changes. The site now launches into My Neighborhood mode, suggesting places you've rated or searched on Google Maps and allowing you to add and edit your own haunts. From there, a list of your changes (or those of other users) can be viewed in the left-hand pane and filtered by review, date or category. You can also see additions anywhere in your current map view by panning, zooming or searching and even help other users out by reviewing pending edits. If you're ready to channel your inner cartographer, check the source.
Google Map Maker adds Google+ sharing, spurs on communal world building
It only makes sense that Google Map Maker, a tool built around the internet community's map data, would eventually make it easy to share with that community. As of a low-profile update, Map Maker fans who also have Google+ identities can directly spread their Google Maps changes and reviews among their circles. Naturally, Google sees it as an important collaboration tool: update a shop location or a street, and nearby friends can fill in any missing details. The process is very nearly a one-click affair, so get to spreading the word if the local map is lacking.
Google streamlines Map Maker, wants you to start crafting your own (video)
Despite Google's best efforts to continually roll out new features and updates, it can't add everything. This is where last April's Map Maker comes in and it's been given a design refresh in line with the rest of Google's portfolio. The update also attempts to make the interface easier for first-timers, with a brief tutorial page explaining all the tools on offer. You can now draw in new roads, bike trails and other local features in over 180 countries and once approved -- there is a moderation system in place -- they'll appear integrated into this alternate universe Google map. Wannabe cartographers can check the video intro after the break or get involved at the source link below.
Google's Map Maker is a clone of Maps, except you can scribble local data all over it
Google may have stashed the locations of every WiFi access point and convenience store goodie the world over, but there are things that even 360-degree cameras, massive algorithms and self-driving cars can't do; things like map out the locations of all your favorite neighborhood haunts. That's why Google needs you. This week, the company unleashed Google Map Maker on the United States, which is basically a parallel version of Google Maps that anyone can add to -- fleshing out the existing grid with additional details like precise structures, secret passages, whatever you care to name. Google plans to review all crowdsourced edits, however, so it won't quite be a free-for-all -- prepare for a wee bit of skepticism when you divulge the locations of buried nuclear launch silos, alien artifacts, and your local Jedi dojo.
