14 DAY TRIAL // A short while ago, Google introduced a very interesting new feature, indoor maps for the Android version of Google Maps. The feature can be quite useful, but it's a bit harder to maintain and scale than with regular maps.
There's no central authority which can provide Google with interior maps so it did what it has always done in a situation like this, rely on its users. Specifically, it enabled businesses to provide their own interior data to be included in Google Maps.
Initially, this was open on a case-by-case basis, but the program is now available to all.
"Indoor maps were initially released with a limited set of partners (mainly large retailers, airports, and transit stations), and now we’re looking to bring these maps to more places where users might benefit from being able to quickly see floor plans labeled with ATMs, restrooms, departments, and more," Google explained.
Seeing as most businesses are busy enough with the day-to-day operations, Google is making it easy for them to get interior data into Google Maps. All they have to do is provide a floor plan for the building, Google can take care of the rest.
It doesn't have to be anything official, any representation of the interior layout, as long as it's detailed enough, will work. It can even be a photo or a scan of a physical copy of the floor plan and it will work.
Google is rather driven about the matter, for good reason too, interior maps would be a great advantage if it can convince enough people to join. Google Maps is still a top player, especially in the mobile front, but there are signs that people are looking to sever their ties with Maps, like Foursquare recently did, so Google needs all the help it can get.