14 DAY TRIAL // One of Google Maps' most valuable resource is its users, at least the ones that contribute with mapping data to the site. Google has been able to put together one of the most accurate, if not the most accurate, and complete online map of the world while relying quite a lot on crowdsourced data, apart from all the data it licenses.
Map Maker has provided success story after success story. Countries where map data is hard to obtain and is generally outdated have benefited the most. The tool was initially designed to help users in these countries, where Google was not ready to invest too much in since it didn't make a lot of sense commercially.
But more recently, Google has started using Map Maker as a tool aimed at people in developed countries where Maps already has great data.
Here, Google encourages users to add data that is hard to update fast enough, like roadworks, changes in one-way streets and similar things that take time to get updated via official channels.
Google is now opening up Map Maker to more countries in Europe, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland. None of these countries is lacking in map data.
"With every region that joins Google Map Maker, we are coming one step closer to building a comprehensive world map. Whether you’re adding the cycling routes through Amsterdam or adding the best hiking trails and fishing holes of the Geirangerfjord, each update you make helps to capture the unique spirit of your country for everyone to see," Google explained.
"We happily welcome mappers in each of these new countries. Google Map Maker is now available in more than 190 countries and territories," it added.
Anyone can make changes to Google Maps via Map Maker, but trusted users get their changes published faster. What's more, valuable contributors are eventually able to "moderate" new content and review it for publishing faster than Google alone could.