Your location on Google Maps: it's a movable feast

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 19 March 2008 15:01

Your IT - Home IT

Google has added a new feature to Google Maps that enable anyone with a Google account to change the address of a business, or add a new business or other place of interest.

The aim is to keep information up to date and accurate, but the possibility exists for mischievous entry of erroneous information, and Google has not indicated how it will manage this - presumably repeat offenders would have their Google account suspended.

The new feature is an extension of a facility introduced last November in Australia, New Zealand and the US, called "User Edits" that enabled users to move the markers for homes or business in Google maps: again the aim was to correct erroneous information.

With the new facility, users can edit lots of information about businesses including name, address, phone number, website, or business category, and even mark a business for deletion if it's closed down.

There is considerable incentive for businesses to upload and edit their own details: any business that has done so in Google's Local Business Centre remains in control of its listings.

In addition to being able to edit existing information, users can also add new places to the map: a business, landmark or even point of interest.

According to a posting on Google ANZ's official blog site by Mickey Kataria, product manager "Within moments of adding, others around the world will be able to search for your contributions. A great diving spot? A new cafe down the street? Whether you're an aspiring cartographer, or just happen to notice something missing, you're the experts, and we want you to share your world."

The facility is available by clicking "add a place to the map" link when searching Google Maps.