Does your local barista make the best mochaccino in Australia? Is there a hidden art gallery just down the road from your place? Or maybe you’ve found a restaurant that serves all you can eat ribs every Wednesday night?
We’re always working to make Google Maps as detailed and useful as possible, and now we need your help. Today, we’re launching Mapathon 2014, Australia’s first ever mapping competition where you can win prizes for updating information about local places on Google Maps.
Every time you update an existing listing or add information about a new place, you’ll score points and can win some great prizes. The top fifteen winners will receive a Nexus 7 tablet and if you’re in the top five, you’ll also receive a $500 Red Balloon voucher to spend on your choice of dining, beauty, and adventure experiences. The competition runs for four weeks from the 24th of March to 20th April.
So how does it work? Google Map Maker is an easy-to-use tool that allows users to add more detail to Google Maps through a few simple clicks. Using Google Map Maker, you can select a specific area on Google Maps and add new information based on your own local knowledge or by referencing the satellite imagery on Google Maps. With just another click, you can save and submit your edit — and once it’s been verified, the new information will appear on Google Maps.
No one knows your neighbourhood as well as you - so take some time to share your favourite places to eat, drink, party and be merry with the rest of Australia. Click here to find out more about Mapathon Australia and how you can get involved.
Posted by Megan Boundey, Google Maps Product Manager, Australia and New Zealand