CAIRO: Google's innovative map-making service has arrived in Egypt, the international Internet giant said in a statement this week. Map Maker allows users to contribute and edit map around the world. With the launch of Map Maker in Egypt, “anyone who cares about maps can lend their local expertise to create more detailed views of the places they know, such as their town, school, and more. Users can locate, draw, label and provide attributes for Egyptian map features for their area,” read the statement. “When you are lost in a new area, you always ask directions from the locals as they know best, said Ammar Ibrahim, Product Manager Google MENA. Google Map Maker enables Egyptians to upload this information online and contribute to a more detailed and comprehensive map for their area. Once approved, the information is available online thus allowing everyone to benefit from a more comprehensive, innovative and dynamic map. Google Map Maker turns users into citizen cartographers.” More than 20 percent of searches on Google are related to location, the company revealed recently. By providing more detailed and dynamic maps, users can better navigate throughout Egypt and pick up on the nuances that only a local can provide. Google Map Maker allows users to add many details. “Users can add town details such as local coffee shops, restaurants and street directions, add details on the area surrounding historical locations like the Pyramids of Giza or the Valley of the Kings as well as detailed maps of buildings and public areas such as a detailed campus map for Cairo University with description of academic buildings, athletic facilities and walkways,” Google said. “This helps people best navigate the area, especially when it's their first visit. The information is verified by the amount of similar information and a team of experts.” Before the update is uploaded and verified on Google maps, pending information is available online and users can contribute to it more or even verify the information. The system takes into consideration user contributions, identifies duplicates and detects potential spam. The final approval is made by regional experts and a small team of Google reviewers considering Egyptians submissions. The more people participate, the higher the map accuracy. Getting accurate directions and maps in Egypt can be troublesome. This will add an extra level of details to Egyptian maps and ensure that the map is accurate and comprehensive for places that matter to individual maps users. Google users show great enthusiasm and passion, especially when it comes to sharing local knowledge for the world to see. Users demonstrate their civic pride and more importantly their local credible expertise, that is more useful and accessible than traditional maps.
