Google Map Maker

About Google Map Maker

Google Map Maker is a new service, provided by Google, designed to expand the breadth of the service currently offered by Google Maps. In some countries mapping data is unavailable, and so to combat this problem Google has decided to open up Google Maps to a collaborative community effort in certain territories. The project is similar to OpenStreetMap, any maps created by users of Google Map Maker are the intellectual property of Google.

The ultimate goal of the project is to acquire sufficient high-quality mapping data to be published and used on the existing Google Maps service. Contributions do not currently appear on Google Maps.

Users are able to draw features directly onto a map where the borders have already been drawn, and can add features such as roads, railways, rivers and so on. In addition, users can add specific buildings and services onto the map such as local businesses and services. At first glance the site appears identical to Google Maps, and the three views (map, satellite and hybrid) are available which allow users to view the map data, a satellite image of the region or a combination of both.