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Google Crowdsources Map Editing

Posted by kdawson on from the don't-do-your-home-address-first dept.

An anonymous reader notes that Google now makes it possible to edit the map location designated by (almost) any address. Registered Google users in the US, Australia, and New Zealand can move incorrect markers for their homes or businesses to the correct locations. Access to some listings is restricted — hospitals, government buildings, and businesses whose listings have been claimed through Google's Local Business Center. In addition, moving a place marker more than 200 yards (or 200 meters) from its original location requires a moderator's approval before the change shows up on the map. Once a marker has been moved, a "Show Original" link will direct users to the original location.

9 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. I just fixed the one for my new house by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 5, Funny

    I just fixed the one for my new house.

    -- Hillary

    --
    My blog
  2. Suggestion by Paktu · · Score: 4, Funny

    Can we pass legislation making the use of the word "crowdsourcing" a Class C Felony?

  3. Not bad! by hdparm · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'm 10 minutes walk from a beach. In about an hour or so, it's gonna be waterfront, baby!

    1. Re:Not bad! by Neg4tive1 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Meh, give it a few years and you'll be waterfront anyways.

  4. For what it's good by no-body · · Score: 4, Funny

    I actually enjoyed it that my address showed up a couple of houses off and I am not going to fix it.

    Following Calvin and Hobbes strategy, one never knows who hits from above.

  5. Re:with great power comes great responsibility by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's not like a Google rep can call residences/businesses on the phone and easily ask them to verify that X is their right physical location. (No way to communicate a map in a phone call -- requires a printed graphic, or something online)
    You're right. They should do something like create an index of businesses and their contact information by crawling business' websites!
  6. Re: all your bases by ThinkOfaNumber · · Score: 2, Funny

    Google covered their bases. All their bases. All your bases are belong to Google...
  7. Re:Support openstreetmap instead... by jo42 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yeah, great, "Toronto", ON, Canada is labeled "Steinbach" on openstreetmap.org - WTF?

  8. Re:meter == yard? by staticdaze · · Score: 2, Funny

    Maybe the company moved to a different building and google's info isn't up to date yet

    Most companies don't take the building with them...