Rex |

I just so love Google Map Maker! This cool web application is some sort of Wiki Map that allows internet users to define administrative areas, natural features, buildings, roads, and business listings on top of satellite imagery in select countries. To ensure accurate and up-to-date data, users moderate each others edits before they get published. Google says the data generated from Map Maker might eventually make their way into the already popular Google Maps.

Map data over at Google Maps is still very coarse in most countries. With  Map Maker internet users are empowered to  easily create detailed maps of their communities. All you need is a high-res satellite image and good memory. No need for GPS.

I needed to trace the edges of Taal Volcano since, surprisingly, it doesn't show up on the map layer

Iloilo City in Google Map Maker

As for myself, I could claim to have exerted considerable efforts in adding details to my home city of Iloilo. The last time I checked, I have added 115.3 kilometers  of roads and over 70 business listings within the city in a span of 61 days. I have also added about 1,795 sq kms of regions within the Philippines. All that while I am very busy with school and work!

Yes, I am kind of a little crazy over this online cartography.Feels a little like I’m playing Sim City watching roads and buildings getting published little by little.  I also enjoy stretching my memory as I try to remember as many establishments by visualizing a jeepney ride along the various roads in the city. Most of all, I know this is a good way to promote Iloilo City to the rest of the world especially when Google Maps will start hosting these carefully crafted data.

Just imagine how convenient it will be for visitors  to be able to search all the historical sites in Iloilo City! Looking ahead, these information could even pave the way for GPS-guided driving through Iloilo City’s streets.

Iloilo City in map mode

Too bad a lot of clouds block our view of streets and buildings in Iloilo City so I couldn’t do much in those areas. Still, even if it is quite time-consuming to add detailed and accurate features, I always find the time to add even more features in the map. Someday I plan to walk around downtown to personally survey business establishments and double-check some streets.

If you love maps like I do and are interested to help out, why not have some fun over to Google Map Maker now? The world is a big, big place and we need a lot of help.

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