November 19, 2007

User-Edited Locations on Google Maps

Google Maps users now have the ability to edit locations on Google Maps for all users to see. It's starting with the ability to move a place marker to the correct location, and will later include the ability to edit more details about the location, Seth LaForge, software engineer for Google Maps, writes on the Lat Long Blog

The changes will be reviewed by Google before they are made available to others, at least at first. There will also be the option to view the original location offered by Google. If a business listing has been claimed by its owner, edits will require the owner's approval. All edits require a Google account, and that user's account will be identified as the author of the edit.

The service should help Google keep its local data fresh, and give users and business owners more control over their listings.

Posted by Kevin Newcomb on November 19, 2007 10:49 AM