Google Map Maker (http://www.google.com/mapmaker), launched in April this year, has received a major update that attempts to make the interface easier on the eyes, increase the usability for first-timers, with a brief tutorial page explaining all the tools on offer. This new design follows the redesigns of other top Google properties including Gmail, Docs, YouTube and Reader. This new update allows users to draw in new roads, bike trails and other local features using an online tool, submitting details about roads, points of interest, features near a point and even geographic boundaries in over 180 countries and once the changes are approved by the Google’s Moderation team, they’ll be integrated into Google Maps, Google Earth and Google Maps for Mobile.
In the U.S., however, the feature was limited to map edits, not creation, allowing users to add greater detail to an area for things like bike paths, walking trails, campus maps, and other areas and features that arent traditionally found on maps. With this update, the service has been improved, with a particular focus on first-time users. Theres now a new pop-up box that appears on the screen when you first visit the website, walking you through the tools use. The tutorial explains the icons used, how you add and edit places, add roads, and review edits by others.
You can find the regions being mapped, here: http://support.google.com/mapmaker/bin/static.py?hl=en&topic=1094318&guide=30028&page=guide.cs&answer=155415
You can sign up to receive an email when Google Map Maker comes to your neighborhood by clicking “star” next your country here: http://goo.gl/gWqLy
Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyXTvj-Mm9k
