Wiki for Maps
Map-wikis are an excellent way of generating digital map content for countries/regions that don't have digital maps. In addition, it is a cost-effective way of keeping the map-data updated, for a fraction of the cost that companies spend.Contrast this to a fairly new addition to the long list of Google Services - the Google Map Maker. Sitting in the luxury of your house you can add/modify map content. It has a simple-clean interface. This content is almost instantly added and used by the Google Maps. This service will be very valuable to countries that lack digital maps, e.g. countries in Africa, Asia and even India.
I am interested in learning more about how they will customize Google Maps/Transit for differences in countries/cultures. E.g. Indian addresses are very different from ones in US and Europe. Having "opposite ABC Hospital" is very common. Or including "auto rickshaws" in Google Transit :)
While different groups try to make it easier to add/update map-data in different ways, I continue to work on my university project on building a wiki for routes & campus activities (RouteKi) for Columbus/OSU Campus area. Start of a new quarter. Let's get started!
Labels: Google Map Maker, Google Maps, OpenStreetMaps, RouteKi, wiki, Wikimapia

