 | |
| Founded | January 15, 2015 |
|---|---|
| Type | Online volunteer community |
| Purpose | Improving Google Maps through user contributions |
| Owner | |
| Website | maps |
Google Local Guides is a global crowdsourcing program operated by Google that allows users to contribute data, reviews, and media to Google Maps. Participants, known as Local Guides, earn points and progress through levels to unlock digital badges and occasional rewards from Google. [1]
The program was officially launched on January 15, 2015, succeeding earlier community efforts such as the "City Experts" program and incorporating elements of Google Map Maker after its closure in 2017. [2] In 2016, Google launched Local Guides Connect, a dedicated community forum for members to interact and organize local meetups. [3]
The program is highly gamified. Users earn points for specific actions:
There are 10 levels within the program. Upon reaching Level 4 (250 points), users receive a public star badge that appears next to their profile on Google Maps. [4]
The program is cited in academic literature as a significant example of volunteered geographic information (VGI). Research suggests that Local Guides contribute heavily to the "richness" of local data that proprietary algorithms cannot easily capture, such as wheelchair accessibility or specific indoor atmospheres. [5]
Critics and Local SEO experts have noted that the gamified nature of the program can sometimes lead to "low-quality" contributions, where users post generic photos or one-word reviews simply to earn points. [1] Additionally, some users have expressed frustration with automated moderation systems that may flag legitimate contributions as spam.