 | |
Type of site | Online community and Internet forum |
|---|---|
| Available in | Multilingual |
| Owner | |
| URL | https://www.localguidesconnect.com |
| Commercial | No |
| Registration | Required (Google Account) |
| Launched | 2016 |
| Current status | Active |
Local Guides Connect is the official online community forum for Google Local Guides, a volunteer program run by Google to improve Google Maps through user contributions such as reviews, photos, and map edits. [1]
The forum was launched in July 5, 2016 as a dedicated platform for members of the Google Local Guides program, which began in 2015 as an evolution of earlier initiatives like City Experts. It marked its 8th anniversary in 2024.
The forum became a primary communication channel following the discontinuation of Google Map Maker in 2017. [2] It supported community interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including calls to support local businesses. [3]
The platform uses Discourse forum software and includes sections for photography, travel, food, meet-ups, program feedback, technical issues, event organization, and official Google announcements.
Participation requires a Google Account. Guidelines focus on mapping-related topics and prohibit sharing personal information. [4]
The Local Guides platform first organized its international summit under the name “Local Guides Summit,” which was held for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017. From 2018 onward, the event was rebranded as “Connect Live.” Under this new name, the summit took place in 2018, 2019, and 2025. Preparations are currently underway to organize Connect Live events in 2026 across multiple regions, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.
These events bring together selected Local Guides volunteers from different parts of the world. The summit typically features a variety of activities, discussions on challenges and improvements related to Google Maps, and opportunities to participate in beta testing of upcoming features and products
Academic and industry analyses view the forum as part of Google's crowdsourcing for spatial data and placemaking, using gamification to encourage contributions aligned with commercial goals. [5]
Critiques highlight gamification leading to unpaid labor and emphasis on tourism/consumer spaces.