Google to retire Map Maker, to be integrated into Google Maps

Google had introduced the Map Maker tool in April 2011 which let users edit data in Google Maps. This allowed the company to update location and places faster. Now the company has said that it will be shutting down the app and integrate it into Maps by next year. According to blog post by Google, “This update will enable us to focus on providing the best editing and moderation experience within Google Maps on both desktop and on mobile. We’ll continue to roll out new features to make sure you’re able to do most of the things you’ve grown accustomed to doing in Map Maker – like edit roads – leading up to March 2017 and after. Starting today, edits made on Google Maps will no longer be available for moderation on Map Maker. This will allow us to streamline our efforts, speeding up the time for an edit to get published. We will continue posting updates here on the Map Maker Help Forum and on LocalGuidesConnect.com as we bring more features into Google Maps.” Google added that if one wants to keep contributing their local knowledge to Google Maps they can join the Local Guides program where they can earn points, unlock rewards for submitting edits and other information, and get early access to new Google Maps features. This means that Google wants to create a single portal for all Maps data and services, which sounds logical. However, the company will have to keep a close watch as the Maps Maker tool had faced certain issues in the past. Apart from incorrect information, certain locations had inappropriate content which had led to a temporary suspension of the tool.