Google Inc. doesn’t hesitate to seek directions when it comes to trying to improve its online mapping service.
That’s why Google is asking its users to add more details to its U.S. maps. The suggested revisions can be made starting Tuesday through an editing tool that has been used to create and refine maps in 183 other countries since 2005.
Google, which is based in Mountain View, Calif., didn’t rush to introduce the map-making service in the U.S. because it had good data in its home country. It decided to concentrate on filling in the gaps in parts of the world where digital maps were unavailable.
As comprehensive as Google’s U.S. maps are, the Internet search leader believes they can get a lot better with the help of citizen cartographers.
All proposed changes submitted through will be reviewed for mistakes before they appear in Google’s mapping service. Google will rely on volunteer moderators and use its computer to track the trustworthiness of the users who log into the service.
