Google launches Map Maker tool in UK

LONDON: Internet search engine Google has invited a new feature that would let people to contribute to its Map service.Google launched its Map Maker tool in the UK, allowing people to add local information such as building outlines, hiking trials, rivers, railways and more to Google Maps. According to Map Maker program manager Jessica Pfund, users can edit and update anything from historic buildings and streets to agricultural land, the Independent reports. Contributions made through the browser-based map editor will be reviewed by other users and Google staff, in a system similar to Wikipedia. Once approved, map amendments will appear on Google Maps, Google Earth and the Maps mobile app. According to the paper, the launch comes as Apple, Nokia and other rivals are investing heavily in "free-to-use" mapping technologies. Google's Map Maker was first introduced in 2008 to Cyprus, Iceland, Pakistan, Vietnam and several Caribbean Islands to help Google map these territories, the paper said. It's now available in over 200 countries, including France, the US and Australia, it added.