got geoint?

Google is taking an innovative crowdsourced-like approach to enhancing Google Maps with Map Maker, which allows anyone to assist the company in making Google Maps more up-to-date and reflect the world as it changes. According to Google, with Map Maker, you can add your favorite gift shop, the nearest tree farm, or even the golf course where you once got that hole in one.

Check out this video from Google about this new program:

As GEOINT professionals, we all know that what we do is not easy. So, can the “Average Joe” truly be able to make changes to Google Maps? According to Google, it’s as easy as pie:

You don’t have to be an expert to start using Google Map Maker. High school student and Eagle Scout Tommy Bruce is a mapping superstar who finds mapping fun, fulfilling, and a simple way to help those in his community have the best, most comprehensive information possible. He started by mapping bike trails in his hometown of Mooresville, North Carolina and is now on an exchange program in Puebla, Mexico, mapping unmarked rivers that run through town! After witnessing Tommy’s accomplishments firsthand at the U.S. Geo User Summit, even his mother Margaret began thinking of places that she’s eager to put on the map.

Kudos to Google for developing a way to get users more engaged while gleaning real-time data from them at the same time.

Tags: GEOINT, geospatial intelligence, Google Earth, Google Map Maker, got geoint?, MapMaker, USGIF