Google Maps

a.     Goal

Explore how to modify the source maps with the extra information/map objects that are required by the project. So far, Google Map Maker [10] is a Google-supplied tool that seems like the best way to add map objects."

b.     Google Map Maker

Google Map Maker allows you to add and update geographic information for Google Maps and Google Earth. Updates will be reviewed and once approved, will be incorporated into maps.google.com. For the purposes of the project, it can improve the definition of our focus map area. In essence, adding sidewalks, specifying building names and other map objects.

Map Maker's review process is based on other users approving an edit. The first time a Map Maker user makes edits to a map, the edits may require review and approval before the edits will be published. Once a Map Maker user has made a few approved edits, most of the subsequent edits will go live automatically. However, some types of edits or edits in specific regions will always require review, regardless of how experienced the mapper is. In addition, some edits may require multiple reviews before the edits appear on Google Maps.

c.     Google Base Map Partner Program

This is a map-enriching avenue that Google runs with data from organizations that have “authoritative vector data”. Vector data means GIS software modified maps (such as from ESRI GeoDatabase). This seems to be more of an option for a full-fledged mapping company that have the resources to substantially improve the “base” map that google uses. For the purposes of the project (or rather because of the limited map score), this option for incorporating the changes might be overkill.