Adding Roads to Google Maps: A Cartographer’s Guide

So, you’ve discovered a new road, an unmapped path, or maybe even a blatant error on Google Maps. You want to fix it, to contribute to the global database and help others navigate. Excellent! You’ve come to the right place. In essence, adding roads to Google Maps involves utilizing the platform’s built-in feedback and editing tools. While you can’t directly draw roads onto the map like a professional cartographer using GIS software, you can propose additions and edits for Google to review and potentially implement. This is done primarily through the “Suggest an edit” feature. Let’s delve into the precise steps and nuances of this process.

How to Suggest a Road Addition or Edit

The primary method for adding or editing roads is through the “Suggest an edit” option. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Locate the Area: Open Google Maps, either on your desktop browser or mobile app. Navigate to the specific area where the road needs to be added or edited. Zoom in for better accuracy.

2. Access the “Suggest an edit” Feature: This is the crucial step. The method varies slightly between the desktop and mobile versions:

   • Desktop: Click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner. Scroll down and select “Edit the map”. Then, choose “Add or fix a road”.
   • Mobile App: Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner. Scroll down and tap “Send feedback”. Then, tap “Edit the map”. And also here, choose “Add or fix a road”.

3. Specify the Issue: You’ll be presented with options such as “Add a missing road,” “Rename a road,” “Road is closed,” or “Road doesn’t exist.” Select the option that best describes the issue.

4. Draw the Road or Mark the Edit: This is where your precision matters.

   • Adding a Missing Road: Carefully click on the map to draw the path of the new road. You can add multiple segments to represent curves and turns. Accuracy is paramount.
   • Editing Existing Roads: For renaming, specify the correct name. For road closures or non-existent roads, clearly indicate the section that is affected.

5. Provide Details: This is essential for Google to verify your suggestion. Provide as much detail as possible. This includes:

   • Road Name: If adding a missing road, enter the official name of the road.
   • Road Type: Specify whether it’s a highway, street, alley, private road, etc.
   • One-Way or Two-Way: Indicate the direction of traffic flow.
   • Reason for the Edit: Clearly explain why the edit is necessary. For example, “This road was recently constructed,” or “This road has been permanently closed due to construction.”

6. Add Supporting Evidence (Crucial): This is where you significantly increase the likelihood of your edit being approved. Provide supporting evidence such as:

   • Photos: Upload photos of the road, showing its existence or the issue you’re reporting. Ensure the photos are clear and geotagged (location information embedded in the image).
   • Official Documents: If available, provide links to official documents from local authorities confirming the road’s existence, name change, or closure. This could include city planning documents or construction notices.
   • Other Maps or Satellite Imagery: Include links to other reliable maps or satellite imagery that corroborate your suggestion.

7. Submit Your Suggestion: Once you’ve provided all the necessary information and evidence, submit your suggestion.

8. Be Patient: Google reviews all suggested edits, and this process can take time, ranging from a few days to several weeks, or even months in some cases.

Factors Influencing Approval

Several factors influence whether your suggested edit will be approved:

• Accuracy: The more accurate your suggestion, the better.
• Supporting Evidence: Strong evidence is critical. Without it, your suggestion is less likely to be approved.
• Credibility: Google considers the credibility of the source. If you’re a frequent contributor with a history of accurate edits, your suggestions are more likely to be trusted.
• Community Consensus: If multiple users report the same issue, it strengthens the case for the edit.

The Limitations

It’s important to acknowledge the limitations of this method. You are essentially suggesting edits, not directly controlling the map. Google has the final say. Also, high-security or highly-restricted locations can’t usually be edited by regular users.

FAQs: Your Road to Google Maps Expertise

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of adding roads to Google Maps:

1. How long does it take for a road addition or edit to be approved?

Approval times vary greatly. Some edits are approved within a few days, while others can take weeks or even months. The complexity of the edit and the availability of supporting evidence significantly impact the processing time. Don’t be discouraged by delays; Google is diligently verifying the information.

2. What kind of supporting evidence is most effective?

Official documentation from local authorities (city planning documents, construction permits) is the most effective. High-quality, geotagged photos are also excellent. Links to other reputable maps or satellite imagery can further bolster your claim.

3. Can I add private roads to Google Maps?

Yes, you can suggest the addition of private roads. However, providing clear justification and demonstrating the road’s necessity for navigation is crucial. Consider explaining why the road should be publically visible, for example, it’s a major access route for a residential area.

4. What if my road addition or edit is repeatedly rejected?

First, carefully review your suggestion and ensure it’s accurate and supported by strong evidence. If you’re confident in your edit, you can try resubmitting it with additional evidence or contacting Google Maps support, although individual responses are not guaranteed.

5. How can I check the status of my suggested edits?

In the mobile app, go to your profile (tap your profile picture), then “Your contributions,” and then “Edits.” This will show you the status of your pending and approved edits. On desktop, the interface is slightly different but the information is essentially in the same place under your contributions.

6. Can I add points of interest (POIs) along with the road?

Yes, you can add POIs separately. After the road is added (or even if you’re just suggesting a road), you can use the “Add a missing place” feature to add businesses, landmarks, or other points of interest along the road.

7. Is there a limit to the number of road additions or edits I can suggest?

Google doesn’t explicitly state a limit, but excessively submitting inaccurate or unsubstantiated edits can negatively impact your credibility as a contributor. Focus on quality over quantity.

8. What happens if I accidentally suggest an incorrect edit?

If you realize you made a mistake, you can try to retract your suggestion. Go to your contributions, find the edit, and see if there’s an option to cancel it. However, once the edit is under review, you may not be able to retract it.

9. Can I edit road attributes like speed limits or traffic flow?

Yes, you can suggest edits to road attributes like speed limits and traffic flow using the same “Suggest an edit” feature. Select the appropriate option and provide accurate information and supporting evidence.

10. Is there a way to become a “trusted mapper” or gain more influence over map edits?

There isn’t a formal “trusted mapper” program in the traditional sense. However, consistently providing accurate and well-supported edits will increase your credibility and influence over time. Google may give more weight to suggestions from users with a proven track record of accuracy.

11. What if I disagree with a road closure marked on Google Maps?

If you believe a road closure is incorrect, use the “Suggest an edit” feature to report that the road is open. Provide supporting evidence, such as photos or information from local authorities, to demonstrate that the road is indeed accessible.

12. Are there any alternative platforms for contributing to mapping data?

While Google Maps is the most widely used, other platforms allow for mapping contributions. OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative, open-source mapping project where users can directly edit map data. Contributing to OSM can complement your efforts on Google Maps, as data from OSM is sometimes used by other mapping services.

By following these guidelines and understanding the nuances of the process, you can effectively contribute to the accuracy and completeness of Google Maps, helping countless users navigate the world more efficiently. Remember, accurate and well-supported edits are the key to making a lasting impact on the map.