At Google, we do our best to organise all the information that's out there in the world, but admittedly, there's a lot, and things are changing all the time.
So not too long ago, we turned to our most valuable resource for help: you. We opened up Google Maps (in Australia, New Zealand and the US) to user edits, allowing people to move Google Maps markers for their homes and businesses. Our maps are now more accurate, open and useful, thanks to you. In the past few months, you've edited addresses and moved markers right across Australia, from WA to Queensland.
But that was just the beginning. Starting today, anyone with a Google account can log into Google Maps and edit business listings. Moving the marker was helpful, but if your local music store moves around the corner, and you or your friends need to rock, we figured you should be able to change the address too. Now you can edit lots of information about businesses, including name, address, phone number, website, or business category, and even mark a business for deletion if it's closed down. Rock on.
Of course, businesses who have uploaded or edited their own details in the Local Business Centre remain in control of their listings.
In addition to being able to edit existing information, you can also add new places to the map, be it a business, landmark or even point of interest. Within moments of adding, others around the world will be able to search for your contributions. A great diving spot? A new cafe down the street? Whether you're an aspiring cartographer, or just happen to notice something missing, you're the experts, and we want you to share your world. To give it a try, just click the "add a place to the map" link the next time you search on Google Maps.
We will have moderators confirming the information you add, and you will still be able to see original map information if you prefer.
