Arjun Dahal
Google maps needs no introduction to netizens. For people using Android phones, Google Maps serves as a vital app that provides directions, travel duration, and identifies of any particular place, regardless of its nature – public, private, historical, or official. Though this article, we shall explore the possibilities of using Google Maps as a social network analogous to other social networking sites like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
A Google Map can be used with Gmail. Google automatically creates a Google Maps profile. Then comes the topic of contributing to the maps. We can add places, addresses, roads and associated information while creating these items.
As a social network:
We are fully aware and accustomed to the social networking giants like Facebook and Instagram where we share photos, videos, and ideas. They also have a ‘location’ feature to add photographs based on where they were taken. This very same method can be used in Google Maps. Suppose, if a person ‘A’ visits place ‘ABCD’, they can add photos, videos, captions, and reviews about that particular place, which will be publicly displayed on their Google Maps profile. If ‘ABCD’ doesn’t already exists, it can be added to Google Maps along with the photos taken. Once the place is live, the contributions will be publicly displayed.
Next is about family and personal photographs. We can add our homes in Google Maps and upload photos and videos. Similar to Facebook, we can upload multiple photos and videos, which are then shared on Google Maps. We can share our Google Maps profile with others so they can see our contributions.
Pros:
Like Facebook and Instagram, we can upload numerous photos and videos. The advantage of Google Maps is that Google warns that images may be subject to copyright, making it safer than other social networking sites when it comes to privacy and shared content. Furthermore, adding places, roads, streets, and other tangible assets to Google Maps can contribute to the progressive development of the world. This makes navigation more convenient and destinations more appealing to visit.
Cons:
Unlike Facebook and other social networking sites, we cannot chat or comment on a photo or video posted on Google Maps. However, we can ask questions and receive answers about a particular place.
Conclusion:
Google Maps can be a promising social network if we all take the time to contribute. As Neil Armstrong said, “A small step for man, a giant leap for mankind,” by adding our homes or places we visit for free, we can make navigation and destinations more appealing to visit, and maps more convenient to use with greater accuracy. #Facebook #Twitter #GoogleMaps #SocialSites
