Google Maps giving away Nexus 7 tablets in a bid to improve local business information

Google has announced a competition designed to get users to contribute more information about local businesses as part of its maps service.

As part of a competition called Mapathon 2014, the online services giant is giving users points for any information they add to the Google Maps service between March 24 and April 20.

The competition is only open to users over the age of 18, and is not open to staff or contractors of Google, or their immediate families.

The winners will be listed on the contest site on May 26.

In terms of prizes, the company is offering a free Nexus 7 tablet for the top 15 contributors, along with a $500 Red Balloon voucher for the top five.

To contribute, users need to log into the Google Map Maker website with their Google account, with changes made in Map Maker appearing on the official Google Maps website once they have been verified by the tech giant.

Once users log in, they will be given a six-part scorecard, listing their total score, the number of their edits that have been approved by Google, their currently approved point score, their points and edits pending approval, as well as the number of edits denied by Google.

Ina statement, Google Maps Australia and New Zealand product manager Megan Boundey says the competition is designed to encourage participants to map their neighbourhoods and places they care about within Australia.

“Does your local barista make the best mochaccino in Australia? Is there a hidden art gallery just down the road from your place? Or maybe you’ve found a restaurant that serves all you can eat ribs every Wednesday night?

“We’re always working to make Google Maps as detailed and useful as possible, and now we need your help. Today, we’re launching Mapathon 2014, Australia’s first ever mapping competition where you can win prizes for updating information about local places on Google Maps.”