Google About To Reopen Map Maker, Largely Outsourcing Moderation

After the recent rash of map vandalism and other map mischief that caused Google to shut down Map Maker, the company is getting ready to reopen it. Simultaneously Google is instituting a new moderation procedure that will rely more heavily on community moderation than on in-house Google personnel.

Google observed in support of the new approach, “We have come to the conclusion that of all the defenses available to keeping our maps clean, the interest of a community of well-intentioned users, is among the most reliable and fast.”

Google announced today that the tool will see a phased reopening, starting early next month. Google will also be seeking “qualified Regional Lead candidates” to moderate edits. Some edits will still need be reviewed and approved by Google operators, however most of Map Maker will now be community moderated.

Google adds that community moderation may delay implementation of edits somewhat. However the company says it’s responding to long-standing community requests to give local editors more control and autonomy.