Google updates its Local Guides and wants people to pitch in and write reviews, upload photos, update information, add new details of locations and answer questions. As a reward, the Mountain View tech firm will give individuals who join in some neat perks, ranging from exclusive access to Google contests and events to an entire 1 TB worth of free Google Drive storage.
One contribution is equal to one point, where participants stand to earn five points for every destination they visit and add information about. Once users accumulate a certain amount of points, they'll level up and gain access to particular perks.
"Local Guides is a global community that helps you explore the world while earning perks," Google posts on its blog.
The levels are divided into five tiers from levels 1 to 5. At level 1 from 0 to 4 points, users will get the opportunity to enter Google contests in select countries. At level 2 from 5 to 49 points, they will gain early access to the newest Google products and features. At level 3 from 50 to 199 points, they will unlock an official Local Guides badge that'll appear on the Google Maps app. At level 4 from 200 to 499 points, they will receive the free 1 TB Google Drive storage. At level 5 at 500 points and above, they will be able to attend Google's inaugural summit in 2016, where they'll be able to meet other guides who rose to the top, gain entry to the Google campus and receive the latest Google Maps info.
"It's all about that warm feeling you get from helping others discover new, enriching experiences. That, and the benefits. Every place you improve on Google Maps gets you closer to unlocking something new-from early access to new products to exclusive contests and events," Google says on its Local Guides page.
It's also worth mentioning that 1 TB of Google Drive storage costs $9.99 per month, which makes the benefits of being a Google Maps reviewer all the more appealing.
To start your journey of becoming a top Google Maps guide, sign up on the Local Guides page and download the latest Google Maps app on the Play Store or App Store. Google is counting on you to make the world more accessible to everyone.
Hit up Google's Local Guides video below to get another look at the program.
