Google map Makers' Meeting - up

Google map maker was the name being used since onset of the program buh recently changed by name from Google map maker to Google local-guides or local guides.

Google maps allows every user to contribute their content, describe their experience by providing reviews & insights with answers, sharing photographs, , updating information with place edits, add missing places, or verify information by checking facts.

It’s all possible by tapping the “Your Contributions” option in the left slider menu.

Once you start contributing as a Local Guide, Google rewards you with points and some cool benefits.

So wil be sticking with the name Google local-guides

Now, here i go. In short definition ; Google local-guides are those who helping Google in providing more accurate info about a place
The Google Local Guides program is voluntary. I have been participating in the program since around June 2013 but i can assure you there isn’t any payment for Local Guides.

However, there are some benefits that come with a good participation. Before 2017, local Guides were ranked by levels 1 to 5. In early 2017 Google made changes to its ranking system and how points are accumulated. Now we are ranked level 1 to 10. I was a level 5 local guide (but i had twice more points than required to be level 5) and after the changes, am now a level 7 Local Guide.

Originally Answered: Has anyone got benefits for contributing to Google local guide program?
The Google Local Guides program is voluntary. I have been participating in the program since around June 2013 but i can assure you there isn’t any payment for Local Guides.

However, there are some benefits that come with a good participation. Before 2017, local Guides were ranked by levels 1 to 5. In early 2017 Google made changes to its ranking system and how points are accumulated. Now we are ranked level 1 to 10. I was a level 5 local guide (but i had twice more points than required to be level 5) and after the changes, am now a level 7 Local Guide.

Benefits from Google
Google local-guides program is free/voluntary in comparism with steemit where everyone post to get income(sbd, steem). Buh noreithstanding, there still minimal benefits someone can enjoys

1.) Drive Storage: In July 2015, as a token of appreciation for my work as a Local Guide, Google upgraded my Drive Storage Space from 15GB to 1TB! That’s a lot of space to me.

2.) Trips: In September 2016, Google paid me Visa fees, bought me an air ticket from Uganda (East Africa) to San Francisco and back, booked me 4 days at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Hotel, and four days of meals to attend the 2016 Inaugural Local Guides Summit at Googleplex (Google HQs) in Mountain View, SF, CA. The whole trip costed about $3,000, all paid by Google.
So the answer is NO! No Local Guide has ever been paid. \there re some benefits but they are not even fixed. Google rewards whoever they want whenever they feel like, no formula.

We do it mainly because we love it. At least I do. And the few i have talked to (over 70), all of whom are the best in their countries. The benefits find us on the way, we are powered by passion. This year application is still on, for level5 above

Those points lead to higher levels of the program.
You get early access to Google features and special perks from partners.
At Level 4, you also unlock your first Local Guides badge, which helps your contributions to places get noticed.
Get recognized with a Google Guides exclusive badge beside your profile on Google.
You become eligible to be part of exclusive Google groups, hangouts, and contests meant especially for Google Guides.
Get an early access to new Google products and features.
Build your community of Google Guides and connect with them anytime.
You can also plan a meetup at your location by organizing a event and post it to the Google Events Calendar.
Below is a screen shot of my detailed Local Guide work.