More Pinoy volunteers called to plot voting centers on Google Maps

Aside from guarding votes after they are cast, Filipino volunteers have found a new way to help in efforts to ensure an orderly election process in May. These volunteers are contributing their knowledge about their respective neighborhoods to the "2013 Map Your Precinct" project, which plots the location of voting centers on Google Maps. "Having the right information is crucial during the elections. We want to reach millions of Filipinos online and equip them with accurate information in time for the May elections,” said Aileen Apolo, Google Head of Outreach for Southeast Asia. Apolo said there are still several areas that need to be mapped, "so we encourage Filipinos to help make the maps better." In this way, she said Filipinos "will be helping fellow citizens find their voting centers.” The "Find Your Precinct" site can be accessed at http://www.findyourprecinct.ph/. Mapmaker skills not required Skills with Google's MapMaker are not a requirement for volunteers – all they have to do is enter the city or region they are familiar with. They will then see a list of unmapped voting centers, and can drop a placemark on Google Maps to mark the voting center's location. On the other hand, Google will help Filipinos hold their own mapUps or a meeting with Google map makers who will help in the mapping. The mapUps may require up to 10 mapper volunteers, and can be conducted at universities or computer laboratories; Internet cafes, or anywhere with a strong Internet connection. What you need To conduct a mapUp, participants may need laptop computers, and a stable Internet connection. Attendees at mapUps may include preferably mappers with previous experience using Google MapMaker. A tentative schedule of mapUps includes: