Google Launches Customizable Map Maker

Google has long been a staunch proponent of open source, a model that has translated to various facets of the company's massive business. Still, aside from a few smaller-scale mash-ups, the world of Maps hasn't always provided ample customization for users. Now it seems that the company is seeking to change that.

Initially launching in 18 countries, including the Caribbean (Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago), Cyprus, Iceland, Pakistan, and Vietnam, the new Google Map Maker is designed to add new level of customization to the company's popular Map application.

Users can draw, label, locate, and add other data to local maps in the above territories. Said Google in a release issued today, "Tapping local knowledge has the potential to greatly improve the quality of mapping data in the developing world. The collection of data in these areas is often neglected -- so Google is giving people with local knowledge access to an easy-to-use tool to better catalog their area."

For more information on Google's new Map Maker app, check out the company's Lat Long blog.