FortySouth

Shortly after the launch of Google Mapmaker, users were given the ability to edit maps by adding roads and other markers previously uncharted, to Google Maps. And now, thanks to the awesomeness of crowdsourcing, you can use this user-generated content to get directions too.

Using the mashup, I got really simple directions from *K-Street to Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi (and no, I’m not suggesting anything here; correlation does not imply causation )

This feature is really great because not many cities outside of North America and most of Europe are that well mapped. In many African countries, directions are given mostly based on landmarks, like a nearby building. Those proclivities will always remain and do have their place so I think this feature will serve as a great supplement. What’s more, with a 3G-enabled mobile phone, driving around could get a lot easier!

Head over to Google Mapmaker and help map your city.

*In the interest of “teh balance”, Koinange Street is Nairobi’s Red-Light District.

Mapping the convoluted roadways that are many African cities is no easy feat so I think this is quite impressive:

Nigerian information and technology experts in the UK developed an online interactive street finder for Lagos in Nigeria. The UK based Nigerian experts who worked on several Google Maps and software development programmes established the online street finder website, which allows users to search any street or business in Lagos.

Mr. Ireti Ajala, initiator of the project and map and GIS specialist in the UK, said that MapNTL.com can show the precise location of over 50 000 businesses in Lagos. He noted that the database contained over 400 000 routable Lagos digital streets, measuring over 5 400km in length equivalent to more than two-thirds of the earth’s equatorial radius.

However, the website itself has quite a few ad banners that make it slightly distracting when using the app. It would also be neat to be able to print off maps and directions straight from the application.

A commendable effort, nonetheless.

[Via IT News Africa]