Google seeks help with Map Maker

Google is asking users to fill out its maps

Google is asking its users to help in mapping out some of the most remote parts of the world.

Google Map Maker will allow users to mark out their own points of interest as well as provide new information on roads, cities and parks. The data will then be uploaded to Google's map service.

Unlike other Google releases, however, Map Maker will not be making its debut in the US, Europe or any other traditional computing hotspot.

Instead, the company plans to deploy the tool in some of the most remote countries in the world in the hope that people will fill in blank spots on the map.

The first recipients of the Map Maker software will be in Cyprus, Vietnam, Pakistan and the Caribbean.

Google software engineer Lalitesh Katragadda and product manager Sanjay Jain explained the reasoning behind the release in a company blog posting.

"Building a map is an exceedingly complex process, and it is a challenge to reach all parts of the world," they wrote.

"The existing mapping data for these countries could benefit tremendously from local knowledge and expertise that you and other map makers possess, and we are excited to see how you put that to use."

Google said that Map Maker was used extensively last month as part of its efforts to map out the cyclone-devastated areas of Burma.