COMPUTING
Google Map coverage of Africa’s roads has increased to 75%, and the number of towns and villages mapped has increased by 1000% in the past four years, says the online search giant.
Google says in its Africa blog that it has collaborated with African businesses, governments, partners and various institutions to dramatically improve its map coverage across Africa. Its Africa maps now include local domains, driving and walking directions, traffic information, Street View imagery in South Africa and Botswana, and turn-by-turn GPS Navigation in South Africa, Algeria and Tunisia.
Google Maps of Africa now include more than 40.000 schools in Nigeria, more than 34.000 schools in Kenya courtesy of the country’s ICT board, and 8,000 other places such as hospitals, market centres, shops and churches, thanks to the likes of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).
With Map Maker launched in every country on the continent, Google says it has also witnessed the growth of community mapping, supported by more than 100,000 volunteer contributing editors.
