Putting Cabo areas back on Google Maps

WHERE'S THE MONEY GOING? 

We do not work for, or with, Google and we are reliant on private funding to support our efforts. The money is going towards a new 360 camera designed specifically for our purposes and also to help aid in ongoing expenses. We do not get paid for our work - it's 100% volunteer work. The funds will go to directly support our efforts in updating Google Maps which could one day help to actually save a life.

ABOUT ME

I'm a humanitarian at heart and enjoy doing what I can for the public good. I've loved photography most of my life and more specifically 360° panoramic photography. I was CEO of Nodal Ninja for 15 years which sells the best tools of the trade to panoramic photographers. We also worked closely with Google in providing solutions for their Google Trusted Photographers. 

In 2019 my wife and I retired and moved to the Cabo San Lucas area in Mexico. Two months later the Covid-19 pandemic hit, businesses and hotels started to close, people lost their jobs and tourism all but stopped. For an area so dependent on tourism this was devastating to say the least. 

A LOCAL PLIGHT

I was surprised that many areas mapped by Google dated back to 2009 and much of that remains to this day.  Many smaller outlying towns hit hardest have yet to even be mapped. Below represents the newer street view data we created in Cerritos. We also added some businesses, removed those that have since closed. 

It became apparent Google doesn't have the resources to keep the mapping data current. Areas such as Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Pescadero, Cerritos, and especially the magical town of Todo Santos are heavily reliant on tourism. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many workers have lost their jobs and many businesses have since permanently closed. Mexico has opened its borders and tourism is starting to flow back. Even though many locals and governments are still discouraging travel, accurate and more importantly current mapping data plays a crucial role for not only locals but also first responders. Google Maps show some roads are passable when they are not and newer roads have gone in. 

OUR OBJECTIVE

As possibly the only certified Google Trusted Street View photographer in Baja California Sur we are able to update both Google Maps and Google Street Views and work to keep them current. The vast majority of travelers use these maps to see photos, read reviews, and get a better idea of what places are like.  We have the expertise, time, and resources to update much of that data. And if our efforts can save a life by giving first responders more accurate data that get's them to their destination more quickly then it makes our cause all that more worthy.

Example:

• See the 2009 GSV by Google click here
• See the 2020 GSV by AllAroundCabo.com click here
• See the 2021 GSV by AllAroundCabo.com click here

The photo above shows the newly built Santa Terra complex, which has an Oyster Bar, art galleries, and gift shop. The architectural wonder is a must-see for all that visit Todos Santos. Without our efforts potential travelers looking on Google Maps would not have seen this.

Before the pandemic much of the area has grown significantly since last being mapped. New roads, new resorts, new businesses and a great deal of new home construction. Directions to these locations are very unreliable with some roads being impassable. Most roads are dirt but you wouldn't know that unless you saw current data.

Google provides us with performance data - and thus our efforts have reached over 6,400,000 people. Below is a snapshot of our stats as of November 2021. 

We (the wife and I) also do what Google calls "contributing" to Google Maps. As a contributor we review and rate businesses, add missing places, edit locations, and more. Our reviews on local businesses alone have generated over 80,000 views so local businesses are in fact gaining added exposure.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

We are seeking funding to purchase a newer 360 camera. Currently, we use a little prosumer camera (Theta) with limited quality and very limited functionality. On a good day I might map about 2-5 miles of rural roads which then takes about 2 days to upload and process. Cameras for the purpose of producing quality imagery with extended range capability purpose of GSV can cost upwards of  $18,000usd (360,774p). I'm looking to go with a low to mid-range high-resolution camera called the "Pilot Era" which costs about $2,500usd + tax $700usd = $3,200usd. (64,684p).

WHAT IF YOU GO OVER YOUR GOAL?

There will always be ongoing expenses to include fuel and vehicle maintenance, internet fees, a bit of marketing, etc. and not to mention the occasional taco and Cerveza while on the road.

We hope you'll support our campaign with a small contribution. Even if you cannot contribute please this share with your friends through social networks in an effort to help spread the word. 

The minimum donation accepted through Fundly is $10 but smaller donations are welcomed through PayPal.

If you are a local business and not listed and in need of updating please contact us - there is no charge for this service.

For more information visit:

AllAroundCabo.com / Facebook / Instagram

And a very special thanks to those that have already donated here and through PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bajasur) - you're really helping us to help the locals.