Metrics Explained

Photo views

Photo views indicate how many times a Local Guide's uploaded images have been viewed on Google Maps. They are the strongest indicator of a profile's reach and visibility. The more helpful and prominently placed a photo is (e.g., as a restaurant's cover image), the faster the views increase. High view counts signal strong relevance to the Google algorithm. Explore the global Leaderboard

Photos

Photos shows the total number of images this Local Guide has uploaded. Alongside written reviews, photos are the most crucial visual decision-making aid for other users. Consistently uploading high-quality, up-to-date pictures not only boosts overall views but also earns valuable rewards: Google grants 5 points for every uploaded photo.

Ø Views per photo

Ø Views per Photo indicates the average number of views a single image receives. A high number (e.g., over 10,000) demonstrates "quality over quantity" and shows a great eye for popular subjects.

Pro tip: When many pictures are uploaded at once, this metric naturally drops. However, by actively deleting unpopular or outdated photos later, this quality metric can be strategically optimized.

Videos

Videos indicates the number of short clips shared on Google Maps. As Google increasingly pushes dynamic content in local searches, videos are a massive growth lever for profiles. They offer authentic insights into the atmosphere of places and are rewarded with a generous 7 points per video.

Points

Points are the currency and reward system within the Local Guides program. Users earn them through active participation – ranging from reviews (10 points) and photos (5 points) to checking facts (1 point). The total score determines the profile's global rank and Level, unlocking exclusive badges and perks.

Level System & Points

The Level tiers reflect a user's experience and are strictly based on earned points. Reaching Level 3 (75 points) is fairly quick. At Level 4 (250 points), users receive the official badge. After that, requirements curve steeply: Level 8 requires 15,000 points, and Level 9 jumps to 50,000. Reaching the legendary Level 10 (100,000 points) requires years of daily commitment. Browse Local Guides by Level

Reviews

Reviews are detailed written experiences about visited locations. They are the heartbeat of Google Maps, building trust and helping millions of people make decisions. Pro-tip for Local Guides: Detailed texts (over 200 characters) are rewarded with an additional 10 bonus points (20 in total), making them extremely valuable for leveling up quickly.

Answers

Answers refers to quick confirmations of changes suggested by algorithms (e.g., "Does this place offer delivery?"). Verifying these small attributes is extremely fast and yields 1 point each. It is the most efficient way to farm points on the go with just a few taps.

Edits

Edits involve correcting inaccurate information, such as outdated opening hours, phone numbers, or broken website links. This often invisible background work is crucial for the data quality and reliability of the entire Google ecosystem. For every approved edit, 5 points are added to the account.

Places added

Places added shows how many entirely new business listings or landmarks a profile has mapped. It is one of the most demanding yet lucrative tasks: Adding a new Point of Interest (POI) actively expands the map and is rewarded with a massive 15 points.

Roads added

Roads added refers to drawing new paths, mapping streets in new developments, or correcting one-way street directions. This feature requires high precision. Successful road edits directly improve Google Maps routing for thousands of drivers worldwide and earn 15 points each.

Incident reports

Incident reports refer to alerts about accidents, speed cameras, construction zones, or traffic jams that users report live during navigation. This feature is purely designed for mutual assistance on the road. Important note: Google currently awards no Local Guide points for reporting traffic incidents. However, a high number of reports clearly highlights a highly active driver who consistently helps keep the community safe and informed.

Data Freshness & Crawl Intervals

To optimize our server resources, profiles are no longer updated every single day without exception. Our smart algorithm analyzes the activity of each Local Guide: Those who regularly upload photos or earn points are updated daily (Interval: 1 day). For inactive profiles, the interval gradually extends to a maximum of 7 days. As soon as a user becomes active again, the interval immediately switches back to daily.