South Cotabato on Google Maps

On June 9, 2012 this blog together with the provincial government of South Cotabato, Google, South Cotabato Google Map Makers group, SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers, South Cotabato-ACTS and STI Koronadal will be holding the South Cotabato Google Map Makers Summit to be attended by different sectors in the province. More or less 50 participants are expected to attend, most of them from the different LGU's in South Cotabato including representatives from each municipal planning and tourism offices, private and business establishment owners, students and teachers, and others.

But, Is there really a need to map South Cotabato online using Google Map Maker? The current images of the 10 towns of South Cotabato and of the City of Koronadal on Google Maps/Google Earth will help you answer. (click image for a larger view)

The Municipality of Banga on Google Maps. Huge white clouds covering the entire poblacion, blurry imagery on other parts.

The town of Lake Sebu as seen on Google Maps. Popular as "the summer capital of  South  Mindanao" and famous for the zipline and the Seven Falls,  naming and putting the different resorts here and other establishments would be very useful in tourism promotions.

Norala on Google Maps. Blurry/ No imagery - this is one of the concerns that will be  tackled on June 9. Can you spot where the famous Norala Chicken House? How about Lampara Garden?

Municipality of Sto.Niño in Google Maps

Tampakan poblacion in Google Maps. Most part of the poblacion is covered with clouds.

Tantangan on Google Map

Google Maps have been proven very useful especially in disaster preparedness (naming of disaster prone areas, evacuation centers, police and fire stations, etc.), peace and order management, public information, business promotions and tourism development. In other cities, Google Maps were even used in tax mapping.

Part of the City of Koronadal on Google Maps. Clear view but many streets and establishments are still unnamed.

The Municipality of Polomolok on Google Map. One of the most progressive towns in Mindanao and home to many multi-national companies including DOLE, who would believe that most of it's streets and roads are still unnamed. Blurred imagery can actually be resolve with the use of GPS-enabled mobile phones, this is one of the topics at the South Cotabato Google Map Maker Summit.

The Municipality of T'boli as viewed on Google Map. 

Tupi on Google Maps.

The municipality of  Surallah as seen on Google Maps. Thanks to me and my 149 edits so far (mostly in Surallah) and other contributors, soon all of  my hometown's streets will be named using Google Map Maker though the current map is outdated (take notice of the Surallah Integrated Transport Terminal and the rotunda). I hope that the municipal planning office will be helpful (and accomodating) after the summit.

Putting and naming places  and getting approved on Google Maps gives me a great sense of accomplishment knowing that it could be of big help. I hope participants to the South Cotabato Google Map Maker Summit will experience the same after the event.

The South Cotabato Google Map Maker Summit will take place on June 9, 2012 8am- 5pm at the Audio-visual Room, STI-Koronadal, City of Koronadal. South Cotabato News Atbp will keep you posted. :)