Yahoo Japan Corp., the nation's largest Internet portal site operator, and Nagoya-based Alps Mapping K.K., launched a pilot service Wednesday that asks users to submit information on their neighborhoods to update an Internet map.
The interactive map service, the first of its kind in Japan, is available in its current form through the popular Yahoo Japan Maps Web site. The operators said they plan to fully introduce the new service in April.
Yahoo and Alps, a subsidiary of the Internet concern, plan to incorporate detailed local information from across Japan into the Web site and are hopeful that a sense of participation will enhance users' attachment to the site and attract new users.
"We will be able to provide very up-to-date information," a map service planner said.
To submit local information, users first have to access the Web site and select a particular area, and then send in-depth information only locals would know, such as "a convenience store has opened" or "the name of the building has changed."
Based on those submissions, Alps employees will visit the area to verify information before they update the map, which will be done once a month.
While the submission of such information is voluntary, the operators are considering offering some form of gratuity to contributors, a Yahoo official said.