Duplicates

D313 Duplicates

This issue covers both uploading the same photo more than once and uploading similar photos. Similar photos are also called 'Near-duplicates' and they are a bit harder to define.

Real duplicates

Some local guides think it is Okay to upload the same photo more than once when you upload them to different places on Google Maps. I'm sorry, reusing photos across places is now allowed. See the next issue for more information on this.

Uploading the same photo more than once to the same place is also strongly discouraged by Google. It is even mentioned as a reason for getting suspended from the Local Guides Program.

Photos can get duplicates by mistake. One such example is when the uploading process gets interrupted by a poor internet connection. Then the uploading can start over and create unwanted copies. And another mistake is if you forget already having uploaded a photo and with no bad intentions upload it again. And thirdly, Google Maps may suggest you upload photos - even though you already uploaded them. This can easily result in duplicates.

Luckily, it's relatively easy and quick to review your photo contribution and remove any duplicates you may have uploaded. Just follow the tips mentioned in Feedback from your list of new pics. It is recommended to review your list of new photos regularly - may be for every 2-300 photos you upload.

You can read more about this issue in Uploading Tips #6 and you can find links to the relevant official guidelines under Photo rule #6 on this page.

This is an example of how duplicates can look like in your list of new photo contributions.

Near-duplicates

If photos show the same thing just from a different angle they are so-called near-duplicates. The information is redundant and should not be uploaded. Think of it this way: Is your photo providing new and extra information or is it just repeating what can already be seen in other photos? If nothing new or extra, please don't upload near-duplicates.

Here is an example from TIP 4 in Uploading tips where 4 very similar photos were uploaded to Google Maps.

Can you find important information that can not be found in the other photos? Which 3 near-duplicates would you choose to delete?

Here is the other example. Zooming in does not provide new valuable information. Maps users can choose to zoom in by themselves on the left image should they need to a better look at some detail.

How to prevent this issue

Uploading near-duplicates can be tempting when hunting for points. But we should always consider the interests of Maps users. Only upload photos with new and relevant information and hence can be helpful for Maps users.

Review your photo contributions for every 2-300 photos you upload delete any duplicates and near-duplicates you find.

Find Google's official statements about this issue in the Photo Rules. Scroll down and open 6: No duplicates. This issue is also addressed in What photos should I share on Google Maps? by Google Moderator MoniV.

Not uploading the same photo to more places is the topic of the next issue. Hit "Suggested next page" to continue.

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