I’d like to suggest an improvement to the ‘Edit Location’ option. When someone is reviewing this kind of request, the current/original point could show up in red, and the suggested destination point in green. That would make it much easier to see where the person wants to move the location to.
Also, to match this idea, after placing the marker where they want it, a dialog box could pop up asking the user to explain why they’re requesting the change. I think this would really improve the overall quality of these requests.
Are you referring to making location edits, or reviewing location edits/locations for nominations? I don’t quite understand if this is for submitting location edits or reviewing locations.
I understand the want for this information… but in general, you are supposed to be giving you unbiased judgement on which location better represents the waypoint. In a perfect world you wouldn’t need any additional information…but in the cases that do need additional information the Wayfinder can appeal the decision if rejected, or use help chat to request the edit, both of these offer the opportunity to enter additional information as evidence.
In Wayfarer, the location-edit request could show the current location in red and the new suggested location in green.
As for the reason for the change, it could appear directly in the game when the player makes the request. The player picks the new spot, confirms it, and then a dialog box pops up asking them to explain why they want the change. That way, when the reviewer checks it later, they’ll understand much better why the location edit is being requested.
I’ve already submitted several of these requests, and sometimes—honestly, like 99% of the time—they don’t work. Even when I’m reviewing, I often have no idea why or where the player wants the location moved. Only on very rare occasions does the reason actually show up.
And let’s be real… it would be way more practical if, when requesting a location edit, the game immediately let you explain why that point needs to be moved.
Why the person wants it moved doesn’t matter, your job is to select the most accurate one.
Do you mean the person used a text edit to provide a reason? If so, this is not allowed and should be reported.
Can you provide some examples of when additional information is needed that isn’t obvious by looking at the satellite view and can’t be explained in a help chat request?
Let’s say the point in question is too close to another one, and because of that, one of them doesn’t show up on the map. A location-edit request just to make it appear in a different cell isn’t valid — the point is supposed to stay hidden and unusable. Is that really the level of quality these reviews are supposed to have?
I often pick unable to tell if the locations are close especially in both look accurate. If they are close, but one is at the natural point of entry, then I will pick the entry. Similar for playfields, sideline over on the field.
Yes gaming the map to make more points appear isn’t allowed so simply choosing which waypoint is more accurate without being biased is the best way to make a choice.
In what situations are you actually allowed to use this option then? I mean, I get it if the wayspot is in a risky area or something, but if that’s the case, it’s easier to just report it for removal. Honestly, I don’t understand why this option even exists if you can’t use it…
That’s exactly my point. A dialog box where the user can explain the reason for the change would be way better than relying on Street View updates, which take forever to happen in some parts of the world.
Someone saying “please choose the right side because it’s wrong and satellite isn’t updated” isn’t going to work. In a situation like this the user will need geotagged photos or other evidence provided directly to Niantic.
I think this might get viewed as trying to influence reviewers, which is considered abuse.
I think what we see for location edit reviews is fine right now. If we can’t confirm that the Wayspot is at one of the options given to us, we can choose the unable to locate option, and, if we wish, leave a note. If I am able to find it at a better location than the ones on the map, I may choose unable to locate and leave a note with what I believe is the most accurate location, but this isn’t something that’s required to be done.
Just to answer your first query, there are add-ons you can install on your browser that can show the original location during location edit reviews. You can find them at wayfarer.tools. They are tool add-ons developed by tech savy members of the community that make nomination reviewing much smoother. I think the one you’re looking for would be called “Original Location”.
About the text explanation thing, I think it can be somewhat reasonable to have. In fact, if they can upload a supporting photo it might help loads. Heck, for a number of the location edits that I review, I have to thrawl through a bunch of 3rd party photos to truly acertain the location (especially, things like playgrounds or swimming pools obstructed by the tops of tall condo buildings).
But that will probably open a whole other can of worms, as evidenced by others’ concerns.
Edit: Corrected the typo discovered by @cyndiepooh fromwayfare.toolstowayfarer.tools. Thanks Cindie!
You miss my point - in the situations I’m referring to, Satellite view is adequate to support the location change being submitted.
I don’t entirely disagree with this, however a very important point needs to be made, reiterated, and said again every day because every day people make this mistake:
Location edits should not be made for the sole purpose or manipulating the game board. If a dialog box is provided, all it will become is “plz choose left so POI can sync” or similar.
It would be helpful only in situations where supporting photos can be provided or links to city development plans and similar context can be provided. Unfortunately, I think providing a dialog box by default would encourage too many people to attempt abuse and not realize it.
Just making a correction that it is wayfarer.tools. There is also a link to the Wayfarer Discussion Discord there. I used the AI summary for this topic, and that jumped out at me.
