Adding Garmian Region Villages to Google Maps: A Path to Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Tourism

In the digital age, geographic representation plays a crucial role in cultural preservation and socio-economic inclusion. This study addresses the underrepresentation of villages in the Garmian Region, located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, on global mapping platforms such as Google Maps. A participatory and data-driven approach was employed to systematically identify, validate, and submit village-level geographic data. The process involved the use of GIS tools (QGIS, Google Earth) for spatial verification, and the Google Maps Content Partner Dashboard for structured data uploads. Village information was collected through government records, GPS surveys, and community consultations to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy. A total of 471 villages were initially identified, of which 441 (93%) were successfully integrated into Google Maps. The results highlight the transformative potential of volunteered geographic information (VGI) in enhancing digital visibility, promoting sustainable tourism, and preserving intangible cultural heritage.In the paper, we explain exactly how we did the mapping, the problems we faced, and how we solved them to make the project a success. We also look at how this could help preserve the culture, bring in tourists, and grow the economy. Ultimately, it's about using new tech to connect old ways of preserving heritage with modern tools, to make development in the region more inclusive and sustainable.