Get on the Highway to Inspiration

This week, we’re excited to share a story straight from Mexico, about the local community's effort to take the map to the next level.

Also: Chris, our main man in Indonesia, tells a little about himself, and a new forum will help you learn and get inspiration from Waze communities all over the world.

Mexican Style 

The Mexican flag

The Mexican community wanted to focus on a new major project, which makes sense - it's a good way to unify Wazers and make a real difference.

After some discussion, the community decided to concentrate on the country's highways. The reason: They have a great effect on long distance routing, making it more accurate, which in turn will make the app more practical for users. Highways also do not change a lot, so editing them will make a lasting impact with little need for maintenance. In other words, the community could really make a difference here.

The community leaders did some research, and found which were the busiest highways in the country. They used this as a basis to distribute the work amongst editors.

The project was open to every editor level 3 and up. Editors were recruited through the forum, PMs and even the new chat. It's still ongoing, and seems like a great success.

Share the Wisdom

And speaking of success, we've opened a new forum dedicated to sharing stories just like this one: Stories that can inspire the community by sharing initiatives and creative ideas from across the Waze-sphere.

Please use it and share your triumphs and failures so other communities can learn, improve and grow.

Wazer Spotlight:

Chris, AKA ci2212, Coordinator / Champ for Indonesia  

Chris, taking care of business

What do you do when not editing maps?

I run a publishing house that focuses on reference books, dictionaries, literature and general health and parenting. 


How long have you been a Wazer?

I Joined Waze on December 2012. I was introduced to it by a friend of mine. And later I found the Waze editor....Bammm,... that's when the kick off begun.


How did you get hooked on Waze?

The hook was the reporting part of Waze. I see my participation in Waze as an act of positive contribution to my surroundings. Beside the gaming factor and the editing part that are very..very.. interesting. When somebody reports something on the road, I think it is just nice to know that there are still a lot of good people around who would like to help others willingly.

What's your favorite part about the community?

To meet and know new friends with different expertise and backgrounds. And not just from Indonesia, but also from other countries (Malaysia, Philippines, Brazil, Israel of course). I Learn a lot from those guys. A simple thank you would not be enough.

..And the worst part.

Assembling the community :)

What's the funniest Waze story that happened to you?

On one drive coming home, the road was busy, and I was of course busily reporting a traffic jam from time to time. Suddenly somebody sent a message to me and asked "Are You a Cop, Sir?" I immediately sent out the Hidden Police report.

What's your best Waze tip for newcomers?

Read a lot... most answers to your questions are scattered around the waze wiki and forum pages. Start small, and you will grow eventually. And always appreciate other users' contributions no matter how small.

What do you listen to when driving your car (aside from the Waze app messages, of course)?

Some soft songs such as "Hanger 18" by Megadeth or "Got the Time" by Anthrax ....... nahhh :p .... "Mad about you" by Sting will do. Terimakasih (Thank you)!

Quote of the week

Asterix06 tries to comically calm two other champs, poking us in the ribs: "Caradellino, Peter....................are you going too fast !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Waze time...flows slowly !!!"

That's it for now! 

As always, suggestions and questions are welcome!

Stay tuned & have a great year!

Safe driving!