"Temporarily Closed" Indicators on Google Maps

My understanding is that it is a variety of data mining methods. Mostly it is user and owner input, you can see in the "page" for the business a place to click to suggest edits, or for a business owner to contact Google (many also already have contact with Google and regularly update). Also when someone provides a review, often there are questions asked, to fill in incomplete information.

Google also uses other methods as "checks" on data such as frequency of user reviews, Phone GPS pings (the function that provides real time traffic info and the little graph showing when a business is "busy"), and even information derived from their own search engine.

Smaller places with little web presence, or traffic with few smart phones, will see greater inaccuracy. A more popular place, better information.

However, like has been stated many times, the current situation likely is vastly different than what may be seen in August, or for me...September and November. I am just taking notes, making a short list in each area of, for example, restaurants that sound interesting. I figure at some point I will check again to see what has changed.

Sorry, I have no idea how Google update their data.

The U.K. guidance changed on Monday and cafes and restaurants are now allowed to open for indoor dining. Looking at Google Maps for my village, about half have been updated and the others still say temporarily closed or open for takeaway and outdoor dining only. This isn’t going to help with your planning.

I also don't have an answer to how Google gathers the data. But looking at my area, the information is not that accurate.

I don't put much credence in the "closed" function of Google Maps. For fun, I pulled up my business, using a previous address I was located at in the USA. I've not been in that location for 7+ years yet I am still listed as "there" with Google Maps. Moreover, Google Maps says I am temporarily closed and it listed my business model incorrectly. They did get my phone number correct!

So, take it with a grain of salt...

No offense, "RnR" but a business like yours, I would fully expect they would have little information on. They may still list it as being there, only because they have no reason to do otherwise. I would expect low traffic contributes to the confusion, or possibly lack of retail traffic (wholesale or B2B have a lesser presence on Google) It obviously existed, but users, you as the owner. and others have not definitively determined it is not there. The term "Temporarily Closed" is actually new, mainly as a response to large numbers of closures due to Covid, and an uncertainty as to whether a business is permanently closed, or simply waiting to open.

According to google support, it gets updated via the ”Google My Business” app. Most likely it is business owners who are updating (or not updating) this info. The google support info instructs businesses not to mark as ”temporarily closed” if they offer takeout, etc.

No offense taken Paul... but I've had many conversations with Google. Like many small businesses, I "registered" with Google 10+ years ago, when I started my business at that location - providing an incredible amount of info, including phone, toll-free phone, fax, address, hours of operation, etc. It's no different than registering with Yelp and other communication options. When I transitioned to a new location, I updated my info. It appears that they just never updated their info.

As many small business owners will tell you, we get calls from "Google Reps" a few times every month - used to be a few times a week - from different base locations wanting to "confirm your Google location and information." But if you stay on the phone long enough, those calls usually evolve into sales pitches. My niece is an Advertising Executive with Google and we've been round-and-round about "Google Practices." So no, I don't put much credence in Google Maps. Of course, if you were to Google my business, you'd get far more accurate information.

Thanks, all. I'm sorry the info isn't more accurate, but it's far better to know that up-front and not rely on it.

I own a business which shows up on Google maps. The listing should be maintained by the business - I get prompted before every public holiday to change opening hours.

We traveled from Florida to the Western US last summer for a month in July. The Google info on restaurants and hotels was totally inaccurate. Most establishments listed as "take-out only" or "temporarily closed" were actually open and serving sit-down meals. I made a lot of phone calls...

For the same reason, I would also not trust info that says things are open in Europe, either. Things over there are definitely not back to normal, and I would not trust travel websites such as Booking.com. I would strongly suggest inquiring directly with hotels and, if restaurant destinations are important to you, I would check directly with their website. Most have one. Same goes for car rentals and other travel services.

That said, one should expect that at least 1/3 of establishments in any given ccountry, perhaps even famous ones, have closed for good as a result of Covid. Worker protections are very strong in Europe and businesses likely had to continue to compensate employees in some fashion even if they were closed. Most businesses cannot survive for very long without revenue and most of Europe locked down hard and for a long time.