There’s new stuff out called Maps Analyst Projects and we’ve got some new information to share about the projects for maps analysts at Lionbridge (Codenamed: Shasta project at Appen. It should be mentioned that the recruitment process for this project normally lasts a very limited period of time (at Lionbridge), and usually 1-2 months during different months depending on the country. However, the Shasta project could be available at any time. 

 The project involves evaluating online mapping and routing related tasks in order to improve the content and accuracy of map service: Apple maps.

Raters are required to conduct research and use online tools to investigate the geographic accuracy of tasks. Work is provided to you as a list of tasks through an online work platform, which is somewhat like raterhub. Most tasks will be in the language related to the position that you applied for. For example, if you applied for the French role, then you will be rating in French, etc. You will also be required to provide comments/feedback in English. 

Map Analyst & Shasta project payment and working hours

This project is paid on a per-task basis. You need to keep track of the number of tasks, as well as the type of tasks completed on a day-to-day basis. This information is used to generate your invoice on the billing dates. The payment rate per task depends on your market, including the complexity of each task, and payment may vary from, $0.22 to $1.00 per task. Since you are working in a freelance independent capacity, you can manage your working time as you like and work whatever times you want. But this is a part-time job, and the number of hours you can accrue is set at a maximum of 20 per week. You must not exceed the maximum of 20 hours per week unless authorized. Lionbridge expects new Map Quality Analysts to be active and to participate each week. 

 Project compatibility

This project is fully compatible with any other projects at other vendors. You are not allowed to work on another project at Lionbridge, although you are allowed to qualify on another project if your vendor is Appen. 

Maps Analyst/Shasta project qualification 

In my opinion, the qualification process for this particular project is quite difficult if you compare it with other projects. First, you need to study and understand 200 pages of guidelines and instructions within a limited period of time, and then complete a 2 stage exam, which consists of theoretical and practical parts, within 10 days. As with any project, you should read the Guidelines as many times as you can before you start working. There is a lot of information in the guidelines so you may want to read them multiple times. You should also use them while working, and refer to them to ensure you are applying the correct rating. There is no chance to pass this exam without getting a profound understanding of the rating rules and concepts. 

Exam Preparation Approach (Maps Analyst and Shasta project exam)

Lionbridge has very good exam support so candidates should use this to their advantage as much as possible. It is highly recommended to use the below approach in order to increase your chances of successfully passing the exam: 

1. Read the Guidelines thoroughly and understand them
2. Read/watch the content on the Pre-Exam Support Portal
3. Complete the Sample Exam Questions

Completing sample exam tasks will help you understand what kind of exam tasks to expect. A typical maps analyst task is a query; address, chain/organization, point of interest, and a list of results generated by the map service based on user location, user viewport, and type of query you will need to provide:

Before proceeding with the exam simulation tool read the project guidelines thoroughly and understand them.
Evaluate and rate each rating drop-down independently of the others. Rate result Relevance based on whether the result fits the query intent, even if the result is closed or does not exist or has incorrect Name, Address, or Pin data.

1. Determine what type of query and user intent is, look for examples on the guidelines:
Single address query, Category query, Chain query, Transit query, etc.

2. Research user location and viewport and possible rating scenarios related to distance and user intent. Keep in mind that distance ratings are variable ratings that depend on query type (a type of business), user location, location modifier, type of area, etc. Each case should be evaluated individually in terms of proximity and distance, that is why there are no specific criteria for distance.

3. Once you understand user intent, rate each results for relevance, one by one.

4. Name accuracy (you always need to check name accuracy on the official website of an organization).

5. Address accuracy (check all components of address on the official website/UPS address verification website).

6. Pin accuracy (apply rules as per guidelines).

The pin location, name, and address accuracy do not affect the relevance rating. If the result meets the requirements for a navigational rating then you should go for it. Relevance and the pin location, name, and address accuracy are independent ratings.

Finally, you will provide comments if your relevance rating is below good. This just a general overview of typical task/algorithm however it gives a good understanding of what kind of tasks to expect in this project. 

 It is very important that you thoroughly research the query, and the result in every task you are rating. In order to establish the correct rating, you need to understand the query, and you also need to verify that the information returned in a result is correct and accurate including the name, address, location, existence, popularity etc. In order to determine if the information is true, use official sources wherever possible. Include links in your comments whenever you find out that the task returned incorrect data. To determine popularity, you will need to check reviews on reputable sites to decide on the most accurate rating to apply. You do not need to include a comment for every rating, but comments are mandatory for any rating below Good for relevance or below Correct/Perfect for data accuracy. 

• Reference Guidelines – If you are demoting because of a guideline intricacy, it is useful to reference the guideline/rule that influenced your decision.
• Be Concise – Don’t waste time writing elaborate comments, be specific and efficient with your comments.
• Comment in English Only- Your comments will sometimes be reviewed or used by those who are not very familiar with your locale or its language.

As mentioned before you will be given 7 days to complete the exam. The theoretical part will consist of 20 questions which are entirely based on the guidelines. I think this part won’t create any problem because answers to most of the questions can be found in the guidelines, the average estimated time for completing this part of the exam is 1 – 2 hours. 

 Part 2 is the most difficult part of the qualification, some of the tasks are really difficult, and will require a high level of attention, the ability to apply rating concepts, and analytical thinking. In total, you will be asked to rate 20 tasks, but in fact they’re more tasks because some of them are complex tasks that have a list of results that have to be rated. You will be given almost all types of results to rate (chain, address, transit, POI, etc.) So be careful to research and examine each case step-by-step. Keep in mind that only one attempt to pass this exam is allowed. If you need any tips or further information, do not hesitate to contact me.

Shasta (Maps Analyst) Project Exam Personalized Assistance

If you are not confident about going through the Shasta (Appen) or Maps Analyst (Lionbridge) qualification exam, you may always get my expert assistance, support, and advice. For detailed information please write to allentim87@yahoo.com

Shasta Maps Analyst Exam Simulation Tool

What is The Shasta Maps Analyst Exam Simulation Tool?

This tool will help anyone who is getting ready or considering taking the exam. This tool was designed to assist candidates with exam preparation with the main focus on practical rating tasks that include major maps rating cases and scenarios like single address query, category query, chain query, transit query, variable ratings which depend on query type (a type of business), user location, location modifier, type of area. Maps exam simulation tasks cover basically all rating concepts/task types and skills which will be tested during a real exam.

How can this tool help you pass the exam?

The way the tool is designed will show you exactly your problem area and what you need to focus on. It helps you identify your level of understanding of the rating concepts, and your ability to apply them by practicing first and then identifying your weak points. You will receive your overall score (pass or fail), detailed feedback on your mistakes, and know exactly what you need to go back and study in the guide. Of course, we need to mention that there are no real actual exam tasks because that isn’t going to help you understand anyway. Each one of these is hand-designed from the most typical exam tasks and is also designed to be the best simulation possible. If you pass this, you will be ready to pass the actual exam.

How do I get my hands on the exam simulation tool?

Exam Simulation Demo 

If you’re still skeptical, we have a free demo version which you can try FREE right now! It contains 2 tasks so you can see how it works. Once again, the demo is 100% free.

Exam Simulation Pro 

The tool has 10 tasks of all the major query types and rating scenarios. You will be able to practice your rating skills on practical rating tasks that include major maps rating cases and scenarios like single address query, category query, chain query, transit query, variable ratings which depend on query type (a type of business), user location, location modifier, type of area. Maps exam simulation tasks cover basically all rating concepts/task types and skills which will be tested during a real exam.

Maps Analyst Exam results 

Once you complete this exam within 2-3 days you should expect exam results and a welcome email containing information about access to the supplier and project portal. You also will be given a login and password to the rating tool where you will do your production. 

Project workflow

When you start working, the process will be more smooth because you have already gained a conceptual understanding of the work during testing, plus most of the tasks will be in your local language. It is recommended that 2 minutes be taken to rate each task in order to complete your research accurately. Please note this is an average. Some tasks may require more time, while others may require less time. Tasks can be made available any day of the week, at any time of the day. There is no specific time when tasks are launched. If you don’t see tasks, then you will need to check more frequently to see if new tasks have been added to your queue.

Useful links:

Maps Analyst — Lionbridge — Overwhelmed
by inWorkOnline