What Can You Turn into a Pokestop? A Comprehensive Guide
Pokestop, a concept that has brought joy and excitement to many Pokémon Trainers around the world. But what exactly can be turned into a Pokestop? And how does one go about submitting such a nomination? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Pokestop nominations and provide a comprehensive guide to help you turn that special landmark or location into a Pokestop.
Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the nomination process, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria for Pokestop candidacy. According to Niantic’s criteria, a Pokestop can be virtually any object, location, or cultural landmark that is meaningful or has special significance to the community. These can include historic sites, art pieces, monuments, national parks, or even unique statues.
Categories
The process of nominating a Pokestop can be broadly categorized into the following: Cool stories, Historical significance, and Hyper-local hotspots. Each category is distinct in its own way and provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase their chosen Pokestop nominees.
- Cool stories: Stories that have captured the imagination of individuals, communities, or cultures deserve recognition. Nominees include locations that embody a unique characteristic, such as a small-town’s quirky traditions or an urban planning innovation.
- Historical significance: Heritage sites, monuments, or buildings from the past are rich in context and history. Nominees under this category should highlight the importance of preserving these tangible links to our past.
- Hyper-local hotspots: Locations near and dear to individuals, be it a beloved coffee shop, a hidden waterhole, or a community park, become special corners of the world that inspire Pokémon-goers.
Nomination Process
Converting a landmark or location into a Pokestop involves a simple six-step process:
- Find something special: Identify the unique feature about the location, which can either be its cool story, cultural significance, or local character.
- Tap the Main Menu: Open Niantic’s application, ‘Pokémon Go,’ and tap on ‘Main Menu’ > ‘ Settings’.
- Select Uploads: Tapping on ‘Uploads’ will show you the available options.
- Choose New Pokestop: Select this option to initiate the Pokestop-nomination process.
- Submit application: Fill out the provided form, elaborating on the Pokestop criteria, including name, description, photo, or screenshot, and ** GPS coordinates.
- Community feedback loop: Once your application is made, it goes into a community-feedback loop, where it will get reviewed by moderators and local Pokémon-goers. Positive recommendations can help push the application forward.