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<p>Dear tagging list,</p>
<p>I'd like to see if I can gather some consensus around allowing
bike-share stations (amenity=bicycle_rental) to be tagged as
linear features as well as points and polygons. There has been
some related discussion already on this topic both on the
amenity=bicycle_rental <a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Talk:Tag:amenity%3Dbicycle_rental#Mapping_as_a_.28linear.29_way.3F">discussion
page</a>, and in the issues for the <a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="https://github.com/gravitystorm/openstreetmap-carto/issues/2711">openstreetmap
carto</a> style sheet. <br>
</p>
<p>Currently a linear mapping is not supported by the standard OSM
map style, or the JOSM validation tools which issue a warning
about ways not being closed. <br>
</p>
<p>My case for linear mapping is as follows: <br>
</p>
<p>1) Many stations are very long and skinny, essentially running
parallel to other linear features like sidewalks. Some stations
can be upwards of 20 or 30 meters in length and no wider than a
couple feet (if empty) or the length of a bicycle (if full). <br>
</p>
<p>2) Linear mapping is already allowed for bicycle parking and
benches, other street furniture amenities with similar
dispositions.<br>
</p>
<p>3) Bike share stations typically have two sides (like a line,
unlike a polygon) with either one or both sides accepting bikes.
Which way this faces is a relevant fact and could easily tagged
like entry=left or something of that sort. <br>
</p>
<p>4) Kiosk locations seem relevant, especially for very long
stations. None of these are mapped yet as far as I know but it
seems like these would be best mapped as a node on a way rather
than as a node inside a polygon.</p>
<p>The case against as I see it is:</p>
<p>1) These can already be tagged as long polygons.</p>
<p>2) A linear mapping is not as well supported by current software.
<br>
</p>
<p>Perhaps the bigger question here is: the vast majority of
stations are currently mapped as nodes. If these were to get
expanded, with more added detail/accuracy would we do better to
move toward polygons or lines or both?</p>
<p>Cheers,<br>
</p>
<div class="moz-signature">-- <br>
Nate Wessel<br>
<span style="font-size:10px;color:#777">Jack of all trades, Master
of Geography, PhD candidate in Urban Planning<br>
<a href="http://natewessel.com">NateWessel.com</a></span>
<br>
<br>
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