[OSM-dev] Why no curves in map data?

[Robert (Jamie) Munro]

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Udo Giacomozzi wrote:
> Is there a good reason why all map databases seem to be fixed on
> straight lines and do not support some kind of bezier curves? After
> all, streets most of the time have curves and only at junctions or in
> other rare situations have corners.
> 
> Using bezier curves would at the same time lead to more smooth lines
> and reduce way points and are not really hard for renderers nor for
> calculating intersections and similar.
> 
> I realize that the OSM data will continue to use straight lines, but
> I'm just wondering why curved data is deprecated.

AFAICR, because someone (NavTeq?) has a patent on the idea.

Robert (Jamie) Munro
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