[OSM-dev] Area DataType

[Andy Townsend]

On 20/03/2018 12:57, Julien Cochennec wrote:
> Hi,
> Newbie to OSM here, I'd like to contribute to the project, so I'm 
> reading the ten priorities.
> Concerning the Data Type Area, I'd like to read any discussion about 
> tools and structures in any languages especially about Boolean Set 
> Operators (Union, Intersect, Difference, Xor), elementary way of 
> building an area and use of Clipper Algorithm 
> http://jsclipper.sourceforge.net/6.4.2.2/main_demo.html ...

The best description of the problem is probably the one at 
https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Top_Ten_Tasks#Area_datatype . It's 
not really an "algorithm" problem (at least not initially).

What I'd suggest doing first is to become a bit more familiar with OSM, 
and mapping your local area using the default "iD" editor is a great way 
to start, because iD actually _does_ have a concept of areas, and 
interprets OSM data as "area" or "non-area" as it goes along.  
https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Elements is also a good place to 
start to see where OSM is now.

Best Regards,

Andy