[Imports] WRI Congo Basin forestry tracks import

[Christoph Hormann]

On Monday 16 February 2015, Rafael Avila Coya wrote:
> >
> > I could not find any information in your documentation on the
> > origin and production process for the source data.  This would be
> > essential information to assess if this data is suitable for OSM.
>
> Original data is in shapefile format. I've put the original files in
> osm format to make it easier to open in JOSM. I can give you access
> to the shapefiles if you need so.
>
> The original files are given to me directly by the WRI staff.

That wasn't my question, i wanted to know how this data has been 
produced, is it based on ground surveys? aerial imagery? satellite 
images? what date? What accuracy specifications?  What purpose was it 
originally mapped for?

> All these highways are tracks, as they are used for forestry, not for
> connection purposes.

Well - if the source data set is indeed limited to this type of road 
that would be fine.  From your documentation i see no indication it is 
though.  Knowing more about the data origin might help here.

In any case tagging surface=unpaved on highway=track only makes sense if 
there is individual evidence this particular track is unpaved.  Since 
highway=track is normally unpaved tagging surface=unpaved in addition 
just based on the general assumption is not a good idea.

> > Do these roads really all have legal use restrictions, i.e. is it
> > forbidden to use them except for forestry/agriculture?  Otherwise
> > access tags are not appropriate.
>
> I suppose so. Most of the tracks just lead nowhere except for logging
> purposes. Even if it was allowed to drive on them, it would be
> useless except for staff involved in logging activities. The same
> applies to the few agricultural tracks.

Again - access=* should only be used if there is evidence that there are 
legal use restrictions.

-- 
Christoph Hormann
http://www.imagico.de/