[Tagging] Drain vs ditch

[nwastra]

+1

N

> On 2 Feb 2019, at 10:39 pm, Markus <selfishseahorse at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> On Sat, 2 Feb 2019 at 11:21, Sergio Manzi <smz at smz.it> wrote:
>> 
>> Thank-you for confirming that, Mark.
>> 
>> Personally I think we, in OSM, should stop with this folly of overloading English words with meanings they do not have in any dictionary (be it AmE, BrE, CaE, or whatever).
>> 
>> Both the "ditch" and "drain" words can be used to describe certain features in English. The difference is essentially an etymological one, with one related to the process of excavation (dig -> ditch) and the other to the function of carrying liquids away (dry -> drain).
>> 
>> If we want to precisely map certain characteristics of a feature we should do it explicitly through a correct data model that takes into consideration the particular aspect we are trying to communicate. We want to communicate the information that a (small) waterway is lined with concrete? Just say that with an appropriate tag, like e.g. lined=*, or lining=*. We want to communicate the information that a (small) waterway is used to carry waste water away? Once again, let's say that with an appropriate tag, like e.g. usage=* (please ignore if the specific tags I put in the examples are not of your liking: not the point here, let's discuss that later...).
>> 
>> Arbitrarily overloading words with meanings they do not have in the common language is just a perfect way to Babel, that is a reduction in information.
> 
> + 1
> 
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