[Tagging] Drain vs. ditch

[EthnicFood IsGreat]

> Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2019 11:20:01 +0100
> From: Sergio Manzi <smz at smz.it>
> To: tagging at openstreetmap.org
> Subject: Re: [Tagging] Drain vs ditch
>
>
> 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.
>
> Sergio
>
> [...]

I tend to agree.  Sometimes I feel these endless debates on trying to decide the meaning of tags is like reinventing the wheel (reinventing the definition).

Mark