[Tagging] Mapping light rail stations

[Clay Smalley]

On Sun, Feb 13, 2022 at 12:48 AM Graeme Fitzpatrick <graemefitz1 at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Should platforms touch the tracks / footpath?
>

Platforms certainly shouldn't be attached to tracks. Platforms only include
the area safe to walk in, so no trackbed. The edge of the platform should
be roughly 6' (2m) from the centerline of the tracks, depending on the
transit system.

Should platforms be mapped as an area or just a way?
>

Either is fine, though mapping them as areas would be more detailed.
Converting platforms from ways to areas is okay, but not the other way
around.


> Do we need to connect the adjoining footpath to the actual track for
> routing purposes?
>

No. Routing over public transit is not very developed in OSM yet, but
theoretically should be handled by assigning the role "platform" (or
"platform_entry_only", "platform_exit_only" where applicable) to the
platforms of the route=light_rail relation. The presence of this relation
with these roles indicates to routing software that there is a light rail
train capable of bringing passengers from platform to platform.

Any other hints / tips or things to watch for! :-)
>

For island platforms (single platforms with tracks on both sides), mapping
them as two separate platforms split down the middle isn't strictly
necessary, but it can be helpful sometimes. Obviously there's the case
where the two sides of the platform have different tags (whether that be
ref, surface, vehicle type, etc.), but for multilevel stations with
pedestrian over- and underpasses leading to the platforms, it helps avoid
creating multipolygon relations for platforms, which I find annoying to
maintain.
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