[Talk-ca] Accidentally overwriting existing data: Merge layer vs merge selection

[john whelan]

It was simpler than that, an error in the selection then the delete key.
Unfortunately JOSM runs quite quickly on a fast machine with a stack of RAM.

It might be nicer if JOSM could be made safer but I'm not certain how.
Idiots are improving all the time.

Cheerio John

On 20 February 2011 11:56, Samuel Longiaru <longiaru at shaw.ca> wrote:

>  Good morning everyone,
>
> I've been following the discussion regarding the unfortunate situation with
> the data in Aylmer, QC.  My sympathies to both Jonathan and the importer.
> Sounds like this was a inadvertent accident.  I have to say though, I have
> caught myself nearly doing the same thing several times as a result of the
> merge layer vs. merge selection tools in JOSM.  I'd really like to see them
> modified somehow.
>
> My import procedure is to select a CanVec feature or a class of features,
> compare them with the existing OSM data, and where appropriate, merge that
> selection down onto the OSM layer and delete it from the CanVec layer.  For
> this, of course I'm using the merge selection tool.  On several occasions,
> however, despite being aware of the fact that I have wasted hours as a
> result and therefore trying to be extra careful, I have inadvertently hit
> the adjacent merge layer tool  instead.   My only immediate indication that
> I have done this is that my little CPU load monitor pegs out at 100% for a
> long period of time.  Ultimately the CanVec layer disappears from the layers
> list and I know I'm screwed.  There's no undoing that.  Throw it out and
> start again.
>
> Admittedly, there are lots of places to catch the error before uploading.
> The CanVec layer disappears, the Validator should throw errors like crazy,
> but nonetheless, it is a subtle error with significant consequences.  There
> is a steep learning curve both in learning to use JOSM and in making the
> jump to importing data.  I feel as though I've only  just started up that
> hill myself.  I certainly see how someone could inadvertently overwrite a
> bunch of data as a result.
>
> Anyway, I'm sure this is not the place to make a suggestion to the
> developers, so if someone could direct me to a more appropriate forum, I'd
> appreciate it.  I'd be happy just to be able to turn off merge layers in my
> copy of JOSM!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sam L.
> Kamloops, BC
>
>
>
>
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