[Talk-us] Name tag on unnamed, but numbered routes

[Jmapb]

On 11/16/2021 9:44 AM, Brian M. Sperlongano wrote:
> The question is what, if anything, should go in the "name" tag for
> numbered routes in the US that don't have any other name.
>
> One convention is to make a "constructed" name from the route number,
> for example, "VT Route 17" or "Highway 12" or something along those
> lines to put in the name tag.  Arguments for this usage include
> signage that contains these constructed names, for example at
> intersections with other roads.
>
> Another convention is to have the name tag be omitted, perhaps also
> with noname=yes for unnamed numbered routes.  The argument for this
> usage is that name is only used for names, and ref is only used for
> route numbers, and that constructed names are "mistagging for the
> renderer".  For transparency, this approach (no name tag) is my
> preference, however, in my area, unnamed numbered routes are rare with
> the exception of Interstate highways.
>
> How do folks feel about the use of the name tag in these situations?

I've been hacking at this question in upstate NY. I've decided on the
ugly but practical solution (tagging that "works") rather than the
dogmatic solution of noname=yes. Typical tagging I've used is:

name=State Route 28
short_name=Route 28
alt_name=State Highway 28
ref=NY 28

These tags correspond to the most common addr:street tags used in
numbered state route addresses, including those recently added by the
statewide address import. As a result, address search via Nominatim
works well. I don't consider this to be tagging for the renderer
(personally I'm happy enough seeing the route ref rendered as a shield.)
It *is* tagging for the geolocator, but that doesn't stray from OSM's
mission IMO.

Ideally I feel there should be a statewide standard for this tagging,
but I can't vouch that these address conventions are consistent
statewide. County roads and US routes are also less consistent in
address naming, in my experience.

Jason