[OSM-Talk-ZA] Newbie

[Nic Roets]

> I have played around a bit with the JOSM app. And this is where I need some
> help. Im not sure what Im doing.I go about creating ways between the node
> recorded from the GPS. But I see there is a node every couple of meters.
>
> So do I create ways between every node? I know this will create huge amounts
> of ways/data.

Usually a GPS records more points than are necessary to accurately
describe the road network. Furthermore, tracks frequently include a
few bad points. So simply converting the GPX layer to OSM is rarely
advisable.

Too much data won't overload the servers (anymore). But it may
overload us. Nodes that are closer than say 1m to each other can be a
nuisance to work with.

I assume that you know that a way can span many nodes.

Let my explain my work flow step by step :
1. Open JOSM, then open the GPX which will appear in gray.
2. Zoom in. Download the current data.
3. Look for existing ways that can be extended. As long as the name
does not change. Normally you can just select the last node of the way
you want to extend, but when 2 or more ways end at the node, you will
have to select both the node and the way before using 'N' mode.
4. Create new ways : Shift click first node, then click, click, click.
Very fast. Set tags (names) as you go.
5. Upload.

> Like I said, im a bit lost at this point. Or is it better for me to upload
> all the tracks via the web and make them public?

I only upload tracks so others will later be able to work out which
junctions I visited when they spot incorrect names or tags.