[Openstreetmap] the dangers of assumptions

[SteveC]

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away when I started writing code
for OSM I imagined people would select and delete GPS traces as they
mapped - even other peoples traces - to avoid some of these problems.
Then they could be brought back from the dead to check things.

Then I figured having the points drop out after a month magically or
something would be good (but you could still bring them back to check)
but that got a bit of a negative reaction.

But now it seems this is starting to become a real problem so maybe it's
time ot think about it again?

* @ 09/11/05 05:53:26 PM sean at uncertainty.org.uk wrote:
> Simon Hewison wrote:
> > I've just fired up the applet to start naming some street segments in my
> > locality, and found that someone has started drawing roads straight
> > through the local golf course, across a stream, through hedgerows and
> > trees. (following a GPS track recorded by someone on an overflying
> > aircraft).
> > 
> > Mind you, the wiki-style of openstreetmap means that it's easy enough to
> > correct.
> > 
> 
> 
> I've found quite a few random paths too - some with a GPS basis - some not
> 
> some of the tracks don't make sense at first because they look like
> roads - and the dense GPS trail reinforces this view (incorrectly)
> 
> - once I get out of the A-Z mindset and start thinking pedestrians first
> I realise that the highways of Hackney are often the backstreet
> shortcuts that don't show up at all on street maps ...
> 
> One path appeared to be made up - but then I realised someone had picked
> out "The Greenway" from the satellite image (it's barely marked on the
> maps but is a useful foot/cycle path - over London's main sewage pipeline!)
> 
> But quite a few routes are most definitely wrong - e.g. crossing a canal
> where there is no bridge.
> 
> I've started putting in Road names around me - I'm sure this will also
> throw up a few disagreements - but it is already making the map easier
> to use.
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> Sean
> 
> 
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have fun,

SteveC steve at asklater.com http://www.asklater.com/steve/