[OSM-talk] Footways

[Ben Robbins]

For footways, (footpaths), the current method I was doing was to look at a 
map to see if if footpaths are around.  Then go out without the map and get 
guided by the sign posts that are around.

The problems I have with this are, that there are 2 paths round me that have 
no signs/gate/path/styles anything.  Infact there is 2 electric fenses to 
cross and a padlocked gate, (its a horse field).    I know the path is 
definatly there, as I was looking at the council plans of the parish 2006.   
Also the person has been informed that they should be displaying the path.  
So I know the path is there, but i don't no without looking at a copywrite 
map.  I therefore havnt yet added the footpath to OSM.  how should I go 
about getting around this?

Also Some footpaths follow straight lines, some follow the hedge line, and 
some curve randomly across fields.  Again I only no this though from looking 
at the council maps, and have no way of gathering this information myself 
without infringing copywrite.  Currently for this I have always put striaght 
lines between 2 signs/styles etc, unless it is clear that it isnt a straight 
line.

Finally, what should I tag something that is a path, but is not a footpath 
by law, and can be removed at any point?.  These paths are all around woods 
and forests, but very few of them 'have' to be there.  how should I tag it, 
to state that it is phisicially a path, but not politically a footpath?

Thanks

Ben