[OSM-talk] Waterway labelling question

[Mike Collinson]

At 07:26 AM 23/01/2007, Richard Fairhurst wrote:
>Adrian Frith wrote:
>
> > I am mapping a waterway which was originally a natural river, is now
> > canalised (but not navigable) and whose primary function is now
> > stormwater drainage. Do I label it waterway=river, waterway=canal, or
> > waterway=drain?
>
>waterway=drain (IMHO)

Many rivers around the world have channelised sections - i.e. put in 
a usually concrete-based lining, sometimes following the original 
course of the river, sometimes not - as they pass through urban 
areas, areas where they may erode into a highway or railway.  I'd 
suggest (also IMHO!)  that it might be better to leave these as 
waterway=river along their length for conformancy.  If it is 
completely channelised and no longer recognisable as a river, go for 
waterway=drain.

Straying slightly off topic, it may also be necessary/helpful to 
tighten up the OSM definition of canal to mean strictly a completely 
artificial waterway built primarily for navigation purposes.  Not 
sure where that leaves irrigation and channels built for drinking water though.

Mike
Manila