[OSM-talk] altitude information

[Christoph Eckert]

> In my opinion, area data like this needs a completely different
> storage method. Height is just one layer, in the future we may also
> have layers for type of ground, water table level, population
> density, you name it. This data is not suitable for
> nodes/segments/ways but needs a completely different method of
> storage/retreival. Probably something WMS related...

I beg to differ. Cyclists want to see altitude information as a part of 
nodes for routing. If you intend to use altitude information for 
creating altitude lines on a map, yes, I agree. I even agree it's 
similar to  water table level, population density etc. But the usage 
mentioned above surely makes altitude information a part of nodes 
describing a way.
I even can imagine rendering streets in 3D. In this case, altitude 
information on the nodes describing a way will make life much easier 
for the renderers.

Cheers,

ce