[OSM-talk] Why does OSM need timestamps in gpx trails

[Alex S.]

Tanveer Singh wrote:
> I use a lowrance unit, and there are no timestamps dumped in tracks.
> When I convert to gpx, OSM refuses to accept the tracks!
> Why so?
> For mapping we just need lat/long, timestamps are not really needed?
> I know using some perl I can insert bogus timestamps, but thats
> inefficient and requires extra work.
> 
> Can I understand the logic of this decision, and the though process
> behind it. If I want OSM to allow gpx trails without timestamps, whom
> do I argue with?

IIRC, the timestamp is used to indicate node order in the database.