[OSM-talk] Mapping everything as areas

[Jean-Marc Liotier]

Michal Migurski wrote:
> I think it will be necessary to retain both lines and areas [..]

Maybe lines and areas each serve a different purpose : areas describe
the physical layout of the world whereas lines describe navigation
paths. So maybe the debate should be re-framed as whether OpenStreetMap
wants to be a database limited to navigational uses or a physically
correct map. Navigation is a "S.M.A.R.T" (Specific, Measurable,
Attainable, Relevant, Tangible) goal whereas complete description of the
physical layout of the world is a more abstract goal

To make a workable model, there has to be a degree of abstraction. The
question is to chose the right one...