[OSM-talk] Problem with usage of other values than yes for key building

[moltonel 3x Combo]

On 10/03/2015, Stefan Keller <sfkeller at gmail.com> wrote:
> Then, when looking at the wiki page [2] it mostly points to
> alternative tags, like
> * building=apartment => tourism=apartment
> * building=hotel => tourism=hotel
> * building=warehouse => shop=department_store (no indication to that
> in warehouse
> * building=church/cathedral =>  amenity=place_of_worship
> * building=school/hospital => amenity=school/hospital

They are not "alternative tags", but tags that are often associated
with that building type. For example appartments are very often
private, not touristic. Most warehouses are used for storage, not
shops. Churches can be deconsecrated and not a place of worship
anymore. Etc.

Use building=* for what the building *is*, and the other tags for what
the building is *used for*.

Tagging the building type is very usefull: they can be rendered
differently, QA tools know that sheds don't have an address (only the
house beside it), city officials get a good view of what's constructed
where, etc. "building=yes" is ok as a default, but you should consider
upgrading it to a specific value.