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Im wondering what would happen to an area that is relatively low detail thats been added to with a lot of detail over some time, then when a mass upload of new data from say a government mapset etc... get added over the same area thats been meticulously added over time, would the detailed area simply get swept under the carpet with the new mass data addition to the region or would it adapt to whats been added to in small amounts here and there?

Thanks Michael

asked 13 Aug '12, 03:23

Azzitizz's gravatar image

Azzitizz
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edited 13 Aug '12, 08:07

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Frederik Ramm ♦
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The "mass upload of new data from say a government mapset etc." that you mention - we call it an "import" - is not part of standard OSM operating procedure; it is an exceptional event that requires careful planning. OSM is, primarily, not a collection of third party data but a source of original surveys. As a general rule, we prefer data mapped by our contributors over import data sources even if the potential import source is more detailed. Where compatible external data sources exist, we encourage individual mappers to look at the data set and use this to (manually) improve the map in their area, instead of simply importing the data set.

Deleting data meticulously created by contributors with local knowledge and replacing it with an import source would be a slap in the face for those who have surveyed the area, and we are unlikely to ever do that. There have been isolated instances where for example existing building data was removed to make way for an import but only after consulting with the affected mappers in the local area and securing their agreement.

Rogue imports - where someone takes an external source and dumps it into OSM without prior consultation - are not allowed and will be reverted. See our Import Guidelines for details; if you encounter a rogue import then email the Data Working Group to have it removed.

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answered 13 Aug '12, 08:06

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Frederik Ramm ♦
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accept rate: 23%

edited 13 Aug '12, 08:10

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question asked: 13 Aug '12, 03:23

question was seen: 2,559 times

last updated: 13 Aug '12, 08:10

NOTICE: help.openstreetmap.org is no longer in use from 1st March 2024. Please use the OpenStreetMap Community Forum