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When mapping business buildings, is it preferred to use lines or points, or both?

asked 10 May '13, 07:46

Chaz6's gravatar image

Chaz6
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Either points OR lines (ways), not both. This is known as one feature, one element.

You may wish to map the building as a way and the business itself as a point. This is a common approach for several reasons: the business was mapped first, the building afterwards; there are several businesses in the building (e.g., shop with offices above); consistency in mapping style; business POIs were collected with a mobile app; some icons show for points but not ways in the editor or mapnik renderer; etc.).

It is usually quicker to map businesses as points and at a later time refine the mapping by adding buildings and transferring the tags from the point to the building. However, for large buildings occupied as a single business I would map the building from the outset. Avoid mapping several buildings as one: it's very hard work to separate them later.

These are guidelines. In general it's a good idea to try and do whatever you choose to do consistently in your local mapping area. Your final choice will depend on how many businesses/buildings are involved and the quality of aerial imagery for doing building outlines.

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answered 10 May '13, 08:40

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SK53 ♦
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question asked: 10 May '13, 07:46

question was seen: 1,862 times

last updated: 10 May '13, 08:40

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