What's the difference between surface=paved and surface=asphalt?

I see a path which is labeled partially with surface=paved and partially with surface=asphalt? What's the difference between the two, and which should be preferred?

I don't see much clarification at: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Key:surface

surface tagging

asked 14 May '13, 21:28

amcnabb8
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For me it is clear on that wiki page. I try again:

paved is "This is a rough description of the surface". It is some hard, sealed way but the specific material is not known to the mapper. It is the opposite of "unpaved" (not sealed). If you just know that it is a paved/hard way (that may mean asphalt or concrete or something else) then tag it as "paved". If you know that it is asphalt, then use:
asphalt is a special kind of "paved". It is a way made of asphalt on top.

Clear now?

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answered 14 May '13, 21:59

aseerel4c26 ♦
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edited 14 May '13, 22:03

more info and illustrations http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_surface

(15 May '13, 08:03) andy mackey

Note that wikipedia's definitions doesn't always have to match our definitions. Better take a look at our wiki instead.

(15 May '13, 08:12) scai ♦

Have you surveyed the path? does the surface vary along it length it often does. Different materials may have been used for patching and repairing.

(15 May '13, 08:31) andy mackey

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question asked: 14 May '13, 21:28

question was seen: 9,181 times

last updated: 15 May '13, 08:31

What's the difference between surface=paved and surface=asphalt?

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