This is a static archive of our old OpenStreetMap Help Site. Please post any new questions and answers at community.osm.org.

Mapping a highway with one name but several parts with different classes (primary, secondary…)

1	I have a road which has for some kilometers the same name, but different quality. Is it correct to map it as multiple connected highways of different class, which simply all carry the same name=* tag? mapping highway asked 07 Jan '14, 09:23 cantho 71●2●2●6 accept rate: 0%

2 Answers:

I wouldn't assume a highway should be classified as different road types just because of different states of maintenance or surface quality.
Have a look into the OSM wiki at how highways are classified in OSM.
Furthermore have a look at surface, smoothness and tracktype. Tracktype is used not only in combination with highway=track. 4wd_only=yes exists, too.

Own experience: Two years ago I travelled a highway whose surface was partly new asphalt, partly crumbled asphalt, partly fine gravel, partly pebblestone. All the way I tagged it highway=primary - since it was/is one. :)
Pictures:

answered 07 Jan '14, 19:51

malenki
4.7k●2●46●83
accept rate: 6%

edited 14 May '14, 20:43

Definitely yes, the highway should be classified by its importance/use. Use the surface or track type tags to indicate what the condition is like. There is an current discussion on this on the tagging email list if you are interested. https://lists.openstreetmap.org/pipermail/tagging/2014-January/thread.html

(07 Jan '14, 20:48) n76

Thanks for the answers! My question aimed at highways with parts of different classes, however the class is determined. I'm a beginner and before I will start editing, I will carefully check how to classify highways. So I will take care of your hints regarding this. Best wishes.

(08 Jan '14, 02:51) cantho

2	Yes, but be smart and add all tags to the stretch and divide it afterwards to ad the classes. Less work and good results. answered 07 Jan '14, 09:37 Hendrikklaas 9.3k●207●238●387 accept rate: 5%