↓Skip to main content
  1. Posts/

Mapping the sidewalks

·2 mins·
pedestrian projects

We are transforming the map of Nelson. Instead of only showing where the roads for cars are, we are also adding all the footpaths (sidewalks), crossings, and anything else important for pedestrian navigation.

We are generally following the OpenSidewalks schema, for mapping sidewalks and crossings as ways in OpenStreetMap. This elevates them to first-class members of an interconnected routing network, rather than only a sidewalk:both=yes tag.

This greatly improves the quality of the map, as it allows people to visualise where they can walk, how arcades and crossings connect footpaths and roads, and how exactly to get somewhere. It also allows for accessibility information to be added, such as where there is tactile paving, or which crossings have lowered kerbs, helping people who are blind, use a wheelchair or have a baby pram, etc.

Extra information for mappers
#

  • Sidewalks are drawn as ways and are centered along the area a pedestrian would walk.
  • Crossing ways are only drawn from the edge of the kerb to the other edge, e.g. the length one is actually crossing the street. There is instead a Walkway line connecting the crossing to the sidewalk.
  • The node on the kerb should be tagged as a kerb, including tactile paving information. Note that this information is also put onto the crossing node where it crosses the road.
  • Connections are the most important thing in a pedestrian network. Without many connections to the street and driveways, it isn’t very useful.
  • Map crossings where people can/usually cross. If there is an intersection, there should be crossings somewhere there otherwise maps won’t know they can cross there.
  • Mapping driveways is a good way to connect the sidewalks to the road.

Further reading (for mappers)
#

Please at least read those marked with [*] before editing anything related to this. If you are unsure, feel free to contact me.