This page serves as the primary resource for editors of the Mid Atlantic region. Review all the sections to better understand how the guidelines for this region might deviate from the overall USA or worldwide guidelines. If you have any comments or questions about this page or region refer to the community links below.
No general message at this time.
Introduction
The Mid Atlantic region includes the states and/or territories of:
The items on this page should be used as the standard for the region unless specified in a state-level sub-page to ensure regional unity and consistency. See the Mid Atlantic Forum for more information. Questions should be addressed to the Mid Atlantic Regional Coordinator or the State Managers. We are always looking for editors, and have fun learning in the process.
This page is maintained by the MAR Leadership. Please coordinate any changes in advance.
Mid-Atlantic Region Multi-State Manager (MAR MSM)
Definition
The Mid-Atlantic Region Multi-State Manager (MAR MSM) role extends editing permissions to the entire Mid-Atlantic Region.
Roles & Responsibilities
For states outside their ‘home state’, MAR MSM responsibilities are toː
provide assistance and coverage for other SMs in MAR when timely assistance is needed and a state SM or pertinent LAM/AM is unavailable. This may include (but is not limited to):
Resolving Unlock/Update/Closure requests in a timely manner;
Working with local editors on large editing projects such as basemap, place harmonization lists, speed limits, lanes, etc; and
Performing community functions such as informal mentoring and new editor outreach.
follow all state standards, but free to edit in the area similar to driving EA or CM privileges;
when appropriate, provide input on local guidance, but the MAR MSM must not set policy for other states; the local state SM(s) has final authority on state policy in consultation with RCs; and
in the event that an SM is on an extended leave of absence, the RC may designate a MAR MSM to assist the remaining local SMs in routine operations.
Eligibility
Editors eligible for receiving MAR MSM shall meet the following criteria:
State Manager of a MAR state for minimum of 3 months
Mid-Atlantic Region Large Area Managers (MAR-LAM) help manage large sections of a state working with the local Area Managers. You can also reach out to them for assistance.
MAR-LAM Regions
A map of the MAR-LAM regions is below.
MAR-LAMs are simplified areas. This may cause coverage into surrounding states. MAR-LAM's are expected to get permission from that other state's SM if they wish to edit in an area outside of their MAR-LAM state.
As a rough rule of thumb, it is typical to grant MAR-LAM areas measured in thousands of square miles.
There can be more than one MAR-LAM for each region.
MAR-LAM Responsibilities
Abbreviation: MAR-LAM
Responsibilities: As the name suggests, MAR-LAMs manage a much larger portion of the map than AMs.
Establish Baseline
Update segments with unknown direction/clearly-incorrect names (segments from initial basemap import are very common in rural portions of the region even to this day)
Implement proper Road type selection for all updated segments based on national guidance
Ensure all updated segments are locked to minimum lock level appropriate for their segment type
Regular Upkeep
UR/MP Management: perform frequent, regular User Report/Map Problem passes over their entire area in accordance with the MAR UR Policy
Unlock/Update forum response: monitor Unlock/Update requests for any requests in their MAR-LAM that are posted in the forum, Discord, GHO, WME Chat, or PM; service directly or escalate if needed
Construction/Closures: responsible for staying current on all major construction projects, ensuring realtime closures are entered into the system as needed.
Mentoring/outreach: proactively seek out new editors and encourage them to join the community, stay in regular contact with existing editors who work within their zone and work to help them improve/expand skillsets and knowledge bases
Rapid Reponse: lead the response coordination effort for traffic disruptions in their zones (examples, freeway closure due to major accident, weather events (major snow storm or hurricane), planned events (marathons or parades)
MAR-LAM should maintain activity on the map and in the community on a weekly basis, and preferably a daily basis
It is requested that a MAR-LAM who will be away from map editing activities for more than two (2) weeks please notify the State Managers by private message (PM). This is simply to ensure, if needed, that any adjustments can be made for handling update requests or other activities.
MAR LAM Application Process
Prerequisites:
Editor must be an active MAR Area Manager for a polygon larger than PL at Zoom=0 for a minimum of 45 days
Editor must be an experienced Rank 3 or higher
Editor should be an active and effective communicator to other editors via forums, Discord, GHO, and/or Private Messages.
If you're already a MAR Area Manager and you're interested in becoming a MAR-LAM, please contact your State Managers and discuss possibilities and MAR-LAM areas.
Mapping resources
Before editing the maps in the Mid Atlantic region, be sure to fully review and understand the editing manual.
The Waze user community follows the Waze etiquette guidelines discussed in the Wiki. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these guiding principals while editing the maps and this Wiki, as well as when communicating with other Waze users.
Use only state DOT level FC maps when determine how to type (classify) a segment (Major Hwy, Minor Hwy, etc.). Some counties and cities have their own FC system, but only the state level system is to be used as a reference as these have been through a federal and state level approval process.
Before changing the type of any road past the bounds of the rules, please post the situation to the Maryland Forum to receive feedback.
Washington DC
These are official sources of information that can be used in the editor, in the form of downloadable PDFs or interactive GIS maps. See Using External Sources for acceptable sources of information.
State highways that are primarily signed at entering intersections with a State Route number rather than a road name should be named WV-### ("WV-2"). County roads that are primarily signed at entering intersections with County Road numbers rather than a road name should be named CR-## or CR-##/## ("CR-65" or "CR-91/1").
In Virginia, outside cities and major towns (and a couple of urban counties), nearly every road and street is designated as a "state highway" and assigned a number for VDOT inventory purposes. Primary state highways have numbers in the range of 2 to 599 (and, as exceptions, 785, 895), displayed in a route marker using a shield design. All other numbers from 600 up are secondary highways; if these roads have route markers (many do not), they use a circle design instead of a shield. See Virginia DOT Route Index Resources for more info.
Primary route marker
Secondary route marker
Update Requests
An Update Request (UR) is a Map Issue reported by a user from the Waze client app. It is also a layer in the Map Editor. See update requests for more information. MAR (DC, MD, VA, and WV) has a policy of shared UR management. This means that URs are open to all editors and that there is no "ownership" implied when posting the initial comment. However, it is courteous to allow new editors or editors you don't have an informal agreement with an extra day or two to respond to reporter comments and/or post reminders. Effective UR conversations are usually achieved with a single point of contact for the reporter, but other editors can step in if a UR with reporter comments begins to sit idle or if they think another editor needs help. Please be respectful to other editors and reporters while working URs; it is usually best to send a message to the editor rather than chatting with them through a UR. (Most reporters don't care about the chat, they just want it fixed and not be bothered with multiple responses). Typically, an editor should be given some time to respond to the reporter's comments (since real life has a way to occasionally get in the way to prevent editing time on some days).
In MAR, we have adopted at 0/4/4 system for response to Update Requests. 0/4/4 is the short way of explaining the following.
Day 0
The first editor who is able to respond to UR should attempt to resolve the UR. If they are successful, they should comment as such in the UR and mark it closed. If more information from the reporter is required to make progress towards closure, a query should be sent to the reporter requesting the information needed for resolution
Day 4+
Polite reminders should be sent to a reporter who has never responded to a query, provided at least three full days have elapsed since the initial response was sent. (You can send reminder at 00:01 Eastern Standard (or Daylight when applicable) Time on the fourth day).
Example
"If no further information is provided we will be unable to fix the issue you encountered and this report will be closed soon"
Second Day 4+
URs may be noted as closed due to lack of reporter response, provided at least three full days have elapsed since the followup message was sent (You can close at 00:01 Eastern Standard (or Daylight when applicable) Time on the fourth day since the reminder was sent)
Example
"This report is being closed due to lack of information, please submit another report if the issue continues. Happy Wazing!"
If you use URComments then the settings should be 4 for reminder and 4 for closure.
Community
The Waze forum is a great place to find answers to previously asked questions and also a place to ask new ones. Below are links to the forums specific to the Mid Atlantic region.
New editors should consider checking into the formal mentoring program available at no charge.
The Waze editing community used Discord to keep in touch. It can be used to get help, ask for unlocks, get mentoring, or just to get to know your other editors and leadership. While not required, we encourage you to join us on Discord by using this link.
Cities and towns
One of the most common errors when editing the maps is when an editor creates a road and does not confirm the road by setting the city and road name (or stating it has none).
Do not use the names associated with ZIP codes or the name of a neighborhood, community, or subdivision not included on the census map. Be sure to also set the city name of any alternate names correctly.
Maryland: There are 157 incorporated places in Maryland. When assigning the city name to a road segment or landmark, use the name of the incorporated place or CDP (census-designated place). If it is outside the boundaries of either of those, set the city name as None. If the road type is Freeway, set the city as None (except in Baltimore City), regardless of the location, as this helps with routing.
West Virginia: Despite its relatively small size, the Mountain State is home to approximately 3,100 cities, towns and small communities. To link them (and to provide an important part of the transport of the state’s abundant natural resources), there are some 36,000 miles of state-maintained highways that include 6,636 bridges (this figure does not include 238 railroad bridges, 117 city and county bridges, 99 West Virginia Turnpike bridges, 20 state park bridges, two private toll bridges and 132 other non-highway bridges).
Washington DC: Washington is the only city in the District of Columbia and it spans the entire area.
Virginia: There are 38 independent cities and 95 counties in the state. Proper naming information is still under discussion due to the highly urban nature of parts of northern Virginia
Major roads
The Mid Atlantic region follows the general road naming and road type guidelines of the USA.
Determining road types in the Mid Atlantic region aligns with the Waze USA Standard for freeway, major highway, minor highways, and primary streets. The Waze USA standard is a hybrid system based on a national standard called "functional classification" with a few modifications.
Functional classification maps are available for most states. Compliance across state borders is important to insure better route selections between states; however, editors in some states have deferred adoption of the USA Standard due to in-state concerns.
Minimum Locking Standard
Actual locks used may be more than the table below, depending on area circumstance. Please consult RC, SM, or appropriate AM for guidance
Locking Levels
Freeway
5
Ramp
4
Major Highway
4
Minor Highway
3
Primary Street
2 (3 for one way PS)
Street
1 (2 for one way S)
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-| Railroad |-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
2
• • • • Ferry • • • •
5
Road Segment Naming
Often when US Hwys, State Roads, and County Roads pass through municipalities, they have a local name (e.g, "Main St"). Please see Road names for instructions on how to name these segments. Check here for other states.
Alleys
The Mid Atlantic uses the following guidelines for mapping alleys.
Alleys should always be mapped if they have a name.
Alleys should always be mapped if they are the sole access to a home or business.
Alleys should be set to "PLR" or "PR" based on the guidance on the state page.
Alleys are normally mapped if they are acknowledged by the municipality.
If an alley does not meet the above criteria, mapping is optional. Leave the name field blank.
Be careful adding alleys which will be closer to the destination pins for house numbers, or from Google, as this can cause all navigation to all the addresses on that block to route onto the alley instead. It may be better not to map these alleys, or you may have to adjust all the address pins to be closer to the actual roads.
Private Road/Dirt Road
Rural farm and logging roads that are never open to the public should be marked as Private Road type to prevent routing. Most should be left off the map unless they serve multiple residences or are longer than 50 meters and has its own street name. Do not create driveways based on other mapping sources and do not delete driveways without consulting the creator first. The Dirt Road/4x4 Trail designation should be reserved for public (state/locality maintained) dirt roads and Forest Service roads, etc, that a user may actually traverse freely during at least part of the year.
MAR Deviation from National Continue TIO Guidance
Restricted areas (border control point, military base)
The Mid-Atlantic Region does not use Continue TIOs for when a best continuation is to a restricted area, it is not desired to inform the user prior to entering a military base, controlled industrial area or business, or private residential area (single family houses or apartments/condominiums). Properly established gates using private road segments prevent the majority of entrances into a restricted area unless the destination is only accessible by going into the area.
Toll
The Mid-Atlantic Region does not use Continue TIOs for when a best continuation is to a toll. The tolls in MAR are well marked and adding a different primary segment name (with alternate to match the current road name for routing continuation) is not desired. Additionally static tolls now display the toll price for the route.
Special roads
Drivable roads
The Mid Atlantic region follows the standard USA guidelines for all of the following special road types.
Review the Wiki guidelines for non-drivable roads to ensure compliance with the general guidelines.
Generally, if a path can't be driven on (e.g. Walking Trail, Pedestrian Boardwalk, Stairway, Runway/Taxiway) then it is not mapped.
Emergency Vehicle and DOT Service Roads
We do not map Emergency Vehicle and DOT Service Roads.
Ferries
For areas where residents are dependent upon ferries, see the Ferries Editing Manual. Please contact your RC for any questions deciding if a ferry should be mapped.
Railroads
Railroads can be mapped, but they are not a priority at this time.
Closures
When managing a section of roadway under construction or being closed for a major event, follow the Wiki guidelines on construction zones and Real time closures.
The Federal Highway Administration keeps a website indexing all states that can provide highway and construction project information. Go to the page, find your state, and check the links for the desired information.
Places
The Mid Atlantic region follows the USA standard for Places. Do not deviate from the guidelines without first obtaining consensus to do so via the region forum linked on this page.
The Mid Atlantic follows the national Places guidance.
To prevent loss of data due to automatic acceptance of submissions from "trusted users, all area places and points with complete data should be locked to Level 2 at a minimum.
Metro stations in DC, MD, and VA
The major public transportation system within the Washington DC metropolitan is METRO. It consists of both buses and rail.
The above ground train/bus stations shall be mapped as area places and locked at L3.
The below ground train stations shall be mapped as point places and locked at L3.
Additionally, please consult the following table for minimum lock level for completed places.
Place Type
Minimum Lock Level
Area Places
2
Gas Stations
3
Metro Stations
3
Hospital/Urgent Care
4
Fire Department
4
Police Station
4
Airports
4
Oddball Place Categories
Most categories in Waze are self-evident, however, occasionally questions arise as to what category should be used to maintain consistency in search results across the region. Use the chart below when working with a place that is not part of a chain and you are unsure of the category.
Oddball Place Category Mappings
Type of Place
Point/Area
Category 1
Category 2
Notes
Funeral Homes
Point
Shopping and Services
Liquor Stores
Point
Shopping and Services
Pawn Shops
Point
Shopping and Services
Storage Centers
Point
Shopping and Services
Cameras
Not every camera-looking device at an intersection is a speed or red light camera. Generally speaking:
a speed camera takes a photograph of a vehicle when it passes by the camera at too high a speed.
a red light camera takes a photograph of a vehicle that enters an intersection after the light is red. In some areas, it takes the photograph when a vehicle is not clear of the intersection some period after the light turns red.
When adding a camera, be sure to review the camera placement recommendations.
Laws regarding speed and red light cameras vary between the states and territories, so be sure to understand the details of camera legality in the Mid Atlantic region.
In West Virginia, code section §17C-6-7a prohibits use of cameras to detect or prove traffic law violations.
In Virginia speed enforcement cameras are illegal. Red light cameras are legal, but the number of them is regulated by VA Code §15.2-968.1
In Washington DC there are seven different types of traffic enforcement cameras. Below is a table containing each type of camera and how it should be mapped.
In Maryland speed cameras are authorized for use in the following areas: school zones throughout the state, work zones on freeways and major highways, and on streets in Montgomery County. Speed cameras can be mounted to a pole, concealed in a metal cabinet on the ground, or mounted on a trailer or vehicle parked on the shoulder, such as ones used in work zones. Most speed cameras in Maryland will not issue a ticket unless the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit by at least 12 mph; however, when setting the speed of a camera in the editor, use the speed limit of the road. Many speed cameras in school zones are portable and moved on a regular basis, in some cases weekly. This is usually indicated on the website and may include a rotation schedule. These reported camera locations should not be on the map. Red light cameras are also authorized for use throughout the state. Some red light cameras also include radar, and enforce speed limits. This is especially true in Baltimore City.
Other camera types
These are cameras or signs that either provide driver feedback or are used for traffic control such as DOT monitor cameras and emergency vehicle detectors. These devices CAN NOT issue tickets and should not be mapped.
Many states and territories keep an active list of pending or closed actions that need to be done in the state by the editors. All editors are welcome to contribute to the list of activities.
The table below identifies the editors also designated as Area Managers or higher who are editing in the Mid Atlantic region. If you have any questions, please consider contacting them directly as needed. If you are an Area Manager that covers the Mid Atlantic region, or a USA Country Manager that does a lot of work in the Mid Atlantic region, please add yourself to this list (alphabetical by username) in the correct rank section.
The editor who also serves as the Regional Coordinator for the Mid Atlantic region is automatically listed at the top of the table. That editor may not be highly active in this region and therefore may not be listed separately in the table.
Mid Atlantic — Area, State, Country Managers, and Regional Coordinators
The following editors are also editing in the state and may be working towards an Area Manager position. Feel free to contact them for assistance in their respective areas.
