You can see your own editing rank from the Waze Map Editor (WME) on the top left of the screen. Your rank appears as a series of cones with a number. In the WME when you select a segment, the properties drawer will show you the name of the editor who created and last modified the segment. The number in parenthesis is the rank system scale.
If your rank is lower than what it should be (based on the criteria below), and you are NOT in the USA, please contact Support to have the team look into the situation. Currently moving from one rank to the next higher rank is not automatic and needs assistance from Waze support. USA based editors should refer to the Editing rank USA section.
Note: Changes have been made to ranks as of July 2014[update]. Some of these changes are still in discussion and may continue to change beyond what is shown below.
Note that this chart is a general world-wide example. Some countries with Self-Management may have different ranking systems. Please check specific countries for variations.
| Description | Rank in Cones in WME | Editable Area Radius | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin, System, or Basemap import | N/A (staff) | N/A | Includes segments which have not been created or edited by an actual user, but exist from the initial data import (called the basemap) will show this information. |
| Area Manager | N/A | N/A | Area Managers (AM) can edit anything within their assigned area except objects locked by higher-level editors. Editors of any Rank can be granted AM rights, however in some countries there may be a minimum requirement before Area Managers are approved. Read the Area Manager section in the Wiki first before applying for an AM. |
| New users | 1 | 1 mile | All users start in this group, unless they are a member of one of the other groups listed |
| Editors with 1K edits or IGN editors | 2 | 2 miles | IGN Map editors are an extension of the Waze Geo-Ops (aka the Map Team) |
| Editors with 25K edits | 3 | 3 miles | Editors with 25K edits. Note: Some IGN Map editors may also be rank 3. |
| Editors with 100K edits | 4 | 4 miles | Need to contact Support for upgrading the level. |
| Editors with 250K edits | 5 | 4 miles | Need to contact Support for upgrading the level. |
| Waze Champs or over 500K edits | 6 | N/A | Many Waze Champs will hold this rank to assist the Waze Staff in managing security in road locks. Also if other editors reach 500K edits, they can request moving up to this rank. |
| Over 500K edits and granted country-wide editing rights | 6 | Country-wide | Once you reach 500K map edits, you can separately request through Support that you be granted country wide editing rights for the server on which you participate. This is not a separate editing rank, but the old rank system used that term to refer to country managers (CM). In some countries with rank self management you will also need approval from the other CMs. In smaller countries with no current CM, you can request CM status at a lower rank and if appropriate you may be granted. |
| Waze admins | STAFF | Unlimited | Currently only paid Waze employees |
Editing permissions
Locked segments
When an editor locks a segment, it currently has two functions:
- Automatic adjustments
- Editing ability
Automatic adjustments
A locked segment will not be changed by GPS tracks both in terms of geometry and directionality.
Segment Editing ability
A locked segment cannot be changed by an editor of a rank lower than that of the locking editor, or the rank of the editor who last edited the segment. The rank is locked based on the last person to edit the segment, and not the user who created it.
You can edit segments based on your editing rank and Editable area. Once a segment is locked, only a user with the same (or higher) rank can edit the segment again. This includes turn restrictions from any segment attached to a junction which also has a locked segment connected to it.
Locked junctions
A junction is considered to be locked when any segment which is connected to that junction is locked. A junction is locked from making driving-based changes (such as opening a restricted turn) once one of the turn restrictions in that junction is edited.
Speed cameras editing ability
The last person to edit the speed cam is basically locking it to their rank. A user with a lower rank will not be able to change / delete the camera, unless they are the owner of the camera or if it's in their area of management.
Area Managers
Area Managers can edit any unlocked objects within their defined area. This includes overriding a lock on an object of a lower-ranking editor. Area managers cannot override anything locked by an editor of a higher rank.
A growing list of Area Managers and their preferred contact details can be found here.