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'''Area Managers - the complete how to guide '''
{{Notice|MsgID=Obsoleted}}


''From the Waze Area_Manager_101.doc''
<center>[[Area_Manager#Area_Manager_FAQ|Back to Area Manager FAQ]]</center>


<span style="color: red;">''Note: the information below is in the process of being updated to reflect the current Waze Map Editor interface. The principals are the same though.''</span><br>
<center>'''The Area Managers complete How-to guide'''</center>
{{Red|''Note: The information below is in the process of being updated to reflect the current Waze Map Editor interface. The principals are the same though.''}}
=Introduction and Thank You=


Thank you for becoming a Waze Area Manager. Because of people just like you, Waze will only get better and better. You are a critical success factor for Waze. We really appreciate your help.


Please read all the information in this wiki Area Manager FAQ section, view the videos, add your questions and comments to the [http://www.waze.com/forum/ Forum] as well. If you cannot find your answers there, feel free to send private messages to other registered area or country managers in your city by using the [[Private message|private message system]] or use the [[Support]] system.


But, we have one big request for you. Please be patient. [https://world.waze.com/livemap/?zoom=6&lat=41.84901&lon=12.54167&layers=BTTTT Rome] wasn’t built, or mapped, in a day. It will take time to get this done. Time to build the maps, detect the errors, fix the errors and also build the critical mass of wazers so that real time reporting from the highways provides important early warning data.
== Not an Area Manager but want to be one? ==
As an area manager, we know it will sometimes be frustrating for you, and we ask you also be patient with us. At times, it may [[Waze Map Editor#Map Update Timing|take a few days to see your map corrections in the cell phone client]], but they will appear. So keep making those corrections. We are growing fast, struggling with the growth, but we are looking forward to a bright future, all thanks to you.


P.S. You do not have to be an area manager to update the map, but to go beyond the bounds of your current driven area, being an area manager is very helpful. Review the information on [[Area_Manager#How_to_Become_an_Area_Manager|becoming an area manager]] to learn more.
The target audience for this page are people exactly like you that have met the prerequisites and have already been appointed as an Area Manager.


P.P.S. Be sure to check out our new 2 hour map editing [http://www.waze.com/webinar/ webinars], too.
Please visit the [[Area Manager#Area Manager|Area Manager]] page for details on how to become an Area Manager.


=Update requests=
== Introduction and Thank You ==


==What is an update request?==
Welcome and thank you for becoming a Waze Area Manager! You are a critical success factor for Waze. Because of people just like you, Waze will only get better and better. We really appreciate your help.
This is the main tool to interact with your community!  
Update requests are a direct tool to mediate between wazers in your area and you. This enables each wazer to report map errors and updates without having to figure out how to solve them, which is where you can come in as the area manager. Anyone can report map problems, either from the livemap or directly from the phone client. For most of them it's click 'n go, for you these are precious pieces of data.  


Update requests are requests that the waze users added to the live map or from the client application. This enables the user to report problems such as: incorrect road name, missing street, turn not allowed, and any other map issues. Users have the option to also add a text description, but this is not mandatory when submitting an update request.  
Please read all the information in the [[Area Manager]] wiki page, view the videos, add your questions and comments to the [http://www.waze.com/forum/ Forum] as well. If you cannot find your answers there, feel free to send private messages to other registered area or country managers in your city by using the [[Private message|private message system]] or use the [[Support]] system.


[[Image:UpdateRequests.png]]
But, we have one big request for you. Please be patient. [http://world.waze.com/livemap/?zoom=6&lat=41.84901&lon=12.54167&layers=BTTTT Rome] wasn’t built, or mapped, in a day. It will take time to get this done. Time to build the maps, detect the errors, fix the errors and also build the critical mass of wazers so that real time reporting from the highways provides important early warning data.
When an update request has been sent, it will be shown on the edit map as a balloon, where each color represents a different status. Detailed information on managing [[Update_Requests_in_Waze_Map_Editor|Update Requests is covered here]].


==The Area Manager's Role in Update Requests==
As an area manager, we know it will sometimes be frustrating for you, and we ask you also be patient with us. At times, it may [[Waze Map Editor#Map Update Timing|take a few days to see your map corrections in the cell phone client]], but they will appear. So keep making those corrections. We are growing fast, struggling with the growth, but we are looking forward to a bright future, all thanks to you.


The wazers use this tool to inform you about problems in the map of your area. As an area manager you are the one who has permissions and knowledge to add or change the information in the map.
P.S. You do not have to be an area manager to update the map, but to go beyond the bounds of your current driven area, being an area manager is very helpful. Review the information on [[Area Manager#How to Become an Area Manager|becoming an area manager]] to learn more.


The Update Requests tool allows the community to let you know about these problems and therefore you can keep track of their requests. While driving, the wazers will sometimes encounter a problem like a turn that should be restricted, wrong street name and direction etc. Because they do not have the permissions to edit and fix the map, or they are not familiar with the map editor interface yet, they will turn to you.  
P.P.S. Be sure to check out our new 2 hour map editing [http://www.waze.com/webinar/ webinars], too.
 
They will open the update request option while driving or when they will visit the site. Sometimes they will add information regarding this problem, sometimes they will not. When you go over the update requests make sure you read and understand what the user meant when he opened the request. Sometimes it will not be clear what the user meant to say, and sometimes there won't be enough information to solve the problem. If you can't understand what the user meant, select the option "not identified" with the hope the user can report more information next time.  


==What is the best way to track my area update requests? ==
=== Join the community on our Area Manager Display Map ===


You have two ways to keep track of the update requests in your area:
'''While this has no affect on your ability to edit in Waze''', consider adding yourself to the [http://g.co/maps/bnvna Waze Area Manager Global Map on Google maps] once you have received your Area Manager access! Join the community of Waze editors by showing your presence here and [http://www.waze.com/forum joining in the discussion on the forum].
One is to have a feed to your RSS reader, such as the [http://www.google.com/reader Google reader] - click here to find the Waze RSS feed of the [http://www.waze.com/wiki/index.php/Update_Request_List Update Requests] in your area. The other way is to scroll the map of your area to see if there are any new or unresolved requests.  


=Community - the Forum - How to be available for other members in your area=
Add a pin for your approximate location and a shape for your approximate Waze AM area on the [http://g.co/maps/f59ur editable version of the Google map]. Please note that this version of the Google map will only show a limited number of pins/shapes "per page", so don't fret if you don't see anyone else around! Also, all changes to this map are live, so be careful not to delete or change anyone else's stuff.


This [http://www.waze.com/forum/ Forum] tool helps you stay in touch with your community. The other wazers can share their knowledge and their acquaintance with your city to help you with mapping and developing the map in your area. The bigger the area you have under your management, the more you will need the other wazers to help you.
To add your pin to the Google map:


It is important to work with other wazers your community – they are the ones who best know the area they live in, and like you, they will benefit from the improvement of the map. You can read about wazers' requests, help them map and solve problems, and even assign wazers to map different parts of your area.
*From the [http://g.co/maps/f59ur "Editable Google Map"], zoom in on your location
*On the left panel of the screen, click on the "Edit" button
*In the top left of the map, click on the blue icon
*Set your pin on your approximate location
*Add your Waze userid as the "Title" and any extra information you would like to provide in the description
*On the left panel of the screen, click on the "Done" button


==How to use the Forum?==
To add your Waze AM area to the Google map:


First of all, check the [http://www.waze.com/forum/ Forum] in the waze site – click on the community label and then click on the “go to forums” option.
*From the [http://g.co/maps/f59ur "Editable Google Map"], zoom in on your location
# check the “country (languages) forums”.
*On the left panel of the screen, click on the "Edit" button
# Find your relevant country.
*In the top left of the map, click on the small down triangle next to the line icon
# You can add a new topic (it is recommended to add a new topic with your region or city's name in order to provide a forum which serves you and your community. (for example: UK forum – London forum – Eastend forum).  
*Mouse click to set the points of your approximate AM area
*Add your Waze userid + AM as the "Title" and any extra information you would like to provide in the description
*On the left panel of the screen, click on the "Done" button
<center>[http://g.co/maps/bnvna WELCOME TO THE CLUB!]</center>
== Update requests ==


==I can't find any relevant forum for my region / country, what should I do? ==
=== What is an update request? ===


Have no worries. Just send us an email to [mailto:alpha@waze.com alpha@waze.com] with a request to add a new country, language or region and we will add the topic to the forum.
This is the main tool to interact with your community! Update requests are a direct tool to mediate between wazers in your area and you. This enables each wazer to report map errors and updates without having to figure out how to solve them, which is where you can come in as the area manager. Anyone can report map problems, either from the livemap or directly from the phone client. For most of them it's click 'n go, for you these are precious pieces of data.


==I have a forum of my area. What now? ==
Update requests are requests that the waze users added to the live map or from the client application. This enables the user to report problems such as: incorrect road name, missing street, turn not allowed, and any other map issues. Users have the option to also add a text description, but this is not mandatory when submitting an update request.


Good question! Now your community has a place to discuss with each other, and let you know about problems they have and ask for your assistance and guidance.
[[File:UpdateRequests.png]] When an update request has been sent, it will be shown on the edit map as a balloon, where each color represents a different status. Detailed information on managing [[Update Requests in Waze Map Editor|Update Requests is covered here]].
If you've noticed other wazers are editing roads in / around your area, invite them with a Private Message (PM) to come join your forum and discuss further mapping there, so it will be available for any other wazers who join in the future.


==Is there a simple way to keep track of the forum? ==
=== The Area Manager's Role in Update Requests ===


Of course! you can now subscribe for specific forums that interest you, or remain with the current feed that holds all the posts on the forum. To subscribe to a specific feed, you will need the forum id which appears as part of the URL when you open the forum.  
The wazers use this tool to inform you about problems in the map of your area. As an area manager you are the one who has permissions and knowledge to add or change the information in the map.


For example, the MAP forum is #8 as seen from its URL: viewforum.php?f=8
The Update Requests tool allows the community to let you know about these problems and therefore you can keep track of their requests. While driving, the wazers will sometimes encounter a problem like a turn that should be restricted, wrong street name and direction etc. Because they do not have the permissions to edit and fix the map, or they are not familiar with the map editor interface yet, they will turn to you.
Subscribing to a forum will also subscribe you to all of its sub-forums.  


In order to get the RSS for the MAP forum only, use this url:http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8
They will open the update request option while driving or when they will visit the site. Sometimes they will add information regarding this problem, sometimes they will not. When you go over the update requests make sure you read and understand what the user meant when he opened the request. Sometimes it will not be clear what the user meant to say, and sometimes there won't be enough information to solve the problem. If you can't understand what the user meant, select the option "not identified" with the hope the user can report more information next time.


To add another forum, for example, the Norwegian forum (id = 54) just add the number following a comma (no spaces): http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8,54
=== What is the best way to track my area update requests? ===


By default, the feed will contain the last 10 posts, but you can extend up to 100 posts by adding &limit=xxx to the end of the RSS feed URL: http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8,54&limit=100
You have two ways to keep track of the update requests in your area: One is to have a feed to your RSS reader - click here to find the Waze RSS feed of the [http://www.waze.com/wiki/index.php/Update_Request_List Update Requests] in your area. The other way is to scroll the map of your area to see if there are any new or unresolved requests.


==What should I do with this forum feed? ==
== Community - the Forum ==


You will need to Subscribe to a site that can provide you a way to gather all the feeds from the forums you have chosen. There are a number of sites that provide this service, such as [http://www.netvibes.com/ netvibes.com], [http://www.google.com/ig igoogle], [http://www.bing.com/ bing] etc.
This [http://www.waze.com/forum/ Forum] tool helps you stay in touch with your community. The other wazers can share their knowledge and their acquaintance with your city to help you with mapping and developing the map in your area. The bigger the area you have under your management, the more you will need the other wazers to help you.


=Map problems=
It is important to work with other wazers in your community – they are the ones who best know the area they live in, and like you, they will benefit from the improvement of the map. You can read about wazers' requests, help them map and solve problems, and even assign wazers to map different parts of your area.
Information about map problems is available on waze's wiki - check this link:
[[Main_Page#Map_Editing|Map Editing]]. We have two types of map problems — merger problems and scan problems.  


==What do scan problems mean?==
=== How to use the Forum? ===
(also check the wiki page [[How_to_fix_scan_problems_(problems_1-31)]] ).


 
First of all, check the [http://www.waze.com/forum/ Forum] in the waze site – click on the community label and then click on the “go to forums” option.
Scan problems are shown on the map when the program recognizes a situation that might be problematic for navigation. You will have to activate the Map Problem Layer in order to see problems that exist on the map. If there is a major problem that is left unsolved, waze will not be able to route in the specific area where the problem exists. It is vital, as an area manager, to check the map in your area and see whether these problems can affect the navigation of users in your community and if so, fix them. Our Scan Problems wiki page holds all the information you’ll need to know in order to solve these problems. Make sure you check it out.


==What do merger problems mean?==
#check the “country (languages) forums”.
(also check the wiki page [[How_to_fix_merger_problems_(problems_51-60)]])  
#Find your relevant country.
 
#You can add a new topic (it is recommended to add a new topic with your region or city's name in order to provide a forum which serves you and your community. (for example: UK forum – London forum – Eastend forum).
Merger problems are slightly different from the scan problems. The merger problems are problems that arise after the program runs a daily scan and finds anomalies. This is where the current map does not fit the actual route of other wazers.


For example, a road segment is not where it should be.  Because of this, the actual route that was taken by wazers will be far from the current road showing on the Waze map, thus creating a merger problem. As an area manager, the «merger problems» tool can help you detect if there are roads that should be fixed or if there are new roads that should be added.
=== I can't find any relevant forum for my region / country, what should I do? ===


Once again, please visit the merger problem issue in our wiki page to get all the information you need to solve these problems. Pay special attention to the fact that some of these problems do not need fixing. Some merge problem might arise from inaccurate GPS tracks caused by wazers with cell phones having inaccurate GPS chips.
Have no worries. Just send us an email to [mailto:alpha@waze.com alpha@waze.com] with a request to add a new country, language or region and we will add the topic to the forum.


=Mapping tips=
=== I have a forum of my area. What now? ===


==This is the crown jewel.==
Good question! Now your community has a place to discuss with each other, and let you know about problems they have and ask for your assistance and guidance. If you've noticed other wazers are editing roads in / around your area, invite them with a Private Message (PM) to come join your forum and discuss further mapping there, so it will be available for any other wazers who join in the future.
As an area manager you have permissions not only to create new roads according to your routes but create roads according to the GPS points made by any other wazer in your area.  


When mapping a map from scratch, meaning that there are hardly any roads recorded by users, it is your duty to make the map alive by mapping the area yourself.
=== Is there a simple way to keep track of the forum? ===
Keep in mind that if you're still not sure about any of the cartouche features and options, you can check this wiki article.


==Sounds great! Where do I start? ==
Of course! you can now subscribe for specific forums that interest you, or remain with the current feed that holds all the posts on the forum. To subscribe to a specific feed, you will need the forum id which appears as part of the URL when you open the forum.


Work your way by the importance of the roads. Start mapping the freeways, ramps, major and minor highways and then move to the main streets etc.  
For example, the MAP forum is #8 as seen from its URL: viewforum.php?f=8 Subscribing to a forum will also subscribe you to all of its sub-forums.


Start from the highways that connect the cities, This will allow basic navigation around the city and its surroundings. Then create ramps, then major roads in the city itself, in order to make the navigation simple and quick. When you're done mapping the main roads create the smaller streets.  
In order to get the RSS for the MAP forum only, use this url:[http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8 http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8]


As soon as the main grid is up and live, it'll be easy for other wazers to join in. As more wazers navigate in your area, there will be more data, helping you build the map faster and easier. The better the map is, the more users will join you by mapping their own streets.  
To add another forum, for example, the Norwegian forum (id = 54) just add the number following a comma (no spaces): [http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8,54 http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8,54]


By default, the feed will contain the last 10 posts, but you can extend up to 100 posts by adding &limit=xxx to the end of the RSS feed URL: [http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8,54&limit=100 http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8,54&amp;limit=100]


==Anything tricky about this map editing stuff? ==
=== What should I do with this forum feed? ===


Unfortunately, yes. What you see, is not always what your get - Turn restrictions and connectivity
You will need to Subscribe to a site that can provide you a way to gather all the feeds from the forums you have chosen. There are a number of sites that provide this service, such as [http://www.netvibes.com/ netvibes.com], [http://www.google.com/ig igoogle], [http://www.bing.com/ bing] etc.


As a new Area Manager, before you go off and start making lots of changes to your map area, let's stop a minute and be sure you understand how to truly 'see' what waze sees in your map. New area managers often think they just need to open the roads by setting the direction and modify a road segments geometry to match the aerial map. Sometimes that is enough but to really get your map right, you need to use some viewing tools to look deeper.
== System generated map problem alerts ==


The Waze navigation system is constantly monitoring the GPS signals from the client apps and matching it to what it has in the maps. When Wazers consistently make turns that are not allowed in the map or they drive on roads that are not present, the system will generate a problem report that can be seen when you enable the [[Map Editor Interface and Controls#Layers|Problem layer]].


[[Image:AllSeemsWell.jpg]]
They appear on the map like the user reported problems, but these balloons do not have the smiley face attached to them.


If there is a major problem that is left unsolved, waze will not be able to route in the specific area where the problem exists. It is vital, as an area manager, to check the map in your area and see whether these problems can affect the navigation of users in your community and if so, fix them.


Just because you have a nice map like this, Where the directions are correct and where there is a nice junction at each intersection, don't think that everything is copacetic. What you see is not always what you get.
== Mapping tips ==


Roads may seem to be 'open' but Waze may think they are not drivable. Huh?! Yep, just because one road touches another road and has a junction, waze may not think you can make a turn. How do you tell? [[Cartouche - Update map#Highlight Connectivity:| Highlight Connectivity]] shows which roads are actually connected to each other.  Again, placing a junction does not insure all the roads really connect. 
=== This is the crown jewel ===


By checking the [[Cartouche - Update map#Highlight Connectivity:| Highlight Connectivity]] box in the View panel, you see the true picture.  See what happend to our view of James and Lagoon.  As you travel south on James, Waze understands you can take a right turn to go west on Lagoon - Green Highlight, Waze also understands that you can take a right turn from Lagoon onto James going north or you can go northward on James across Lagoon - orange lines.  But, Waze does not think you can drive south on James across Lagoon.  
As an area manager you have permissions not only to create new roads according to your routes, but create roads according to the GPS points made by any other wazer in your area.


[[Image:Connectivity.jpg]]
When mapping a map from scratch, meaning that there are hardly any roads recorded by users, it is your duty to make the map alive by mapping the area yourself.


But you can go south on James across Lagoon,  But how do you fix it? You fix it first, by selecting the two road segments in the order that you would drive them.  In this case, first click the James Ave segment to the North of Lagoon and then command/ctrl click (command for Mac, ctrl for Windows) the segment to the south.  Next, on the Edit panel, click Connect Roads by order of selection. Next To remove the turn restriction, you must click on the junction at Lagoon and James, and once the junction is highlighted with a circle, click Enable all Turns on the Edit Panel.
=== Sounds great! Where do I start? ===


==I did some mapping, but how should I label the new roads that I created? ==
Work your way by the importance of the roads. Start mapping the freeways, ramps, major and minor highways and then move to the main streets etc. However, if you are in an area that already has very well established roads, be careful not to change what is already there simply because you "think" it is wrong.


Just visit our [http://www.waze.com/wiki/index.php/How_to_label_and_name_roads wiki page on how to label and name roads] and you will find all the information you need is here. If you don't find your problem addressed, search on the [http://www.waze.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=10 map editing forum] to see if someone else has already encountered your same problem.  No help there? Just ask! There are many experienced editors active on the forum and who are happy to help.
If you are in a new area with no prior area manager, start from the highways that connect the cities to enable basic navigation around the city and its surroundings. Then create ramps, then major roads in the city itself, in order to make the navigation simple and quick. When you're done mapping the main roads create the smaller streets.


As soon as the main grid is up and live, it'll be easy for other wazers to join in. As more wazers navigate in your area, there will be more data, helping you build the map faster and easier. The better the map is, the more users will join you by mapping their own streets.


We realize that road types differ from one country to another. A few have already created their own guidelines in separate wiki articles for their country. If you are not sure about your country, you can ask us at [mailto:alpha@waze.com alpha@waze.com] and we will assist.
=== Anything tricky about this map editing stuff? ===


==I see this Locked checkbox option when I edit roads, is that dangerous?==
Unfortunately, yes. What you see, is not always what your get - Turn restrictions and connectivity


Actually, no it is very useful.  When you select a road segment and click edit details, the Locked checkbox is shown.  If you have a new area, the checkboxes will mostly be unchecked.  The [[FAQ#What is a locked road in Cartouche?|Locked checkbox]], if checked,  prevents Waze from automatically changing the direction(s) of a road segment.  If a road segment in your area is unchecked and a wazer with a poorly calibrated GPS passes through the neighborhood, the wazers bad signal could make waze think your recently set one way roads are actually two way. 
As a new Area Manager, before you go off and start making lots of changes to your map area, let's stop a minute and be sure you understand how to truly 'see' what waze sees in your map. New area managers often think they just need to open the roads by setting the direction and modify a road segments geometry to match the aerial map. Sometimes that is enough but to really get your map right, you need to use some viewing tools to look deeper.
 
[[Image:EditRoadDetails.jpg]]
 
Setting the locked checkbox is not like 'until death do us part'. As area manager you can modify the road directions to your hearts content.  The Locked checkbox just keeps Waze from trying to 'help'
 
General rule: When you go through your area, if you are pretty sure about the direction of your roads, you should lock them.
 
Ok, but what if I'm about to change a road segments direction and it already has a lock on it.  What do I do then?  In that case, I'd double check your facts. Someone before you thought differently. Check the flow of roads into and out of the road you plan to change.  Bottom line. Be sure you're right, then go ahead and make the change.
 
==Yes! I'm done mapping the area you guys gave me. I want more!==
 
Way to go! Congratulations!!
 
just send us an email to [mailto:alpha@waze.com alpha@waze.com]  with your username, your email address, a [[Cartouche - Update map#Super Permalink|Super Permalink]] on the update map screen (!!) of the area you want to add (use the maximum zoom level, meaning go as far as possible and then hit the [[Cartouche - Update map#Super Permalink|Super Permalink]] button) and additional information that will might help us (cities name, regions etc.). We will send you an email once your new area has been added.
 
 
=For larger cities, can I share the workload?=
 
==Sharing Work==
Area managers in the same city can use our wiki to collaborate and divide the work.  The [[To Do lists - Major Cities|To Do lists]] page can be edited so you and other area managers can mark the Highways/Roads you want to fix.  Scroll down to see the list of cities. 
 
If your city isn't listed, you can add it by copying a city line in the wiki page source code.  Sounds scary but it's [[Area Manager: How to edit wiki pages| easy]]. Other Area Manager's have already started defining what needs to be 'done' to get a highway right. Here's an example of an active to-do list for [[To Do - Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN|Minneapolis]].
 
==OK, but how do we discover each other and form a team?==
 
Good question.  You can start by turning on the
[[Cartouche_-_Update_map#Area_managers_layer|Area Managers Layer]] in the Layers panel in Cartouche and see usernames of the current area managers in your town.  Also, you can ask Wazers in your area with the biggest point to join you.  Check the bottom toolbar in Waze on your phone. Tap the arrowhead. Tap scoreboard.  You'll see wazers in your town by point totals, with highest on top.
 
To make contact, [[Login to forum|log into the forum]] and send them a private message. Often regular users don't know how to sign up by sending an email to [mailto:alpha@waze.com alpha@waze.com] with their Waze username, their email address, and a [[Cartouche - Update map#Super Permalink|Super Permalink]] of the area they want to fix. But, please don't be pushy. Some wazers just need to cruise.
 
=Update requests templates =
 
==Adding new roads==
The mapping in our project is done by the users, who record the GPS data while driving. In order to add a new street/road/exit etc, you need to record it as you are driving through the area. To edit the details of the road you recorded, visit http://www.waze.com/cartouche/ the following day to edit the road you created. For further information read our Forum and Wiki. -- Thanks for the update,
 
 
==Adding House Numbers==
You can update house numbers through your mobile device while driving along the relevant street. Visit http://www.waze.com/cartouche/ to edit roads in your area yourself. For further information read our Forum and Wiki. -- Thanks for the update,
 
 
==Adding POI's - (Points of Interest)==
You can add POI's to the map with the Landmarks panel in the update map at www.waze.com. Currently you can only view the landmarks while driving near them. In the future you will be able to search for specific landmarks. -- Thanks for the update,
 
 
==All Purpose==
Thanks for pointing this map error out.  If you want to do more, please visit the website www.waze.com and look at the live maps then the update maps option. You will already have permissions to fix map errors that are within a mile of where ever you have driven with Waze on. -- Thanks for the update,
 
 
==Empty request==
Please mention the error that needs to be fixed, including any information that may be useful. Visit http://www.waze.com/cartouche/ to edit roads in your area yourself. For further information read our Forum and Wiki. -- Thanks for the update,
 
 
==False Location==
I didn't find the streets you mentioned anywhere near the update request marker. Please send the request again from the problematic location. Visit http://www.waze.com/cartouche/ to edit roads in your area yourself. For further information read our Forum and Wiki. -- Thanks for the update,
 
 
==General==
Our maps are maintained and developed by the community. Visit http://www.waze.com/cartouche/ to edit roads in your area yourself. For further information read our Forum and Wiki. -- Thanks for the update,
 
 
==GPS Deviation==
The reason for the error you've described is probably a GPS deviation from the GPS component in your device. Try to place the device in an exposed space while using it. -- Thank you for the update,
 
 
==Navigation problems==
Did you try again since you've sent this update? If the problems persist, please contact support@waze.com -- Thanks for the update,


Be sure to be completely familiar with all the content of these key guides:


*[[Best map editing practice]]
*[[Map Editing Tips and Hints]]
*[[Map Editing Quick-start Guide]]


==Street already updated==
== For larger cities, can I share the workload? ==
The street has already been updated by another user. Visit http://www.waze.com/cartouche/ to edit roads in your area yourself. For further information read our Forum and Wiki. -- Thanks for the update,


=== Sharing Work ===


==Updating road directions==
Area managers in the same city can use our wiki to collaborate and divide the work. You can create a wiki page under your country or state page to track the to-do items. Sounds scary but it's [[Help:Wiki editing|easy]]. Other Area Manager's have already started defining what needs to be 'done' to get a highway right. Here's an example of an active to-do list for [[To Do - Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN|Minneapolis]].
The road direction has been updated based on the information you've submitted. Visit http://www.waze.com/cartouche/ to edit roads in your area yourself. For further information read our Forum and Wiki. -- Thanks for the update,


=== OK, but how do we discover each other and form a team? ===


==Updating streets name==
Good question. You can start by turning on the [[Map Editor Interface and Controls#Area Managers|Area Managers Layer]] in the Layers panel in Waze Map Editor and see usernames of the current area managers in your town. Also, you can ask Wazers in your area with the largest points to join you. Check the bottom toolbar in Waze on your phone. Tap the arrowhead. Tap scoreboard. You'll see wazers in your town by point totals, with highest on top.
I've updated the street's name. Visit http://www.waze.com/cartouche/ to edit roads in your area yourself. For further information read our Forum and Wiki. -- Thanks for the update,


To make contact, [[Login to forum|log into the forum]] and send them a private message. Often regular users don't know how to sign up by sending an email to [mailto:alpha@waze.com alpha@waze.com] with their Waze username, their email address, and a [[Waze Map Editor#Permalink|Permalink]] of the area they want to fix. But, please don't be pushy. Some wazers just need to cruise.


== Reference Links ==


==Requests from non US users==
*[[Editing manual]]
You can help us build the maps for other countries by recording roads while driving in your country and then editing them on our website. For further information read our Forum and Wiki. -- Thanks for the update,
*[[Junction Style Guide]]
*[[Limited Access Interchange Style Guide]]

Latest revision as of 00:06, 19 December 2015

This information is obsolete and the active links to this page have been reviewed for disconnection or replacement. More current alternate information is likely available and should be followed rather than this information.


The Area Managers complete How-to guide

Note: The information below is in the process of being updated to reflect the current Waze Map Editor interface. The principals are the same though.


Not an Area Manager but want to be one?

The target audience for this page are people exactly like you that have met the prerequisites and have already been appointed as an Area Manager.

Please visit the Area Manager page for details on how to become an Area Manager.

Introduction and Thank You

Welcome and thank you for becoming a Waze Area Manager! You are a critical success factor for Waze. Because of people just like you, Waze will only get better and better. We really appreciate your help.

Please read all the information in the Area Manager wiki page, view the videos, add your questions and comments to the Forum as well. If you cannot find your answers there, feel free to send private messages to other registered area or country managers in your city by using the private message system or use the Support system.

But, we have one big request for you. Please be patient. Rome wasn’t built, or mapped, in a day. It will take time to get this done. Time to build the maps, detect the errors, fix the errors and also build the critical mass of wazers so that real time reporting from the highways provides important early warning data.

As an area manager, we know it will sometimes be frustrating for you, and we ask you also be patient with us. At times, it may take a few days to see your map corrections in the cell phone client, but they will appear. So keep making those corrections. We are growing fast, struggling with the growth, but we are looking forward to a bright future, all thanks to you.

P.S. You do not have to be an area manager to update the map, but to go beyond the bounds of your current driven area, being an area manager is very helpful. Review the information on becoming an area manager to learn more.

P.P.S. Be sure to check out our new 2 hour map editing webinars, too.

Join the community on our Area Manager Display Map

While this has no affect on your ability to edit in Waze, consider adding yourself to the Waze Area Manager Global Map on Google maps once you have received your Area Manager access! Join the community of Waze editors by showing your presence here and joining in the discussion on the forum.

Add a pin for your approximate location and a shape for your approximate Waze AM area on the editable version of the Google map. Please note that this version of the Google map will only show a limited number of pins/shapes "per page", so don't fret if you don't see anyone else around! Also, all changes to this map are live, so be careful not to delete or change anyone else's stuff.

To add your pin to the Google map:

  • From the "Editable Google Map", zoom in on your location
  • On the left panel of the screen, click on the "Edit" button
  • In the top left of the map, click on the blue icon
  • Set your pin on your approximate location
  • Add your Waze userid as the "Title" and any extra information you would like to provide in the description
  • On the left panel of the screen, click on the "Done" button

To add your Waze AM area to the Google map:

  • From the "Editable Google Map", zoom in on your location
  • On the left panel of the screen, click on the "Edit" button
  • In the top left of the map, click on the small down triangle next to the line icon
  • Mouse click to set the points of your approximate AM area
  • Add your Waze userid + AM as the "Title" and any extra information you would like to provide in the description
  • On the left panel of the screen, click on the "Done" button
WELCOME TO THE CLUB!

Update requests

What is an update request?

This is the main tool to interact with your community! Update requests are a direct tool to mediate between wazers in your area and you. This enables each wazer to report map errors and updates without having to figure out how to solve them, which is where you can come in as the area manager. Anyone can report map problems, either from the livemap or directly from the phone client. For most of them it's click 'n go, for you these are precious pieces of data.

Update requests are requests that the waze users added to the live map or from the client application. This enables the user to report problems such as: incorrect road name, missing street, turn not allowed, and any other map issues. Users have the option to also add a text description, but this is not mandatory when submitting an update request.

When an update request has been sent, it will be shown on the edit map as a balloon, where each color represents a different status. Detailed information on managing Update Requests is covered here.

The Area Manager's Role in Update Requests

The wazers use this tool to inform you about problems in the map of your area. As an area manager you are the one who has permissions and knowledge to add or change the information in the map.

The Update Requests tool allows the community to let you know about these problems and therefore you can keep track of their requests. While driving, the wazers will sometimes encounter a problem like a turn that should be restricted, wrong street name and direction etc. Because they do not have the permissions to edit and fix the map, or they are not familiar with the map editor interface yet, they will turn to you.

They will open the update request option while driving or when they will visit the site. Sometimes they will add information regarding this problem, sometimes they will not. When you go over the update requests make sure you read and understand what the user meant when he opened the request. Sometimes it will not be clear what the user meant to say, and sometimes there won't be enough information to solve the problem. If you can't understand what the user meant, select the option "not identified" with the hope the user can report more information next time.

What is the best way to track my area update requests?

You have two ways to keep track of the update requests in your area: One is to have a feed to your RSS reader - click here to find the Waze RSS feed of the Update Requests in your area. The other way is to scroll the map of your area to see if there are any new or unresolved requests.

Community - the Forum

This Forum tool helps you stay in touch with your community. The other wazers can share their knowledge and their acquaintance with your city to help you with mapping and developing the map in your area. The bigger the area you have under your management, the more you will need the other wazers to help you.

It is important to work with other wazers in your community – they are the ones who best know the area they live in, and like you, they will benefit from the improvement of the map. You can read about wazers' requests, help them map and solve problems, and even assign wazers to map different parts of your area.

How to use the Forum?

First of all, check the Forum in the waze site – click on the community label and then click on the “go to forums” option.

  1. check the “country (languages) forums”.
  2. Find your relevant country.
  3. You can add a new topic (it is recommended to add a new topic with your region or city's name in order to provide a forum which serves you and your community. (for example: UK forum – London forum – Eastend forum).

I can't find any relevant forum for my region / country, what should I do?

Have no worries. Just send us an email to alpha@waze.com with a request to add a new country, language or region and we will add the topic to the forum.

I have a forum of my area. What now?

Good question! Now your community has a place to discuss with each other, and let you know about problems they have and ask for your assistance and guidance. If you've noticed other wazers are editing roads in / around your area, invite them with a Private Message (PM) to come join your forum and discuss further mapping there, so it will be available for any other wazers who join in the future.

Is there a simple way to keep track of the forum?

Of course! you can now subscribe for specific forums that interest you, or remain with the current feed that holds all the posts on the forum. To subscribe to a specific feed, you will need the forum id which appears as part of the URL when you open the forum.

For example, the MAP forum is #8 as seen from its URL: viewforum.php?f=8 Subscribing to a forum will also subscribe you to all of its sub-forums.

In order to get the RSS for the MAP forum only, use this url:http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8

To add another forum, for example, the Norwegian forum (id = 54) just add the number following a comma (no spaces): http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8,54

By default, the feed will contain the last 10 posts, but you can extend up to 100 posts by adding &limit=xxx to the end of the RSS feed URL: http://www.waze.com/WAS/forum_feeds?ids=8,54&limit=100

What should I do with this forum feed?

You will need to Subscribe to a site that can provide you a way to gather all the feeds from the forums you have chosen. There are a number of sites that provide this service, such as netvibes.com, igoogle, bing etc.

System generated map problem alerts

The Waze navigation system is constantly monitoring the GPS signals from the client apps and matching it to what it has in the maps. When Wazers consistently make turns that are not allowed in the map or they drive on roads that are not present, the system will generate a problem report that can be seen when you enable the Problem layer.

They appear on the map like the user reported problems, but these balloons do not have the smiley face attached to them.

If there is a major problem that is left unsolved, waze will not be able to route in the specific area where the problem exists. It is vital, as an area manager, to check the map in your area and see whether these problems can affect the navigation of users in your community and if so, fix them.

Mapping tips

This is the crown jewel

As an area manager you have permissions not only to create new roads according to your routes, but create roads according to the GPS points made by any other wazer in your area.

When mapping a map from scratch, meaning that there are hardly any roads recorded by users, it is your duty to make the map alive by mapping the area yourself.

Sounds great! Where do I start?

Work your way by the importance of the roads. Start mapping the freeways, ramps, major and minor highways and then move to the main streets etc. However, if you are in an area that already has very well established roads, be careful not to change what is already there simply because you "think" it is wrong.

If you are in a new area with no prior area manager, start from the highways that connect the cities to enable basic navigation around the city and its surroundings. Then create ramps, then major roads in the city itself, in order to make the navigation simple and quick. When you're done mapping the main roads create the smaller streets.

As soon as the main grid is up and live, it'll be easy for other wazers to join in. As more wazers navigate in your area, there will be more data, helping you build the map faster and easier. The better the map is, the more users will join you by mapping their own streets.

Anything tricky about this map editing stuff?

Unfortunately, yes. What you see, is not always what your get - Turn restrictions and connectivity

As a new Area Manager, before you go off and start making lots of changes to your map area, let's stop a minute and be sure you understand how to truly 'see' what waze sees in your map. New area managers often think they just need to open the roads by setting the direction and modify a road segments geometry to match the aerial map. Sometimes that is enough but to really get your map right, you need to use some viewing tools to look deeper.

Be sure to be completely familiar with all the content of these key guides:

For larger cities, can I share the workload?

Sharing Work

Area managers in the same city can use our wiki to collaborate and divide the work. You can create a wiki page under your country or state page to track the to-do items. Sounds scary but it's easy. Other Area Manager's have already started defining what needs to be 'done' to get a highway right. Here's an example of an active to-do list for Minneapolis.

OK, but how do we discover each other and form a team?

Good question. You can start by turning on the Area Managers Layer in the Layers panel in Waze Map Editor and see usernames of the current area managers in your town. Also, you can ask Wazers in your area with the largest points to join you. Check the bottom toolbar in Waze on your phone. Tap the arrowhead. Tap scoreboard. You'll see wazers in your town by point totals, with highest on top.

To make contact, log into the forum and send them a private message. Often regular users don't know how to sign up by sending an email to alpha@waze.com with their Waze username, their email address, and a Permalink of the area they want to fix. But, please don't be pushy. Some wazers just need to cruise.