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{{mbox
{{mbox
| type = critical
| type = critical
| text = Junction boxes are currently able to be created and edited in the normal editor by Rank 5+ editors.}}<br>
| text = Currently, junction boxes require rank {{rank|jb}} or higher to create or edit them.}}<br>
 
[[File:Junction Box 7a.png|right]]A '''junction box''' ('''JB''') is used to improve ETA calculations and routing through complicated intersections and interchanges.  Junction boxes are basically a hint editors can give the Waze routing services that “although these few segments are cut in a few places, they generally should be treated as a single point which connects traffic from several sources”. This hint helps the routing service get better ETA calculations and hence select better routes for Wazers.


[[File:Junction Box 7.png|right]]Junction boxes ''(JBs)'' are used to improve ETA calculations and routing through complicated intersections, and interchanges.  Junction boxes are basically a hint editors can give the Waze routing services that “although these few segments are cut in a few places, they generally should be treated as a single point which connects traffic from several sources”. This hint helps the routing service get better ETA calculations and hence select better routes for Wazers.{{clear}}


== Function ==
== Function ==
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* [[Routing_server#Turn delays|Traffic speed data]] for each path through the junction box can be collected separately.
* [[Routing_server#Turn delays|Traffic speed data]] for each path through the junction box can be collected separately.
* [[Glossary#Turn_Restriction|Turn restrictions]] can also be separately controlled for each path through the junction box.
* [[Glossary#Turn_Restriction|Turn restrictions]] can also be separately controlled for each path through the junction box.
* [[Glossary#Turn_instruction_override|Turn instruction override]] can also be separately controlled for each path through the junction box.
* Additional beneficial features of a junction box will be listed here as they become available.
* Additional beneficial features of a junction box will be listed here as they become available.


For [[Glossary#Estimated_Time_of_Arrival|ETA]] purposes, the [[Routing_server|routing server]] does not consider segments wholly within the junction box, but rather treats the junction box as if all the segments which enter or exit the the junction box are connected to at a single junction node.
For [[Glossary#Estimated_Time_of_Arrival|ETA]] purposes, the [[Routing_server|routing server]] does not consider segments wholly within the junction box, but rather treats the junction box as if all the segments which enter or exit the the junction box are connected to at a single junction node.


Junction boxes are considered only by the routing server. {{As of|2015|10}}, junction boxes have no effect on navigational prompts. Junction boxes have no visibility in the client or on the live map.  Junction boxes do not effect the search engine; the origin or destination of route may be contained in a junction box.
Junction boxes are considered only by the routing server. Junction boxes have no visibility in the client or on the live map.  Junction boxes do not affect the search engine; the origin or destination of route may be contained in a junction box.


==Improving data collection==
==Improving data collection==
<!-- This page, specifcally this entire section was reviewed 2015-11-10 by staff Ohad and confirmed as accurate. Staff quote "it looks really great, comprehensive and correct". -->
<!-- The original page, specifically this entire section was reviewed 2015-11-10 by staff Ohad and confirmed as accurate. Staff quote "it looks really great, comprehensive and correct". -->
[[File:Junction Box 3.png|right|75px]]
[[File:Junction Box 3.png|right|75px]]
Let's look at how a complex intersection can skew [[Routing_server#Turn_delays|turn delay]] transition speed data. Take the following intersection for example. It seems at first glance like a pretty simple intersection, but if it usually experiences heavy traffic this intersection could be collecting bad data.
Let's look at how a complex intersection can skew [[Routing_server#Turn_delays|turn delay]] transition speed data. Take the following intersection for example. It seems at first glance like a pretty simple intersection, but if it usually experiences heavy traffic this intersection could be collecting bad data.
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{{mbox|text=''There are many types of scenarios where a junction box may be indicated, this sample is used just to explain the function of a junction box, and not meant as guidance on where to use them.''}}
{{mbox|text=''There are many types of scenarios where a junction box may be indicated, this sample is used just to explain the function of a junction box, and not meant as guidance on where to use them.''}}
[[File:Junction Box A.png|right|250px|thumb]]
[[File:Junction Box 3a.png|right|250px]]
To illustrate this concept, let's take a look at this intersection. There are five segments entering/exiting the junction box (segments which are only partially inside the junction box). There are another four segments which are wholly inside the junction box. If there were no junction box at this intersection the individual [[Routing server#Turn delays|turn delay]] ''AKA the time it takes to turn from one segment to the next'' data for the outer five segments would be merged together at the inner four segments, and be distorted. The junction box here alleviates the problems with collecting accurate turn delay transition timing caused by the short segments in the middle.
To illustrate this concept, let's take a look at this intersection. There are five segments entering/exiting the junction box (segments which are only partially inside the junction box). There are another four segments which are wholly inside the junction box. If there were no junction box at this intersection the individual [[Routing server#Turn delays|turn delay]] ''AKA the time it takes to turn from one segment to the next'' data for the outer five segments would be merged together at the inner four segments, and be distorted. The junction box here alleviates the problems with collecting accurate turn delay transition timing caused by the short segments in the middle.


=== Timing ===


==== Timing ====
If a junction box is drawn around these intersections (below left), then when considering a route that would traverse a segment within the box, the routing server treats the intersection like one large junction node for the purpose of calculation transition timing ''AKA turn delays'' (below right).


If a junction box is drawn around these intersections (below left), then when considering a route that would traverse a segment within the box, the routing server treats the intersection like one large junction for the purpose of calculation transition timing ''AKA turn delays'' (below right).
A route path from point A to point B (westbound Mill Grove Rd to southbound Idlewild Rd to westbound Indian Trail Fairview Rd) is treated as a single transition, even though in actuality it traverses four segments (3 transitions). The green path is the actual junction box route in WME.


A route path from segment C to segment E is treated as a single transition, even though in actuality it traverses four segments (3 transitions).
<center>[[File:Timing_Junction_Box_4e.PNG|300px]] [[File:Junction Box B.png|300px]]</center>


<center>[[File:Junction Box C.png|300px]] [[File:Junction Box B.png|300px]]</center>
=== Navigation instructions ===


==== Navigation instructions ====
[[File:Wme_turn_override_hover5.png|150px|right]]Junction boxes have no effect on navigational prompts, unless a turn instruction override is selected. The prompt is selected by clicking on the [[Turn instruction override]] portion of the grey box.  Otherwise the junction box has no effect on the navigational prompts.


However, '''junction boxes have no effect on navigational prompts''' until phase 3 will be released. {{As of|2015|10}} Junction boxes currently only have Phase 1 (transition / ETA timing), & Phase 2 (path restrictions) active.
Looking back at our example path, going from point A to point B (westbound Mill Grove Rd to southbound Idlewild Rd to westbound Indian Trail Fairview Rd), let's analyze how the junction box works with navigation prompts. Our path is considered for routing as one transition, and judging by the angles it would be a straight transition making it a [[best continuation]] with no navigation prompt. But as we just said 'junction boxes have no effect on navigational prompts', therefore the actual navigation prompt given for this path (point A to point B) will consider the three junction nodes and produce:
{{mbox|type=speculation|text=When Phase 3 (controlling navigation instructions) is released it will likely only affect paths which are specially marked for a custom prompt.}}
Looking back at our example path, going from C to E, let's analyze how the junction box works with navigation prompts. Our path is considered for routing as one transition, and judging by the angles it would be a straight transition making it a [[best continuation]] with no navigation prompt. But as we just said 'junction boxes have no effect on navigational prompts', therefore the actual navigation prompt given for this path (C to E) will consider the three junctions and produce:
* [[File:Big_direction_left.png|25px]] Turn Left onto Idlewild Rd, and then
* [[File:Big_direction_left.png|25px]] Turn Left onto Idlewild Rd, and then
* [[File:Big_direction_right.png|25px]] Turn right onto Indian Trail Fairview Rd".
* [[File:Big_direction_right.png|25px]] Turn right onto Indian Trail Fairview Rd".
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This is to say that the navigational prompts are still controlled by the actual names, types, and angles of the segments within a junction box.
This is to say that the navigational prompts are still controlled by the actual names, types, and angles of the segments within a junction box.
{{Details|How Waze determines turn / keep / exit maneuvers|how to control navigation instructions}}
{{Details|How Waze determines turn / keep / exit maneuvers|how to control navigation instructions}}
====Where did my turn restriction(s) go?====
[[File:Where are TRs.png|right|60px]]The turn restrictions for segments that have an entry point in the junction box disappear from its junction node within the junction box. So selecting that segment does not display turn restrictions, this is because the junction box has taken over the exit from that segment and the turn restriction(s) are now the turn restrictions on the junction box.
[[File:OR JB TIO4.png|center|300px]]
==== Turn instruction override on a junction box exit ====
As mentioned above the junction box's turn restrictions take over for the first junction node's turn restrictions. Therefore if a turn instruction override is added to the junction box's turn restriction at an exit point, then all internal directions are removed and the turn instruction override command is announced at the first junction node with the first named road segment on that route from the junction node. This can cause problems with the audible announcement for both the location and the announced road name, as shown below.
<center>[[File:OR JB TIO1.png|300px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [[File:OR JB TIO3.png|300px]]</center>
Eastbound {{Major Highway|State Hwy 22E}} has a left exit to {{Ramp|OR-99E BUS / Keizer / Portland}}. There is an "exit left" TIO[[File:OR_JB_TIO3.PNG|250px|right]] on the junction box's route which exits for that ramp. The junction box's TIO overrides all the internal turn announcements and it gives an "Exit left to State Hwy 22E" at junction node A in the picture above, which gives the user very bad directions. The turn instruction is given too early (just before crossing the water) and the wrong road name is announced. This is because the junction box's TIO is announced at the route's '''FIRST''' junction node within the junction box and utilizes the '''FIRST''' named road segment after that junction node. If you take off the primary name of the {{Major Highway|State Hwy 22E}}'s two segments between that first junction node and the ramp, then the first named road segment becomes the ramp segment. This does have the desired road name announced, but the announcement will still be just prior to crossing the water.
* Moral of this example is don't put the exit left TIO on the junction box, instead just have it on the major highway's turn restriction and it should announce the correct ramp name at the correct location.


== Controlling turns ==
== Controlling turns ==


[[File:JB turn control.png|right|thumb|200px]]
[[File:Leesburg Pike.png|right|200px]]
Junction boxes permit disabling multi-segment turns that are difficult to control in complex intersections.  Without a junction box, controlling complex turns may require adding artificial segments and/or reducing the intersection to a single point using a [[Bowtie#Bow_tie|bow-tie]] configuration.
Junction boxes permit disabling multi-segment turns that are difficult to control in complex intersections.  Without a junction box, controlling complex turns may require adding artificial segments and/or reducing the intersection to a single point using a [[Bowtie#Bow_tie|bow-tie]] configuration.


Take this example of a junction between two streets with all turns allowed, but at the next junction with the highway some turns are not allowed depending on which street you originally approached from.
Take the intersection of (Leesburg Pike & Fairfax Sq/Fashion Blvd, Tysons Corner, VA) as an example where some some turns are not allowed based upon on which street you originally approached from. Additionally U-turns are prevented in both directions.
 
When traveling nwbound on {{Major Highway|Leesburg Pike}}, it appears that you may turn right using the At grade connector (AGC) to {{Street|Fashion Blvd}} or left onto {{Street|Fairfax Sq}} or continue on {{Major Highway|Leesburg Pike}}. If you were already on {{Major Highway|nw bound Leesburg Pike}} before {{Ramp|Exit 47A: SR-7 W / Leesburg Pike / Tysons Corner}} or if entered from {{Street|Mervis Way}} to {{Primary Street|Towers Crescent Dr}}, then you are allowed to make either turn or go straight. But if you entered Leesburg Pike from I-495 S regular lanes' Exit 47A ramp, then the left turn is prohibited to Fairfax Sq; you can only turn right or go straight. The left is prohibited by a sign at the ramp.
[[File:Ramp no left turn at light.png|center|200px]]
 
Without a junction box here our options to reflect these restrictions on the map would require creating artificial parallel segments connecting north from {{Ramp|Exit 47A: SR-7 W / Leesburg Pike / Tysons Corner}} to its junction node with {{Street|Fairfax Sq}} with the connections from {{Street|Mervis Way}} to {{Primary Street|Towers Crescent Dr}} that don't turn onto this artificial parallel road. This option separates the traffic flow of those vehicles approaching on {{Major Highway|Leesburg Pike}}, from those vehicles approaching from {{Street|Marvis Way}} and visually disrupts the map with the parallel segments. Another option for other areas is to layer the segments, which is discouraged by Waze since layered segments can cause data collection problems. In either case we are adding artificial segments which are unnecessary and difficult to maintain on the map.
<center>[[File:Tysons Corner Parallel Segments.png|300px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[[File:Tysons Corner Layered.png|300px]]</center>
 
 
With a junction box in place, we don't need to add any extra segments, to artificially alter any segment's geometry, or to create a bow-tie. We use just the one segment of {{Major Highway|Leesburg Pike}}, and draw the junction box to include the junction nodes with the ramp/major highway all the way to the major highway/left and right local streets. We can then use the junction box's turn restrictions to select which paths through the junction box should be allowed, and which should be disallowed.
[[File:Tysons Corner JB.png|center|600px]]
 
 
Have the entire junction box within the editing screen, then select the junction box. The available entrances show up on as a list to the left of the editing screen. Small white arrows appear for each one. If the entire junction box is not selected then all of the entrances or even no entrances may appear in the list.
[[File:Tysons Corner JB w Entrances.png|center|600px]]
 
 
Click on either an entrance from the list to the left or the appropriate small white arrow. This displays the routes from that entrance. The initial selection from the {{Ramp|Exit 47A: SR-7 W / Leesburg Pike / Tysons Corner}} shows seven (7) Green Turn restrictions and one (1) Red Turn restriction. The exits from this segment are listed to the left. All routes are initially enabled as a Green Turn restriction '''UNLESS''' there is a simple two segment intersection that has a Red Turn restriction. In this example nw bound Leeburg Pike's right turn to Fashion Blvd is prohibited because of the At grade connector; therefore the initial junction box has that TR as red. Also note that the selected entrance segment is colored a light blue, the long green route along the allowed paths, and the very short red "non-route" on the one prohibited path. The list on the left shows the same colored Turn restriction as is on the segment. Clicking the list to the left or the actual Turn restriction will toggle the Turn restriction. Hovering over a turn restriction shows the time based turn restriction and turn instruction override icons.
[[File:Initial_TRs_on_JB_ramp.png|center|600px]]
 
Now we will restrict the left turn from nw bound Leesburg Pike to Fairfax Sq, based on the restriction sign at the ramp. Click on the Green Turn restriction and it turns to a Red Turn restriction.  After clicking save '''we have the prohibited turn easily and simply mapped'''! Both the Turn restriction on the junction box and the Turn restriction in the list to the left are displaying the prohibited restriction. Also there is a long red "non-route" on the prohibited route. [[File:Tysons_Corner_JB_ramp_left_only_restricted.png|center|600px]] 
 
'''Wait! We aren't done yet.''' Please read the section below about [[Junction_box#Overriding_U-turn_prevention|Overriding_U-turn_Prevention]]
 
==Effects In Editor==
Junction boxes can only be edited by editors of at least [[Your_Rank_and_Points#Waze_Map_Editing_Ranks|rank]] {{rank|jb}}.  Junction boxes appear in the Waze Map Editor when the [[Map_editor_interface#Layers|Junction Boxes layer]] is turned on; the three pieces of paper in the far right of the light gray tool bar on top of the editor.  Junction boxes appear as a polygon around all the junction nodes of an intersection.
<center>[[File:JB Layer.png|200px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[[File:Junction Box 7a.png]]</center>
 
All segments that enter the junction box are only partially editable. Selecting a segment that is part of a junction box results in a message: "Some attributes cannot be edited. This segment is part of a junction box. Use the junction box to edit this segment's restrictions."  For further details on which attributes can be edited and which cannot, see [[#When to use|when to use]].
 
Selecting the junction box causes the left pane to display the junction box properties. The properties show the editor that created the junction box with the date and the editor of the last update to the junction box.  If changes are needed to the junction box or segments associated with the junction box, contact the identified editor or other rank {{rank|jb}} or higher editor in your area.
 
 
The left pane shows potential entry/exit pairs with a check box ticked for each pair enabled for routing. Note that only entry/exit pair paths which are fully visible on screen are displayed. So make sure you can see the whole boundary of the JB to be sure you're getting a full list of entry/exit pair connections in the left pane.
 
[[File:Tysons Corner JB w Entrances.png|center|500px]]
 
Routes through the junction box that pass through a single junction node (and do not cross any JB internal segments) are not controlled by the JB. Instead, they are controlled by turn restrictions in place when the junction box is created.
 
Routes through the junction box that are prohibited by red turn restrictions between segments within the junction box are not considered.  


When leaving {{Street|E Briarwood Cir}} here you may turn right or left onto {{Primary Street|S Havanah St}}, but if you turn right your options are limited at the next junction. However if you were already on {{Primary Street|S Havanah St}} from before E Briarwood, at the junction with {{Major Highway|E Arapahoe RD}} you are allowed to make either turn or go straight.
Difficult turns can be set on the junction box's turn restrictions and do affect routing in the server if the user has the appropriate setting selected.


Any green or yellow turn restriction on a junction box can have the difficult turn attribute added for either 24/7 coverage or with time/day/date restrictions. Please refer to the [[Partial_restrictions#Adding.2Fediting_a_difficult_turn|Difficult turn]] section for editing directions.


Without a junction box here our options to reflect these restrictions on the map would require creating an artificial AGC connecting north from {{Street|E Briarwood Cir}} to the junction of the {{Major Highway|E Arapahoe RD}} layered over {{Primary Street|S Havanah St}} (which is discouraged by waze as layered segments can cause data collection problems), or creating an artificial bypass AGC on {{Primary Street|S Havanah St}} which started from south of {{Street|E Briarwood Cir}} (which can look bad on the map). These options separate the traffic flow of those vehicles approaching on {{Primary Street|S Havanah St}}, from those vehicles approaching from {{Street|E Briarwood Cir}}. In either case we are adding artificial segments which are unnecessary and difficult to maintain on the map.
=== Turn restriction user interface orientation ===
<center>[[File:JB turn control 1.png|300px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[[File:JB turn control 2.png|300px]]</center>
The turn restriction user interface's grey box will move based upon the distance between the junction box and the edge of the WME editing area. If too close too the edge, then the grey box will cover up parts of the JB. To remedy this, move the WME view so that the junction box has enough room to properly display the grey box or zoom out.


One way to consider it is that the outside of the WME editing screen is a picture frame and the JB is the picture; you just need enough matting space for the Turn Interface Grey Box to fit between the picture and the frame. Otherwise, the grey box will cover the picture.
[[File:JB grey box covering.PNG‎|left|400px|border]][[File:JB grey box not covering.PNG‎|right|400px|border]]
{{clear}}


[[File:JB turn control C.png|thumb|200px]]
===Switch route selection===
With a junction box in place, we don't need any extra segments, we don't need to artificially alter any geometry of the segments, or to create a bow-tie. We use just the one segment of S Havanah St, and draw the junction box to include the intersection with the major highway and both approaches. We can then use the connections list in the left panel to select which paths through the junction box should be allowed, and which should be disallowed.


In our scenario we want to restrict the two paths starting on {{Street|E Briarwood Cir}}, going north on {{Primary Street|S Havanah St}} and then straight or left at the {{Major Highway|E Arapahoe RD}}.
[[File:Wme_turn_override_hover5.png|250px|right]]There can only be one route from a specific entrance to a specific exit in a junction box. In cases where there is more than one routing option available, then the '''SWITCH ROUTE''' option will appear. This switch route option will allow you to select the appropriate route through the junction box and the appropriate turn restriction and other settings for this desired route. 
* Select the '''entry point''' of the junction box that you want to compare routes on.
* Hover over the appropriate '''exit turn restriction''' that you want to select the desired route.
* The switch route selection will appear appear between the restrictions and difficult turn options in the gray turn restriction box.
* Click the forward or back arrow to cycle thru the allowable routes.
If there is only one route available in the junction box then the switch route selectoin will not appear. Note it may take several clicks to get to the desired route. This current interface dramatically cuts down on the number of clicks to get to desired route since the entry and exit points are anchored and routes from the entry point to other exit points are not considered and you can now backtrack to a route that you previously went past.


With the junction box selected, in the left panel there will be check boxes for each of the possible paths between the segment pairs. clicking on any of these paths on the left will highlight the path in purple on the map. We then uncheck the paths we want to disallow [[File:JB turn control C1.png|75px]].
Example of the route selection in a situation where there are some alternate looping routes available. The first picture shows the typical green path for eastbound Franklin St NE as it continues across Rhode Island Ave NE.  If the straight path was prohibited by a Jersey barrier and signage, then the editor can select the alternate path of southbound 15th St NE to northeast-bound Rhode Island Ave NE to eastbound Franklin St NE. The second route as shown in the second picture was set up by clicking the Route icon six times and then allowing the junction box's turn restriction.
<center>[[File:DC Route Toggle Example1a.PNG|400px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[[File:DC Route Toggle Example2a.PNG|400px]]</center>
{{clear}}
{{clear}}
<center>[[File:JB turn control 3.png|300px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[[File:JB turn control 4.png|300px]]</center>


=Effects In Editor=
=== Overriding U-turn prevention ===
Junction boxes can only be edited by editors of at least [[Your_Rank_and_Points#Waze_Map_Editing_Ranks|rank]] 5.  Junction boxes appear in the Waze Map Editor when the [[Map_editor_interface#Layers|Junctions layer]] {{AddCode|add layer description to [[Map_editor_interface#Layers]]}} is turned on.  Junction boxes appear as a polygon around all the junction nodes of an intersection.
 
[[File:Junction Box 1.jpg|center]]
A junction box will override U-turn prevention if one or more of the junction nodes are inside the junction box. Unless a prohibited turn restriction prohibits both the left turn and one turn for the U-turn.
All segments that enter the junction box are locked. Selecting a segment that is part of a junction box results in a message: "You cannot edit this segment.  This segment is part of a junction and cannot be edited.  Delete the junction to edit it.


Selecting the junction box causes the left pane to display the junction box properties. The properties show the editor that created the junction box and the date and editor of the last update to the junction box.  If changes are needed to the junction box or segments associated with the junction box contact the identified editor or other rank 5 editor in your area.
There are three cases to consider:
# [[U-turn_prevention|U-turn prevention]] is properly set up and a junction box is installed over all or part of the intersection. All u-turns previously prevented by the three criteria are now allowed - '''UNLESS PROHIBITED BY THE JUNCTION BOX'''
# U-turns are allowed by the intersection's segment geometries but the junction box is able to prevent the u-turn by having its turn restriction prohibited
# A prohibited turn restriction prevents a left turn and a u-turn inside a junction box; the junction box is not able to override the red turn restriction and neither path will show up as an option in the junction box.


[[File:Junction Box 2.jpg|600px|center]]
So continuing with the example in Tysons Corner, VA above:
Each entry to the junction box is labeled with a letter in a green circle. Each exit from the junction box is labeled with a letter in yellow circle. Hovering the cursor over the letter circle will show the routes through the junction box that use the selected entry or exit.  The left pane shows potential entry/exit pairs with a check box ticked for each pair enabled for routing. Note that only entry/exit pair paths which are fully visible on screen are displayed. So make sure you can see the whole boundary of the JB to be sure you're getting a full list of entry/exit pair connections in the left pane.
Note that the Leesburg Pike/Fashing Blvd/Fairfax Sq intersection is properly set up for u-turn prevention; but the junction box overrides that set up and the Green Turn restriction arrows now enable all u-turns in both directions. Since both u-turns are prohibited by signage at the intersection, we now have to go to '''EVERY''' entrance and prohibit the u-turn. This means that a total of six Turn restrictions have to be clicked from green to red from ramp, from nw bound Leesburg Pike, from Marvis Way, from the unnamed Local Street,  from Tysons Crescent Drive, and from se bound Leesburg Pike. Here is the picture of the final set up from the ramp. Note the small red "non-route" on the u-turn segment, the red arrow on the junction box's path, and the red arrow on the list to the left.
[[File:Tysons_Corner_JB_ramp_left_restricted.png|center|400px]]


Routes through the junction box that pass through a single junction node are not considered.  Such routes are controlled by turn restrictions in place when the junction box is created. Thus the route from A to G is controlled by a turn restriction and does not show in the list of entry/exit pairs. 


Routes through the junction box that are prohibited by turn restrictions in place when the junction box is created are not considered. In the above example, the left turns from the southbound {{Major Highway}} use the dedicated turn lane. The left turn from the main lanes of the southbound {{Major Highway}} to the {{Minor Highway}} is restricted by an existing turn restriction.  Thus, the junction box does not consider routes from the southbound {{Major Highway}} to exits G or H.
[[File:Partial Coverage of intersection.png|right|200px]]You might be asking why was the SE-bound Leesburg Pike included in the Junction box instead of just having the NW-bound segments. Why couldn't the junction box look like the picture to the right? The '''ENTIRE''' Leesburg Pike/Fashing Blvd/Fairfax Sq intersection was selected in the junction box for a reason - u-turn prevention. If the top of the junction box was ending on the unnamed Local Street between Fashion Blvd and Fairfax Sq, then the u-turn prevention would be ignored and there would be no way to prevent the u-turns in either direction. Installing a Red Turn restriction arrow would prohibit the left and the u-turn. The left turn is allowed for all but the traffic coming from the I-495 ramp. So this feature of overriding U-turn prevention of junction box 2.0 needs to be considered and carefully evaluated for the final shape of the junction box.


From the southbound {{Major Highway}}, routes to exits E and F pass through only a single junction node and routes to exits G and H are prevented by a turn restriction. The junction box thus considers no routes for the traffic entering from the main lanes of the southbound {{Major Highway}}.  For this reason, this entry is not lettered.
After the junction box is set up, the selected pathways through it supersede the segments' turn restrictions on the pathway within it. Therefore, if a segment's turn restriction within the pathway is later changed, that change is ignored and the pathway(s) selected through the box are not affected.


=Editing=
==Editing==
Junction boxes are created by selecting Junction box from the [[Map_Editor_Interface_and_Controls#Draw_segments_menu|draw segments menu]] (Shortcut key {{key press|J}}). Click at one vertex of the junction box. Continue click to at each vertex of the box until the box surrounds all the junctions nodes of the intersection. Double click to complete the box. The boundaries of the box cannot be changed once created.
A Junction box is created by selecting Junction box from the [[Map_Editor_Interface_and_Controls#Draw_segments_menu|draw segments menu]] (Shortcut key {{key press|J}}). Click at one vertex of the junction box. Continue to click at each vertex of the box until the box surrounds all the junction nodes of the intersection. Double click to complete the box. The boundaries of the box cannot be changed once created. If you need to change the shape of the junction box, you must erase it and create it again.


Before creating a junction box at an intersection, make sure that there are no incorrect turn restrictions. Routes through the junction box that are prevented by existing turn restrictions cannot be enabled in the junction box.
Before creating a junction box at an intersection, make sure that there are no incorrect turn restrictions including u-turns. Routes through the junction box that are prevented by existing turn restrictions cannot be enabled in the junction box.


When a junction box is selected it can be edited. To select a Junction Box, click on it.
The routes through a junction box can be edited when it is selected. To select a junction box, click on it.


When the junction box is selected, the left pane will show the potential conection paths through the junction box as illustrated above. Clicking the check box next to each connection path toggles between enabling or disabling routing between the indicated entry/exit pair.
When the junction box is selected, the left pane will show the potential connection paths through the junction box as illustrated above. Clicking the check box next to each connection path toggles between enabling or disabling routing between the indicated entry/exit pair.
   
   
The left pane includes a button to "Select included segments." Clicking this button will select all the segments with both ends in the junction box (these are the segments that are not considered for ETA routing purposes).
The left pane includes a button to "Select included segments." Clicking this button will select all the segments with both ends in the junction box (these are the segments that are not considered for ETA routing purposes).


The left pane includes a name box and an address. A name can be added to the name box and the address may be edited. However, currently the name and address of a junction box has no effect.  
The left pane includes a name box and an address. A name can be added to the name box and the address may be edited. However, currently the name and address of a junction box has no effect.  


To delete a junction box, select the junction box and click the [[Map_Editor_Interface_and_Controls#Delete_button|delete button]]&nbsp;[[File:Wme_button_delete.png|25px]] (Shortcut key {{key press|Del}}).
To delete a junction box, select the junction box and click the [[Map_Editor_Interface_and_Controls#Delete_button|delete button]]&nbsp;[[File:Wme_button_delete.png|25px]] (Shortcut key {{key press|Del}}).
Line 136: Line 198:
Changes to junction boxes (and adding new junction boxes) require a [[Tile_update#Updates|tile update]] to affect routing.
Changes to junction boxes (and adding new junction boxes) require a [[Tile_update#Updates|tile update]] to affect routing.


==Errors When Editing==
===Errors when editing===
* '''No roundabouts''' - Junction boxes do not support [[Roundabout|roundabouts]]. Do not create junction boxes over roundabouts.  
* '''No roundabouts''' - Junction boxes do not support [[Roundabout|roundabouts]]. Do not create junction boxes over roundabouts.  


* '''Max size''' - The size of a junction box cannot exceed 1 kilometer. This is a linear 1 km limit north-south or east-west. If you draw an imaginary 1 km² box around the junction box, if the junction box pokes out at any point, then it's too big.
* '''Max size''' - The size of a junction box cannot exceed 1 kilometer. This is a linear 1 km limit north-south or east-west. If you draw an imaginary 3280 ft x 3280 ft (1 km²) box around the junction box, if the junction box pokes out at any point, then it's too big.
{{mbox|type=warning|text=Recent testing has shown the size may be closer to 2,800 square feet (870 square meters).}}


* '''Two junction node minimum''' - A junction box must include at least two junction nodes.  Two junction nodes within the junction box must be connected by a segment.  A junction box with only one junction node cannot be saved.
* '''Two junction node minimum''' - A junction box must include at least two junction nodes.  Two junction nodes within the junction box must be connected by a segment.  A junction box with only one junction node cannot be saved.
Line 145: Line 208:
* '''No overlapping''' - A junction node cannot be included in multiple junction boxes.
* '''No overlapping''' - A junction node cannot be included in multiple junction boxes.


* '''One connection per pair''' - A junction box must have only one connection for every entry/exit pairIf there are multiple routes available over the segments within the junction box between an entry/exit pair, the box is invalid and cannot be saved.
* '''Sixteen paths max''' - No more than 16 controllable entry/exit paths can pass through '''a single junction node''' within a junction boxA save error occurs if a junction node has more than 16 connections. This also counts the adjacent connections not displayed in the routing box list that do not cross any of the internal segments like A to G, D to J, etc.


* '''Sixteen paths max''' - No more than 16 controllable entry/exit paths can pass through '''a single node''' within a junction box.  A save error stating "The highlighted node cannot have more than 16 connections" occurs if a node has more than 16 connections. This also counts the adjacent connections not displayed in the routing box list that do not cross any of the internal segments like A to G, D to J, etc.
* '''Enabled u-turn turn restriction on a two way segment''' - Note that having u-turn turn restriction(s) enabled on a two way segment inside of the junction box will increase the amount of paths and can lead to the saving error message.


===Eliminating entry/exit pair connections===
===Adding complexity===
{|class="floatright" border="1" style="border-spacing: 2px; border: 1px solid darkgray; border-collapse: collapse;"
Adding segments or junction nodes to an intersection to workaround the "one connection for every entry/exit pair" and "no more than 16 connections per node" limitations is not recommended. If such a workaround is required, please consult with your [[Country_Manager#Coordinators|country]] manager or [[Regional_Coordinator|regional coordinator]].
|style="text-align: center; width: 600px;" |[[File:JBEE1.png|600px]]
|}
Entry/exit pairs may be unchecked as appropriate so that there is only one connection between an entry and an exit. They are easy to identify in the list by looking down the yellow junction letters until you see a repeated letter one above the other.
 
 
{{clear}}
{|class="floatright" border="1" style="border-spacing: 2px; border: 1px solid darkgray; border-collapse: collapse;"
|style="text-align: center; width: 350px;" |[[File:JBEE2.png|300px]]<br />Disable the long route.
|style="text-align: center; width: 350px;" |[[File:JBEE3.png|300px]]<br />Keep only the short route.
|}


For the above junction box there are two paths from entry A to exit H. In this case to save the junction box, the longer route shown in the left of the two illustrations has been unchecked keeping only the route in the right.
==When to use==
Junction boxes are suitable only for specific locations where the above-listed functions of junction boxes are required. An example would be to prohibit the U-turn in one direction but allow it in the other such that a {{:Routing_penalties/U-turn_minimum|less}} center segment is forcing a necking down of the normal flow of a road and micro-doglegs are used to allow the one direction's U-turn. If problems with data collection or turn restrictions are experienced then, a junction box may be used to solve the problem. If problems are easily solved with other features such as [[Glossary#Turn_Restriction|turn restrictions]], then a junction box should not be used. For routes through H intersections that have one u-turn allowed and one u-turn prevented then use a simple junction box instead of or [[Routing penalties/Controlling U-turn penalties|U-turn penalties]] and using micro doglegs to break the u-turn prevention in one direction. Existing intersections with micro doglegs or abnormal geometry can be changed to a junction box when being edited for other reasons, but you shouldn't go out hunting to eliminate all of them if they are already working properly.  


{{clear}}
Appropriate times to use a junction box:
Unchecking entry/pairs will also reduce the number of paths that pass through a node within the junction box.  In this case, there are fourteen entry/exit pairs that pass through the upper left junction node:
* Have two entrances to same exit path but one route is prohibited so can't use a simple Turn restriction
{|
* Have u-turn allowed in one direction of an H-intersection, but prohibited in another
| style="width: 100pt;" | A &#10145; F || style="width: 100pt;" | B &#10145; F || style="width: 100pt;" | C &#10145; F || style="width: 100pt;" | D &#10145; G || style="width: 100pt;" | E &#10145; G
* To override u-turn prevention when the cross segment is less than {{:Routing_penalties/U-turn_minimum|less}} due to the geometry of the intersections
|-
* Traffic backs up through multiple junction nodes from a direct left turn, an at-grade connector (AGC), an exit ramp, or even through travel caught at a traffic light; where the back up adversely affects the timing for the traffic that is moving
| A &#10145; H || B &#10145; H || C &#10145; G || &nbsp; || E &#10145; J
* To better collect traffic data on intricate intersections
|-
| A &#10145; I || B &#10145; I || C &#10145; J || &nbsp; || &nbsp;
|-
| A &#10145; J || B &#10145; J || &nbsp; || &nbsp; || &nbsp;
|}
The direct u-turns from B to G and C to H are disabled.


[[File:JBEE4.png]]


Thus, the internal routes from B to G and C to H are available. In this example these u-turns through the junction box are unchecked.  If these paths were checked, there would be more than 16 paths through the upper left junction node and the junction box would not save.
Junction boxes create another limitation that should be considered:
{{clear}}
* Segments connected to junction boxes have some attributes that cannot be edited without first deleting the junction box.


===Adding complexity===
Adding segments or junction nodes to an intersection to workaround the "one connection for every entry/exit pair" and "no more than 16 connections per node" limitations is not recommended. If such a workaround is required, please consult with your [[Country_Manager#Coordinators|country]] manager or [[Regional_Coordinator|regional]] coordinator.


=When To Use=
Edits not allowed are:
Junction boxes are suitable only for specific locations where the above listed functions of junction boxes are required. If problems with data collection or turn restrictions are experienced then, a junction box may be use to solve the problem. If problems are easily solved with other features such as [[Glossary#Turn_Restriction|turn restrictions]] or [[Routing penalties/Controlling U-turn penalties|U-turn penalties]], then a junction box should not be used.
* Direction of travel (two way/one way)
* Turn restrictions that are not in the junction box for segments that extend outside the junction box's boundaries
* Moving the location of a junction node within a junction box
* Edits that change a segment's identification number
# Adding or deleting a junction node inside the junction box
# Adding or deleting a junction node on a segment that extends outside the junction box (ex. You have to delete the junction box to add a parking lot road to a segment that is included in a junction box)


Junction boxes create other limitations that should be considered:
* They require more space to store all the data involved.
* The routing server takes longer to analyze junction boxes and thus to provide routes through junction boxes.
* Segments connected to junction boxes cannot be edited without first deleting the junction box.


For these reasons, junction boxes should not be used for every intersection.
For these reasons, junction boxes should not be used for every intersection.

Revision as of 12:50, 2 November 2018

Currently, junction boxes require rank 4 or higher to create or edit them.


A junction box (JB) is used to improve ETA calculations and routing through complicated intersections and interchanges. Junction boxes are basically a hint editors can give the Waze routing services that “although these few segments are cut in a few places, they generally should be treated as a single point which connects traffic from several sources”. This hint helps the routing service get better ETA calculations and hence select better routes for Wazers.


Function

The junction box enables a complex intersection, or interchange composed and displayed as multiple segments to be treated by the routing server as a single junction node with multiple inputs and outputs. Considering a complex intersection as a single point has several beneficial properties:

  • Traffic speed data for each path through the junction box can be collected separately.
  • Turn restrictions can also be separately controlled for each path through the junction box.
  • Turn instruction override can also be separately controlled for each path through the junction box.
  • Additional beneficial features of a junction box will be listed here as they become available.

For ETA purposes, the routing server does not consider segments wholly within the junction box, but rather treats the junction box as if all the segments which enter or exit the the junction box are connected to at a single junction node.

Junction boxes are considered only by the routing server. Junction boxes have no visibility in the client or on the live map. Junction boxes do not affect the search engine; the origin or destination of route may be contained in a junction box.

Improving data collection

Let's look at how a complex intersection can skew turn delay transition speed data. Take the following intersection for example. It seems at first glance like a pretty simple intersection, but if it usually experiences heavy traffic this intersection could be collecting bad data.


Assume that all the roads are two-way and all turns are enabled. Consider the drivers going from A to E, and from A to F, when there is a traffic jam for the left turn (at point D), but traffic going straight through D is flowing fine.

Without the junction box, the traffic from point A to point C is considered to be the same for both the red and the blue cars. The same statistical data is gathered and the average speed skews the ETA for everyone. The turn delay data is only different for the red and blue cars on the one segment before the turn at D, from C to D.


The junction box solves this problem.

With the junction box, historical and real time data are collected separately for each one of the possible routes through the intersection - all 12 of them.

  • A ➡ B
  • A ➡ E
  • A ➡ F
  • B ➡ A
  • B ➡ E
  • B ➡ F
  • E ➡ A
  • E ➡ B
  • E ➡ F
  • F ➡ A
  • F ➡ B
  • F ➡ E

Now that the paths of A to F, and A to E are being measured separately, the traffic jam for the red cars turning at D does not have a negative effect on the blue cars going straight through D. Their ETAs are being recorded separately.


Thus, URs resulting from the inability to distinguish left turn delays from straight through traffic can be dealt with using the junction box.


Understanding inside a junction box

There are many types of scenarios where a junction box may be indicated, this sample is used just to explain the function of a junction box, and not meant as guidance on where to use them.

To illustrate this concept, let's take a look at this intersection. There are five segments entering/exiting the junction box (segments which are only partially inside the junction box). There are another four segments which are wholly inside the junction box. If there were no junction box at this intersection the individual turn delay AKA the time it takes to turn from one segment to the next data for the outer five segments would be merged together at the inner four segments, and be distorted. The junction box here alleviates the problems with collecting accurate turn delay transition timing caused by the short segments in the middle.

Timing

If a junction box is drawn around these intersections (below left), then when considering a route that would traverse a segment within the box, the routing server treats the intersection like one large junction node for the purpose of calculation transition timing AKA turn delays (below right).

A route path from point A to point B (westbound Mill Grove Rd to southbound Idlewild Rd to westbound Indian Trail Fairview Rd) is treated as a single transition, even though in actuality it traverses four segments (3 transitions). The green path is the actual junction box route in WME.

Navigation instructions

Junction boxes have no effect on navigational prompts, unless a turn instruction override is selected. The prompt is selected by clicking on the Turn instruction override portion of the grey box. Otherwise the junction box has no effect on the navigational prompts.

Looking back at our example path, going from point A to point B (westbound Mill Grove Rd to southbound Idlewild Rd to westbound Indian Trail Fairview Rd), let's analyze how the junction box works with navigation prompts. Our path is considered for routing as one transition, and judging by the angles it would be a straight transition making it a best continuation with no navigation prompt. But as we just said 'junction boxes have no effect on navigational prompts', therefore the actual navigation prompt given for this path (point A to point B) will consider the three junction nodes and produce:

  • Turn Left onto Idlewild Rd, and then
  • Turn right onto Indian Trail Fairview Rd".

This is to say that the navigational prompts are still controlled by the actual names, types, and angles of the segments within a junction box.

For more details on how to control navigation instructions, see How Waze determines turn / keep / exit maneuvers.

Where did my turn restriction(s) go?

The turn restrictions for segments that have an entry point in the junction box disappear from its junction node within the junction box. So selecting that segment does not display turn restrictions, this is because the junction box has taken over the exit from that segment and the turn restriction(s) are now the turn restrictions on the junction box.

Turn instruction override on a junction box exit

As mentioned above the junction box's turn restrictions take over for the first junction node's turn restrictions. Therefore if a turn instruction override is added to the junction box's turn restriction at an exit point, then all internal directions are removed and the turn instruction override command is announced at the first junction node with the first named road segment on that route from the junction node. This can cause problems with the audible announcement for both the location and the announced road name, as shown below.

          


Eastbound  State Hwy 22E  has a left exit to  OR-99E BUS / Keizer / Portland . There is an "exit left" TIO

on the junction box's route which exits for that ramp. The junction box's TIO overrides all the internal turn announcements and it gives an "Exit left to State Hwy 22E" at junction node A in the picture above, which gives the user very bad directions. The turn instruction is given too early (just before crossing the water) and the wrong road name is announced. This is because the junction box's TIO is announced at the route's FIRST junction node within the junction box and utilizes the FIRST named road segment after that junction node. If you take off the primary name of the  State Hwy 22E 's two segments between that first junction node and the ramp, then the first named road segment becomes the ramp segment. This does have the desired road name announced, but the announcement will still be just prior to crossing the water.

  • Moral of this example is don't put the exit left TIO on the junction box, instead just have it on the major highway's turn restriction and it should announce the correct ramp name at the correct location.

Controlling turns

Junction boxes permit disabling multi-segment turns that are difficult to control in complex intersections. Without a junction box, controlling complex turns may require adding artificial segments and/or reducing the intersection to a single point using a bow-tie configuration.

Take the intersection of (Leesburg Pike & Fairfax Sq/Fashion Blvd, Tysons Corner, VA) as an example where some some turns are not allowed based upon on which street you originally approached from. Additionally U-turns are prevented in both directions.

When traveling nwbound on  Leesburg Pike , it appears that you may turn right using the At grade connector (AGC) to  Fashion Blvd  or left onto  Fairfax Sq  or continue on  Leesburg Pike . If you were already on  nw bound Leesburg Pike  before  Exit 47A: SR-7 W / Leesburg Pike / Tysons Corner  or if entered from  Mervis Way  to  Towers Crescent Dr , then you are allowed to make either turn or go straight. But if you entered Leesburg Pike from I-495 S regular lanes' Exit 47A ramp, then the left turn is prohibited to Fairfax Sq; you can only turn right or go straight. The left is prohibited by a sign at the ramp.

Without a junction box here our options to reflect these restrictions on the map would require creating artificial parallel segments connecting north from  Exit 47A: SR-7 W / Leesburg Pike / Tysons Corner  to its junction node with  Fairfax Sq  with the connections from  Mervis Way  to  Towers Crescent Dr  that don't turn onto this artificial parallel road. This option separates the traffic flow of those vehicles approaching on  Leesburg Pike , from those vehicles approaching from  Marvis Way  and visually disrupts the map with the parallel segments. Another option for other areas is to layer the segments, which is discouraged by Waze since layered segments can cause data collection problems. In either case we are adding artificial segments which are unnecessary and difficult to maintain on the map.

          


With a junction box in place, we don't need to add any extra segments, to artificially alter any segment's geometry, or to create a bow-tie. We use just the one segment of  Leesburg Pike , and draw the junction box to include the junction nodes with the ramp/major highway all the way to the major highway/left and right local streets. We can then use the junction box's turn restrictions to select which paths through the junction box should be allowed, and which should be disallowed.


Have the entire junction box within the editing screen, then select the junction box. The available entrances show up on as a list to the left of the editing screen. Small white arrows appear for each one. If the entire junction box is not selected then all of the entrances or even no entrances may appear in the list.


Click on either an entrance from the list to the left or the appropriate small white arrow. This displays the routes from that entrance. The initial selection from the  Exit 47A: SR-7 W / Leesburg Pike / Tysons Corner  shows seven (7) Green Turn restrictions and one (1) Red Turn restriction. The exits from this segment are listed to the left. All routes are initially enabled as a Green Turn restriction UNLESS there is a simple two segment intersection that has a Red Turn restriction. In this example nw bound Leeburg Pike's right turn to Fashion Blvd is prohibited because of the At grade connector; therefore the initial junction box has that TR as red. Also note that the selected entrance segment is colored a light blue, the long green route along the allowed paths, and the very short red "non-route" on the one prohibited path. The list on the left shows the same colored Turn restriction as is on the segment. Clicking the list to the left or the actual Turn restriction will toggle the Turn restriction. Hovering over a turn restriction shows the time based turn restriction and turn instruction override icons.

Now we will restrict the left turn from nw bound Leesburg Pike to Fairfax Sq, based on the restriction sign at the ramp. Click on the Green Turn restriction and it turns to a Red Turn restriction. After clicking save we have the prohibited turn easily and simply mapped! Both the Turn restriction on the junction box and the Turn restriction in the list to the left are displaying the prohibited restriction. Also there is a long red "non-route" on the prohibited route.

Wait! We aren't done yet. Please read the section below about Overriding_U-turn_Prevention

Effects In Editor

Junction boxes can only be edited by editors of at least rank 4. Junction boxes appear in the Waze Map Editor when the Junction Boxes layer is turned on; the three pieces of paper in the far right of the light gray tool bar on top of the editor. Junction boxes appear as a polygon around all the junction nodes of an intersection.

          

All segments that enter the junction box are only partially editable. Selecting a segment that is part of a junction box results in a message: "Some attributes cannot be edited. This segment is part of a junction box. Use the junction box to edit this segment's restrictions." For further details on which attributes can be edited and which cannot, see when to use.

Selecting the junction box causes the left pane to display the junction box properties. The properties show the editor that created the junction box with the date and the editor of the last update to the junction box. If changes are needed to the junction box or segments associated with the junction box, contact the identified editor or other rank 4 or higher editor in your area.


The left pane shows potential entry/exit pairs with a check box ticked for each pair enabled for routing. Note that only entry/exit pair paths which are fully visible on screen are displayed. So make sure you can see the whole boundary of the JB to be sure you're getting a full list of entry/exit pair connections in the left pane.

Routes through the junction box that pass through a single junction node (and do not cross any JB internal segments) are not controlled by the JB. Instead, they are controlled by turn restrictions in place when the junction box is created.

Routes through the junction box that are prohibited by red turn restrictions between segments within the junction box are not considered.

Difficult turns can be set on the junction box's turn restrictions and do affect routing in the server if the user has the appropriate setting selected.

Any green or yellow turn restriction on a junction box can have the difficult turn attribute added for either 24/7 coverage or with time/day/date restrictions. Please refer to the Difficult turn section for editing directions.

Turn restriction user interface orientation

The turn restriction user interface's grey box will move based upon the distance between the junction box and the edge of the WME editing area. If too close too the edge, then the grey box will cover up parts of the JB. To remedy this, move the WME view so that the junction box has enough room to properly display the grey box or zoom out.

One way to consider it is that the outside of the WME editing screen is a picture frame and the JB is the picture; you just need enough matting space for the Turn Interface Grey Box to fit between the picture and the frame. Otherwise, the grey box will cover the picture.

Switch route selection

There can only be one route from a specific entrance to a specific exit in a junction box. In cases where there is more than one routing option available, then the SWITCH ROUTE option will appear. This switch route option will allow you to select the appropriate route through the junction box and the appropriate turn restriction and other settings for this desired route.

  • Select the entry point of the junction box that you want to compare routes on.
  • Hover over the appropriate exit turn restriction that you want to select the desired route.
  • The switch route selection will appear appear between the restrictions and difficult turn options in the gray turn restriction box.
  • Click the forward or back arrow to cycle thru the allowable routes.

If there is only one route available in the junction box then the switch route selectoin will not appear. Note it may take several clicks to get to the desired route. This current interface dramatically cuts down on the number of clicks to get to desired route since the entry and exit points are anchored and routes from the entry point to other exit points are not considered and you can now backtrack to a route that you previously went past.

Example of the route selection in a situation where there are some alternate looping routes available. The first picture shows the typical green path for eastbound Franklin St NE as it continues across Rhode Island Ave NE. If the straight path was prohibited by a Jersey barrier and signage, then the editor can select the alternate path of southbound 15th St NE to northeast-bound Rhode Island Ave NE to eastbound Franklin St NE. The second route as shown in the second picture was set up by clicking the Route icon six times and then allowing the junction box's turn restriction.

          

Overriding U-turn prevention

A junction box will override U-turn prevention if one or more of the junction nodes are inside the junction box. Unless a prohibited turn restriction prohibits both the left turn and one turn for the U-turn.

There are three cases to consider:

  1. U-turn prevention is properly set up and a junction box is installed over all or part of the intersection. All u-turns previously prevented by the three criteria are now allowed - UNLESS PROHIBITED BY THE JUNCTION BOX
  2. U-turns are allowed by the intersection's segment geometries but the junction box is able to prevent the u-turn by having its turn restriction prohibited
  3. A prohibited turn restriction prevents a left turn and a u-turn inside a junction box; the junction box is not able to override the red turn restriction and neither path will show up as an option in the junction box.

So continuing with the example in Tysons Corner, VA above: Note that the Leesburg Pike/Fashing Blvd/Fairfax Sq intersection is properly set up for u-turn prevention; but the junction box overrides that set up and the Green Turn restriction arrows now enable all u-turns in both directions. Since both u-turns are prohibited by signage at the intersection, we now have to go to EVERY entrance and prohibit the u-turn. This means that a total of six Turn restrictions have to be clicked from green to red from ramp, from nw bound Leesburg Pike, from Marvis Way, from the unnamed Local Street, from Tysons Crescent Drive, and from se bound Leesburg Pike. Here is the picture of the final set up from the ramp. Note the small red "non-route" on the u-turn segment, the red arrow on the junction box's path, and the red arrow on the list to the left.


You might be asking why was the SE-bound Leesburg Pike included in the Junction box instead of just having the NW-bound segments. Why couldn't the junction box look like the picture to the right? The ENTIRE Leesburg Pike/Fashing Blvd/Fairfax Sq intersection was selected in the junction box for a reason - u-turn prevention. If the top of the junction box was ending on the unnamed Local Street between Fashion Blvd and Fairfax Sq, then the u-turn prevention would be ignored and there would be no way to prevent the u-turns in either direction. Installing a Red Turn restriction arrow would prohibit the left and the u-turn. The left turn is allowed for all but the traffic coming from the I-495 ramp. So this feature of overriding U-turn prevention of junction box 2.0 needs to be considered and carefully evaluated for the final shape of the junction box.

After the junction box is set up, the selected pathways through it supersede the segments' turn restrictions on the pathway within it. Therefore, if a segment's turn restriction within the pathway is later changed, that change is ignored and the pathway(s) selected through the box are not affected.

Editing

A Junction box is created by selecting Junction box from the draw segments menu (Shortcut key J). Click at one vertex of the junction box. Continue to click at each vertex of the box until the box surrounds all the junction nodes of the intersection. Double click to complete the box. The boundaries of the box cannot be changed once created. If you need to change the shape of the junction box, you must erase it and create it again.

Before creating a junction box at an intersection, make sure that there are no incorrect turn restrictions including u-turns. Routes through the junction box that are prevented by existing turn restrictions cannot be enabled in the junction box.

The routes through a junction box can be edited when it is selected. To select a junction box, click on it.

When the junction box is selected, the left pane will show the potential connection paths through the junction box as illustrated above. Clicking the check box next to each connection path toggles between enabling or disabling routing between the indicated entry/exit pair.

The left pane includes a button to "Select included segments." Clicking this button will select all the segments with both ends in the junction box (these are the segments that are not considered for ETA routing purposes).

The left pane includes a name box and an address. A name can be added to the name box and the address may be edited. However, currently the name and address of a junction box has no effect.

To delete a junction box, select the junction box and click the delete button  (Shortcut key Del).

Changes to junction boxes (and adding new junction boxes) require a tile update to affect routing.

Errors when editing

  • No roundabouts - Junction boxes do not support roundabouts. Do not create junction boxes over roundabouts.
  • Max size - The size of a junction box cannot exceed 1 kilometer. This is a linear 1 km limit north-south or east-west. If you draw an imaginary 3280 ft x 3280 ft (1 km²) box around the junction box, if the junction box pokes out at any point, then it's too big.
Recent testing has shown the size may be closer to 2,800 square feet (870 square meters).
  • Two junction node minimum - A junction box must include at least two junction nodes. Two junction nodes within the junction box must be connected by a segment. A junction box with only one junction node cannot be saved.
  • No overlapping - A junction node cannot be included in multiple junction boxes.
  • Sixteen paths max - No more than 16 controllable entry/exit paths can pass through a single junction node within a junction box. A save error occurs if a junction node has more than 16 connections. This also counts the adjacent connections not displayed in the routing box list that do not cross any of the internal segments like A to G, D to J, etc.
  • Enabled u-turn turn restriction on a two way segment - Note that having u-turn turn restriction(s) enabled on a two way segment inside of the junction box will increase the amount of paths and can lead to the saving error message.

Adding complexity

Adding segments or junction nodes to an intersection to workaround the "one connection for every entry/exit pair" and "no more than 16 connections per node" limitations is not recommended. If such a workaround is required, please consult with your country manager or regional coordinator.

When to use

Junction boxes are suitable only for specific locations where the above-listed functions of junction boxes are required. An example would be to prohibit the U-turn in one direction but allow it in the other such that a 45.93 ft (14 m) center segment is forcing a necking down of the normal flow of a road and micro-doglegs are used to allow the one direction's U-turn. If problems with data collection or turn restrictions are experienced then, a junction box may be used to solve the problem. If problems are easily solved with other features such as turn restrictions, then a junction box should not be used. For routes through H intersections that have one u-turn allowed and one u-turn prevented then use a simple junction box instead of or U-turn penalties and using micro doglegs to break the u-turn prevention in one direction. Existing intersections with micro doglegs or abnormal geometry can be changed to a junction box when being edited for other reasons, but you shouldn't go out hunting to eliminate all of them if they are already working properly.

Appropriate times to use a junction box:

  • Have two entrances to same exit path but one route is prohibited so can't use a simple Turn restriction
  • Have u-turn allowed in one direction of an H-intersection, but prohibited in another
  • To override u-turn prevention when the cross segment is less than 45.93 ft (14 m) due to the geometry of the intersections
  • Traffic backs up through multiple junction nodes from a direct left turn, an at-grade connector (AGC), an exit ramp, or even through travel caught at a traffic light; where the back up adversely affects the timing for the traffic that is moving
  • To better collect traffic data on intricate intersections


Junction boxes create another limitation that should be considered:

  • Segments connected to junction boxes have some attributes that cannot be edited without first deleting the junction box.


Edits not allowed are:

  • Direction of travel (two way/one way)
  • Turn restrictions that are not in the junction box for segments that extend outside the junction box's boundaries
  • Moving the location of a junction node within a junction box
  • Edits that change a segment's identification number
  1. Adding or deleting a junction node inside the junction box
  2. Adding or deleting a junction node on a segment that extends outside the junction box (ex. You have to delete the junction box to add a parking lot road to a segment that is included in a junction box)


For these reasons, junction boxes should not be used for every intersection.