User:DwarfLord/Responding to incorrect edits View history

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Roads that appear bright red in the editor were published before all necessary parameters were set properly.  These roads will appear on the Waze client but are useless for routing.  Their prominent display calls attention to incomplete edits.  See the [[Map_Editing_Quick-start_Guide | Map Editing Quick-start Guide]] for details.
Roads that appear bright red in the editor were published before all necessary parameters were set properly.  These roads will appear on the Waze client but are useless for routing.  Their prominent display calls attention to incomplete edits.  See the [[Map_Editing_Quick-start_Guide | Map Editing Quick-start Guide]] for details.


<i>Typical responseif the "red road" appears to indicate a drivable and routable road, complete it as necessary.  Try to preserve the creator's name out of respect for their having found the omission and attempted to remedy it.  Do not automatically delete red roads!  They may reflect construction that occurred since the satellite and/or street-view imagery was acquired.</i>
<i>ResponseIf the "red road" appears to indicate a drivable and routable road, complete it as necessary.  Try to preserve the creator's name out of respect for their having found the omission and attempted to remedy it.  Do not automatically delete red roads!  They may reflect construction that occurred since the satellite and/or street-view imagery was acquired.</i>
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[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
The Waze roundabout tool creates an intersection that gives roundabout-specific routing instructions to drivers.  It should only be used for real roundabout intersections with three or more exits!  It does not belong at cul-de-sacs, decorative entrance driveways, or traffic calming circles without roundabout signs.  It is also inappropriate for large traffic circles with street names of their own.  It goes without saying that it should never be used for an ordinary intersection, as the routing instructions will confuse drivers.
The Waze roundabout tool creates an intersection that gives roundabout-specific routing instructions to drivers.  It should only be used for real roundabout intersections with three or more exits!  It does not belong at cul-de-sacs, decorative entrance driveways, or traffic calming circles without roundabout signs.  It is also inappropriate for large traffic circles with street names of their own.  It goes without saying that it should never be used for an ordinary intersection, as the routing instructions will confuse drivers.
<i>Response:  If the satellite image leaves any doubt at all, use Street View to verify that no signs suggestive of a roundabout are present.  If it is a roundabout, ensure the layout matches the desired roundabout routing behavior, either orthogonal or odd-angle.  If it not a roundabout, delete it and repair any associated connections.</i>
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[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
There should be only one segment representing a given length of street.  Overlapping segments wreak havoc with the routing and house-numbering systems.  Sometimes editors create overlapping segments because they don't know how to modify the existing segment, or find it is locked above their level.  The correct approach is to seek help, not to add a new segment on top of an existing one.
There should be only one segment representing a given length of street.  Overlapping segments wreak havoc with the routing and house-numbering systems.  Sometimes editors create overlapping segments because they don't know how to modify the existing segment, or find it is locked above their level.  The correct approach is to seek help, not to add a new segment on top of an existing one.
<i>Response:  Identify the overlapping segment -- typically the one without house numbering and/or with improper connections to other nearby segments -- and delete it.</i>
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[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
Just because segments appear to intersect doesn't mean they really do.  A proper intersection will display all turn restrictions if any connecting segment is selected.  A segment that only appears to connect will not only fail to route but will also confuse editors trying to understand the failure.
Just because segments appear to intersect doesn't mean they really do.  A proper intersection will display all turn restrictions if any connecting segment is selected.  A segment that only appears to connect will not only fail to route but will also confuse editors trying to understand the failure.
<i>Response:  If the intersection appears valid and the segment is correct, routable, and complies with conventions, connect the segment and set turn restrictions appropriately.  If the intersection is not valid but the segments are correct, space them so it will be obvious to other editors that they do not connect, and consider locking them to be sure they stay that way.  Otherwise delete the segment.</i>
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[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
Sometimes when modifying an intersection an editor will, through accident or lack of awareness, leave important turn restrictions red.  This will prevent routing on the affected segments.  In the worst cases significant roads may be effectively closed to Wazers, who are instead detoured through adjacent neighborhoods.
Sometimes when modifying an intersection an editor will, through accident or lack of awareness, leave important turn restrictions red.  This will prevent routing on the affected segments.  In the worst cases significant roads may be effectively closed to Wazers, who are instead detoured through adjacent neighborhoods.
<i>Response:  Correct the turn restrictions as soon as possible.</i>
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[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
It should go without saying that a road will not route if it does not go through, but it happens that editors delete or leave out critical segments.
It should go without saying that a road will not route if it does not go through, but it happens that editors delete or leave out critical segments.
<i>Response:  Replace the missing segments and verify turn restrictions as soon as possible.</i>
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[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
The more significant the road, the more likely it is to be locked so that only higher-ranking editors can modify it.  It is impossible for a junior editor to attach new segments to a locked road, although they can and do try, leading to disconnected/disjoint segments as described above.
The more significant the road, the more likely it is to be locked so that only higher-ranking editors can modify it.  It is impossible for a junior editor to attach new segments to a locked road, although they can and do try, leading to disconnected/disjoint segments as described above.
<i>Response:  Contact an editor of the necessary Rank to fix the area.</i>
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[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
Use only the minimum number of geometry nodes to match the road.  Excessive nodes slow the display and make the segment harder to edit, while misaligned nodes affect display aesthetics and in extreme cases ruin Waze's ability to determine what road a driver is on.
Use only the minimum number of geometry nodes to match the road.  Excessive nodes slow the display and make the segment harder to edit, while misaligned nodes affect display aesthetics and in extreme cases ruin Waze's ability to determine what road a driver is on.
<i>Response:  Remove excessive geometry nodes (using mouse-hover and the 'd' key) and correct misaligned nodes.</i>
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[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
Just because a road is divided by a median strip in reality is not enough reason to split it in Waze!  Splitting roads can cause a great deal of trouble and should not be attempted without great care and adequate preparation.  Always check with the local Area Manager before splitting any road.
Just because a road is divided by a median strip in reality is not enough reason to split it in Waze!  Splitting roads can cause a great deal of trouble and should not be attempted without great care and adequate preparation.  Always check with the local Area Manager before splitting any road.
<i>Response:  Check with the local area manager or a champ.  Unsplitting roads can cause as many headaches as splitting them in the first place.  Do not automatically assume that a newly-split road is incorrect, even if the split was performed poorly or by a novice editor.</i>
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==== Unnecessary and/or connected walking paths ====
==== Unnecessary and/or connected walking paths ====
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
Walking paths are not benign!  Waze will route drivers over them!  Even when not connected to the drivable road network, walking paths that come too close to drivable destinations can corrupt routing results.  In addition to their negative potential effects on routing, walking paths may encourage people to use Waze while walking or bicycling, a practice that can significantly damage Waze's traffic detection since Waze will think traffic is slow.  So, editors should not create walking paths to support people using Waze while walking or bicycling; we do not want to support that application! There are few circumstances that call for the mapping of walking paths.
Walking paths are not benign!  Waze will route drivers over them!  Even when not connected to the drivable road network, walking paths that come too close to drivable destinations can corrupt routing results.  In addition to their negative potential effects on routing, walking paths may encourage people to use Waze while walking or bicycling, a practice that can significantly damage Waze's traffic detection since Waze will think traffic is slow.  So, editors should not create walking paths to support people using Waze while walking or bicycling, and that includes responding to automated Map Problem reports generated by people using Waze while walking or bicycling. There are few circumstances that call for the mapping of walking paths.
 
<i>Response:  First of all, unless this is one of a tiny handful of cases where a walking path is required to reach a destination, disconnect the path from any drivable road segments.  If there is any chance the walking path could confuse drivers or distort local routing, delete it.  If the path is sufficiently isolated so as not to cause routing problems, and it is either popular (in or adjacent to a heavily populated area) or named (e.g. Los Gatos Creek Trl), the best approach may be to leave it, particularly near connections with parking for the path, as its name may be used as a search term.  Walking paths that are neither popular nor named should be deleted; they may not appear to be doing any harm, but by their presence they encourage other editors to add to the path or create new ones.</i>
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[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
[[File:RoadPicN2.jpg|right|300px|RoadPicN2.jpg]]
New editors often believe that if you can drive it, you should map it.  This perspective is not only a recipe for spaghetti maps, it can break routing.  For example, if you add a private road to your house, Wazers visiting your neighbors may find themselves routed up your driveway.  If you add a private alley that connects two streets through a warehouse district, a delivery person near the alley may be snapped to that alley and be given an impossible route.  In general, you should map roads because they are necessary for routing and not simply because they are there.
New editors often believe that if you can drive it, you should map it.  This perspective is not only a recipe for spaghetti maps, it can break routing.  For example, if you add a private road to your house, Wazers visiting your neighbors may find themselves routed up your driveway.  If you add a private alley that connects two streets through a warehouse district, a delivery person near the alley may be snapped to that alley and be given an impossible route.  In general, you should map roads because they are necessary for routing and not simply because they are there.
<i>Response:  Unless the routing issue can be solved with additional roads (that do not violate conventions and do not themselves further disrupt routing), delete.</i>
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Revision as of 16:09, 13 July 2014

This new page is currently undergoing modifications. The information presented should be considered a draft, not yet ready for use. Content is being prepared by one or more users. Do not make any changes before you post a message in this forum.

If you were advised to read this wiki, it means another editor believes some of your edits to the Waze map are incorrect. Those edits may already have been modified or deleted. This may be an unpleasant surprise, especially if you put a lot of time and energy into those edits, but rest assured that you are in good company. Every one of Waze's many volunteer editors has made mistakes that required correction or removal.

The purpose of this wiki is to help you understand what about your edits may have needed undoing and to offer you suggestions on where your editing energy could do the most good.

Incorrect edits are a natural part of Waze

Having edits undone or redone may make you feel like being a Waze editor is not for you. That's a sensible response, but actually, Waze and the volunteer editing community need you.

It is so important to Waze to encourage new editors that they deliberately omit any training requirements to get started. Without any information, practice, or tests -- in fact within minutes of discovering Waze -- you can begin modifying Waze's maps. This is exciting, but it also means you will make mistakes. We all do.

Incorrect edits are a natural part of Waze. So please don't feel bad.

What did I do wrong?

Incorrect edits include both functional mistakes and misunderstood conventions. Functional mistakes are more serious but both require response.

Functional mistakes

A functional error introduces wrong or incomplete data or faulty routing. Functional errors must be addressed as soon as possible after they are detected. If your incorrect edit was a functional mistake the editor who discovered it has already taken steps to fix it.

Red roads

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

Roads that appear bright red in the editor were published before all necessary parameters were set properly. These roads will appear on the Waze client but are useless for routing. Their prominent display calls attention to incomplete edits. See the Map Editing Quick-start Guide for details.

Response: If the "red road" appears to indicate a drivable and routable road, complete it as necessary. Try to preserve the creator's name out of respect for their having found the omission and attempted to remedy it. Do not automatically delete red roads! They may reflect construction that occurred since the satellite and/or street-view imagery was acquired.

Misplaced roundabouts

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

The Waze roundabout tool creates an intersection that gives roundabout-specific routing instructions to drivers. It should only be used for real roundabout intersections with three or more exits! It does not belong at cul-de-sacs, decorative entrance driveways, or traffic calming circles without roundabout signs. It is also inappropriate for large traffic circles with street names of their own. It goes without saying that it should never be used for an ordinary intersection, as the routing instructions will confuse drivers.

Response: If the satellite image leaves any doubt at all, use Street View to verify that no signs suggestive of a roundabout are present. If it is a roundabout, ensure the layout matches the desired roundabout routing behavior, either orthogonal or odd-angle. If it not a roundabout, delete it and repair any associated connections.

Overlapping segments

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

There should be only one segment representing a given length of street. Overlapping segments wreak havoc with the routing and house-numbering systems. Sometimes editors create overlapping segments because they don't know how to modify the existing segment, or find it is locked above their level. The correct approach is to seek help, not to add a new segment on top of an existing one.

Response: Identify the overlapping segment -- typically the one without house numbering and/or with improper connections to other nearby segments -- and delete it.

Disconnected/disjoint segments

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

Just because segments appear to intersect doesn't mean they really do. A proper intersection will display all turn restrictions if any connecting segment is selected. A segment that only appears to connect will not only fail to route but will also confuse editors trying to understand the failure.

Response: If the intersection appears valid and the segment is correct, routable, and complies with conventions, connect the segment and set turn restrictions appropriately. If the intersection is not valid but the segments are correct, space them so it will be obvious to other editors that they do not connect, and consider locking them to be sure they stay that way. Otherwise delete the segment.

Corrupted turn restrictions

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

Sometimes when modifying an intersection an editor will, through accident or lack of awareness, leave important turn restrictions red. This will prevent routing on the affected segments. In the worst cases significant roads may be effectively closed to Wazers, who are instead detoured through adjacent neighborhoods.

Response: Correct the turn restrictions as soon as possible.

Critical segments missing

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

It should go without saying that a road will not route if it does not go through, but it happens that editors delete or leave out critical segments.

Response: Replace the missing segments and verify turn restrictions as soon as possible.

Failed editing due to locked segments

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

The more significant the road, the more likely it is to be locked so that only higher-ranking editors can modify it. It is impossible for a junior editor to attach new segments to a locked road, although they can and do try, leading to disconnected/disjoint segments as described above.

Response: Contact an editor of the necessary Rank to fix the area.

Excessive and misaligned geometry nodes

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

Use only the minimum number of geometry nodes to match the road. Excessive nodes slow the display and make the segment harder to edit, while misaligned nodes affect display aesthetics and in extreme cases ruin Waze's ability to determine what road a driver is on.

Response: Remove excessive geometry nodes (using mouse-hover and the 'd' key) and correct misaligned nodes.

Cowboy road splitting

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

Just because a road is divided by a median strip in reality is not enough reason to split it in Waze! Splitting roads can cause a great deal of trouble and should not be attempted without great care and adequate preparation. Always check with the local Area Manager before splitting any road.

Response: Check with the local area manager or a champ. Unsplitting roads can cause as many headaches as splitting them in the first place. Do not automatically assume that a newly-split road is incorrect, even if the split was performed poorly or by a novice editor.

Unnecessary and/or connected walking paths

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

Walking paths are not benign! Waze will route drivers over them! Even when not connected to the drivable road network, walking paths that come too close to drivable destinations can corrupt routing results. In addition to their negative potential effects on routing, walking paths may encourage people to use Waze while walking or bicycling, a practice that can significantly damage Waze's traffic detection since Waze will think traffic is slow. So, editors should not create walking paths to support people using Waze while walking or bicycling, and that includes responding to automated Map Problem reports generated by people using Waze while walking or bicycling. There are few circumstances that call for the mapping of walking paths.

Response: First of all, unless this is one of a tiny handful of cases where a walking path is required to reach a destination, disconnect the path from any drivable road segments. If there is any chance the walking path could confuse drivers or distort local routing, delete it. If the path is sufficiently isolated so as not to cause routing problems, and it is either popular (in or adjacent to a heavily populated area) or named (e.g. Los Gatos Creek Trl), the best approach may be to leave it, particularly near connections with parking for the path, as its name may be used as a search term. Walking paths that are neither popular nor named should be deleted; they may not appear to be doing any harm, but by their presence they encourage other editors to add to the path or create new ones.

Unnecessary alleys and private driveways

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

New editors often believe that if you can drive it, you should map it. This perspective is not only a recipe for spaghetti maps, it can break routing. For example, if you add a private road to your house, Wazers visiting your neighbors may find themselves routed up your driveway. If you add a private alley that connects two streets through a warehouse district, a delivery person near the alley may be snapped to that alley and be given an impossible route. In general, you should map roads because they are necessary for routing and not simply because they are there.

Response: Unless the routing issue can be solved with additional roads (that do not violate conventions and do not themselves further disrupt routing), delete.

Unnecessary at-grade connectors

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

At-grade connectors are not necessary unless the driver needs advance warning of a turn. Unnecessary at-grade connectors are more trouble to analyze and maintain, and their close proximity to the through road from which they split can lead Waze to snap drivers to the wrong road. Asking for a route while snapped to the wrong road will result in incorrect routing.

Misunderstood conventions

Misunderstood conventions do not necessarily involve wrong data or faulty routing, but violate editing conventions agreed upon by the local Waze editing community.

Excessive parking-lot roads

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

Use of the Parking-Lot Area Place for private or dedicated-purpose parking

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

Misuse of Area Places

RoadPicN2.jpg
RoadPicN2.jpg

Responding to incorrect edits

If you find yourself confronted with what appear to be incorrect edits, first of all, be absolutely sure they really are incorrect! What appears at first to be a misplaced road, for example, may reflect changes that have taken place since the satellite and street-view images were captured. Disagreement with other mapping services may result from errors in the other services, not in the Waze data. Do not automatically assume that the satellite imagery, street-view photographs, or other mapping services are correct.

Wherever possible, resist the urge to delete and start again. Nobody enjoys seeing their work deleted, even if it was in error. To the extent possible, modify and build on the incorrect work. If deletion is required but the maps and routing are not broken, send the author a permalink to the issue and a link to this wiki and give them a chance to delete the issue themselves. If the error must be reworked immediately, at least send the author a link to this wiki and some indication of where the repairs took place so they have the opportunity to learn.