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='''Introduction'''=
==Introduction==


''This forms part of [[United Kingdom#Editing Best Practice|UK Editing Best Practice]]. Editors are encouraged to follow these guidelines.''
Places are ''points of interest'' and should only be mapped if they are a useful destination or help drivers find their bearings.  
Please read in conjunction with the generic page on [[Places]], which has more specific information about how to use the editor and moderate Update Requests.


Only actual "Landmarks" should be mapped, i.e. those which help the driver to find their bearings.
Places come in 2 forms:
*'''Point Places''' - These are not visible in the App but are searchable. Examples - convenience store,  takeaways, car wash, bank, coffee shop.
*'''Area Place''' - These are shown in the App and are searchable. Examples - supermarkets, retail parks, airports, golf course, parks, lakes. Overuse of Area Places can clutter the map and make identifying individual landmarks difficult.
{{mbox | type=notice | text = This forms part of [[United Kingdom#Editing Best Practice|UK Editing Best Practice]]. Please read in conjunction with the generic [[global:Places|global page on Places]], which has more specific information about how to use the editor and moderate Update Requests.}}


''Generally, area places should be drawn '''as simply as possible'''. Most structures can be represented by a basic rectangle. Do '''NOT''' attempt to accurately match the shape of a building or parking lot, as much of the detail will be lost on the client.''
==Point Places==
'''Point Places''' should be used for individual businesses with buildings smaller than 40x40m, and for businesses that share part of an building that is already covered by a larger Area Place. Points should be positioned at the entrance for the business.


='''General Guidelines'''=
{{mbox | type=important | text = Waze will navigate to the closest segment to the Point Place, if this is not the correct location to send users then an ''Entry/Exit Point'' should be added, ensuring that it is close enough to the appropriate street or PLR for correct navigation.}}
Generally, ''Areas'' are for landmarks that should appear on the map, while ''Points'' are for places that are only visible when searching for them.


==Area Places==
==Area Places==
[[Places#Area_Place|Global Guidelines]] say: ''If buildings form a '''unified complex''' or campus with an overall identity, the boundaries of the Area Place should encompass the entire property (i.e., "mapped to the fence line").''
Area Places should be drawn '''as simply as possible''' as Waze will substantially simplify the shape before displaying it in the App. You will be wasting your time mapping every little corner and change of direction. Consider mapping with a basic rectangle.
 
''Area Places whose property lines are substantially identical with a '''single destination''' structure may be drawn, if desired, to approximate the structure's outline or footprint.''
 
'''UK Guidelines'''
* If there is a cluster of related buildings, then surround them with a single shape.
:For example, schools and hospitals
* If a place relates to a single building, then only map the building
* Draw outline with as few points as possible - client will only show simple shapes
* Buildings below 1600m² (40m x 40m) should be mapped as a Point instead
* Position the navigation point on the nearest Parking Lot Road, near to the entrance if possible
 
==Point Places==
* Individual businesses should be points, unless they occupy the entire building
* Points should be positioned over the entrance for that place
* Ensure that it is close enough to the appropriate street or PLR for correct navigation
 
==Locking==
* Natural features (parks, forests, should be locked at 3
* Proper car parks and gas stations should be locked at 3
* Any places which have been edited with correct name, category and address, lock at 2.
:This forces any updates from low rank users to appear as requests


='''Special Landmarks'''=
There are 3 form factors of Area Places:
==Car Parks==
*'''Individual buildings''' - larger businesses such as supermarkets, cinemas, and stadiums, should be mapped to the edge of the building lines only.
*'''Building clusters''' - locations that consist of multiple buildings such as hospitals, schools, retail parks, should be mapped to cover all of the buildings in a single area.
*'''Campus complexes''' - buildings that form a ''unified complex'' or campus with an overall identity such as universities, and zoos, should be mapped to encompass the entire property, usually the property lines.
{{mbox | type=important | text = Waze will navigate to the closest segment to the centre of the Area Place polygon, if this is not the correct location to send users then an ''Entry/Exit Point'' should be added, ensuring that it is close enough to the appropriate street or PLR for correct navigation.}}


As per the Global Guidelines, there are '''[[Places/Parking_lot#Principles|three principles]]''' that govern whether a given car park should be mapped as an Area Place:
==Naming conventions==
Places should be named '''as simply as possible'''. This often means that the brand name of the business is sufficient to identify the ''Place'', ensuring the address is correctly set will differentiate ''Value Shop'' in Wolverhampton from ''Value Shop'' in Dudley.


'''General Public Use'''
When more than one brand venue exists in the same city additional detail in the name is useful, this ensures users can choose the best destination. Using the brand store locator, if it has one, for inspiration on how they name their stores can be helpful. As always some research helps and common sense should be used.
:All Car Park Area Places must be legally and locally condoned for at least short-term use by the general public.


'''General Purpose Use'''
::; '''Format:''' : <code><brand name> <store type> <locality name></code>
:Drivers who leave cars in a Car Park Area Place should be entitled to walk or take other transportation to any destination of choice, and this should be a common occurrence.
::; '''Examples''' : <code>Tesco</code>
::: <code>Tesco Extra</code>, <code>Tesco Express</code>
::: <code>Tesco Express Charing Cross</code>, <code>Tesco Metro Covent Garden</code>


'''Distinctive and Significant'''
Do '''not''' add venue names to segments that access the location, usually ''Parking Roads'' or ''Private Roads'', these should be left blank by ticking the ''no name'' checkbox (unless the road has a given name which should be used).
:Overuse of Area Places quickly leads to map clutter. A Car Park Area Place must mark a parking facility that would be distinctive and significant to passing drivers, including those not seeking parking.


'''''Parking that doesn't satisfy all three principles shall '''NOT''' be marked as a Car Park.'''''
===Railway stations===
::; '''Format:''' : <code><city name> Railway Station</code>
::; '''Examples''' : <code>Coventry Railway Station</code>
::: <code>Exeter Central Railway Station</code>, <code>Exeter St. Davids Railway Station</code>


'''UK Guidelines'''
==Navigation points==
* '''Do Not Map Car Parks''', unless they are public access car parks
{{mbox | type=warning | text = Multiple navigation points do not yet affect the production App (May 2019). More can be read about the status of this feature in the [https://www.waze.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=277779 Global Forum thread].}}
:i.e. car parks which aren't tied to a specific business or purpose
*'''Point Places''' - These can only have 1 unnamed navigation point, this should '''only''' be mapped if the Place is not located adjacent to the appropriate segment.
* Name them with their full name, e.g. Queen Street Car Park. Do '''NOT''' use [P] prefix
*'''Area Places''' - You can add up to 20 navigation points, 1 of which should be marked as the ''main'' nav point. Each nav point should be named appropriately, yet as '''simply as possible''', eg. ''Gate 1'', Stadium Way entrance, ''Green Car Park''. You should '''not''' include the original venue name. You can only create additional nav points once you move the previously created nav point away from the centre of the polygon.
* If a private car park, start with company name, e.g. NCP Tanner Row Car Park
* Car parks should be mapped to edge of drivable tarmac
* Do '''NOT''' Add "Car Park" as a secondary category; instead, tick the ‘Customer Parking’ option under Services
* Special car parking areas, for example airports or malls, can be mapped with Points, E.g. car park A/B/C, short stay, long stay, drop off, pickup


'''Parking Roads'''
==Specific place mapping==
* Draw in the minimum required Parking Roads to allow navigation in and out of the car park
===Car Parks===
* Do '''NOT''' draw every single row within the car park - these will be deleted!
{{mbox | type=note | text = For a comprehensive guide to mapping car parks you should refer to the [[Places/Car Parks|UK Car Parks]] page.}}
* Parking roads should '''NOT''' be named, as it looks better to have a label on the landmark
[[File:Car-park-uk.png|thumbnail|right|Morrisons Car Park]]
* Parking roads should '''NOT''' be marked as a "Toll Road"
If there is a '''distinctly-marked area''' where cars can park, '''separated''' from the road and with its own driveable segments, it should be mapped. If the car parking spaces are accessed '''directly''' from the road, this is on-street parking and should '''not''' be mapped, whether or not there are car park signs.
* Park and Ride places should also include Bus Station category


Lay-bys should not be marked with a landmark, but should instead be mapped in accordance with the [[United_Kingdom/Roads#Lay-bys|How to classify and name roads]] Wiki Page.
'''All mapped car parks must be areas''', editors can only create car parks as an Area polygon within the WME. Car parks should be mapped to the edge of the drivable tarmac. '''Parking Lot Road segments should be added''', but only the minimal amount required to allow navigation into and out of the car park. The category can '''only''' be set to ''Car Park''. All other attributes should be added if available. Car park areas and roads should locked to '''3'''.


==Shopping Centres / Malls==
[https://www.waze.com/en-GB/editor?env=row&lon=-1.00147&lat=50.90794&s=1363148247&zoom=6&venues=235274749.-1942219805.17667067 Car park example]
* Draw the outline of the building, and name it according to the name of the centre or mall
* Add Point places for each business within the place
* Enter the name of the building in the address for the point places within it. This means put the name of shopping centre as the street name in the address
* If there is a Pharmacy or Optician within the store, add it as a category (not a point)


'''Examples:'''
'''Lay-bys''' should not be marked with a Place, but should instead be mapped in accordance with the [[Roads#Lay-bys|UK Roads]] page.
* large mall
* large shopping centre


'''Exception: High Streets'''
===Shopping centres / retail parks===
:A typical in-town shopping district will be wall-to-wall buildings, with very many different businesses. It would look odd to map only a few of the buildings, or to map all of them. They often also have limited or no access/parking available.
[[File:Shopping-village-uk.png|thumbnail|right|Bicester Shopping Village]]
: Only use Points for these businesses
Shopping centres & retail parks should be mapped as an '''Area Place''' that covers the outline of the building(s) & named according to the name of the centre or park. Each business within the shopping area can be mapped using a '''Point Place''' at the entrance to the individual shops. The name of the shopping centre / retail park should be used for the Point Place ''Street'' name.


==Supermarkets==
The category should be set to '''Shopping Centre'''. Minor locations within the shopping centre / retail park, such as Opticians, Pharmacy, ATM, should be added as categories rather than being mapped. All other attributes should be added if available. Completed places can be locked to '''2'''.
* Supermarkets should be a single area place, covering the main building
* Don't include the car park or petrol station
* Supermarket car parks should be mapped with minimum of PLRs (as per usual)
* Navigation point should be moved to as close to the car park entrance as possible


'''Examples:'''
[https://www.waze.com/en-GB/editor?env=row&lon=-1.15599&lat=51.89180&s=3251476&zoom=5&venues=235143687.-1943202747.434309 Shopping centre example]
* ???


==Petrol Stations==
====Town high streets / city centres====
Petrol Stations should be mapped according to the following guidelines:
An exception to this rule would be a general town high street or city centre, although it may be a shopping area this should '''not''' be mapped as such. Instead only the individual businesses should be mapped as Place Points with their postal address used .
* A Landmark of "Gas Station" type should be placed over the entire forecourt, so it's visible on the map and prevents any Wazers from creating a false Map Problem.
* Routes in and out should be mapped with roads of "Parking Lot Road" type, they should ''not be named'' (city name is optional) and they should have appropriate directions and turn restrictions. 
* The landmark should be named appropriately (not just Petrol Station or Shell etc).
* The brand should be selected correctly.
* Include full street name in address, with road direction where applicable
* The phone number should be added if known.
* Also add other applicable categories, e.g. shop, atm, car wash


The example below shows a properly mapped Petrol Station and can be found
===Supermarkets===
[https://www.waze.com/editor/?zoom=7&lat=53.1925&lon=-0.52919&layers=TBFTFTTTTTTTTTTTFTTTTFT&landmarks=782219 here]:
[[File:Superstore-uk.png|thumbnail|right|Tesco store in Manchester]]
[[Image:UK_Petrol_Station_Example_1.jpg|thumb|center|705px|]]
Supermarkets should be mapped as a single '''Area Place''' covering the main building. The supermarket should be named as '''simply''' as possible, adding the town/city is ''unnecessary'', if there is more than one of that supermarket brand in the town/city then you should use a '''unique name''' to help differentiate within search results (you can often use the brand website store locator for inspiration). The category should be set to '''Supermarket/Grocery'''. All other attributes should be added if available. Completed places can be locked to '''2'''.


==Service Areas==
If the Supermarket has a car park and/or petrol station these should be mapped '''separately'''.


''This advice applies to Motorway Services, and other large service areas on major roads that include several facilities and businesses.''
[https://www.waze.com/en-GB/editor?env=row&lon=-2.24401&lat=53.51345&s=3251476&zoom=6&venues=234488343.-1950346009.2123750 Supermarket example]


Single ''area place'' is to be drawn over entire site, split in to two if separated by the motorway. The shape of the area should be simple as possible, and include the ends of the ramps to provide maximum visibility for drivers.
===Petrol stations===
[[File:Petrol-station-uk.png|thumbnail|right|Sleaford Road Service Station]]
Petrol stations / filling stations should be mapped as an '''Area Place''' and cover the entire forecourt, this is so that it is as clear as possible in the App and because wazers can only update prices within 500m of a petrol station. The access into and out of the forecourt should be mapped with ''Parking Roads'', with care taken to set the appropriate directions & turn restrictions.


The '''Navigation Point''' for the place is to be positioned at end of exit ramp, so that routing stops as soon as drivers arrive and they can then find their own way to appropriate parking.
The category should be set to '''Petrol Station''', any other facilities can be added as secondary categories, such as ATM, Car Wash, Shop. The petrol station should be named appropriately, '''not''' just ''Petrol Station'' or ''Shell'', and the ''Brand'' correctly set. If the brand is not listed it should be set as '''Independent'''.  All other attributes should be added if available. Petrol stations should be locked to '''3'''.


The primary category should be '''Services / Layby''' with any other relevant secondary categories such as Fast Food, Restaurant, Coffee shop / Cafe, Shop (excluding Fuel or Hotel). Users will then be able to search for "services" along their route.
[https://www.waze.com/en-GB/editor?env=row&lon=-0.52931&lat=53.19246&zoom=7&venues=235602452.-1939139385.246526 Petrol station example]
''Do NOT add Car Park category!''


'''Name''' should be like "Suchandsuch Services", with direction as necessary, e.g. (N) or (S)
{{mbox | type=warning | text = Restricted use locations, such as [https://www.waze.com/editor/?env=row&lon=-2.69284&lat=51.50048&zoom=6&venues=234160643.-1953295330.7223398 '''Costco Fuel'''], should have the suffix ''' - Members Only''' (or similar) in the name and their ''Brand'' left '''blank''', this ensures the name and not the brand is displayed in search results. The location should also be locked to '''4'''.}}
Do not include brand name, or "Motoryway" or "Northbound". Alternate names can be added as required.
{{mbox | type=construction | text =  Should a petrol station need closing the ''Brand'' should be removed, the suffix '''[CLOSED]''' be added to the name, and the category changed to '''Construction site'''. This will remove the location from nearest petrol stations list, and ensure the name is shown in any search results. You should make note of the location and be prepared to ''reopen'' the petrol station.}}


In the '''Description''' of the place, enter the main brand of the services on first line (Moto, Welcome Break, etc), and then put other businesses on the second line, separated by commas. Add other details and services as applicable.
===Service areas===
{{mbox | type=notice | text = These guidelines are for motorway services and other large service areas on major roads that include several facilities and business.}}
[[File:Services-uk.png|thumbnail|right|Woodall (N) services]]
Services should be mapped as an '''Area Place''' to the boundaries of the facilities including the end of the ramps leading into and out of the services. If the services cover both sides of the carriageway separate Area Places should be mapped. Services should be named to reflect the names shown on the highway signage, If the services are split by a carriageway then cardinal directions should be included after the name, eg. ''Woodall Services (S)''. Do '''not''' include the brand name or road name.


In the '''Address''' section, set the Street name to "Mx (N)" or "Mx Jx" as applicable.  
An ''entry/exit point'' should be added and positioned at the end of the exit ramp, this is to ensure Waze navigates off the main highway and ends voice instructions as the wazer arrives, they are then left to find their own way to the appropriate parking or facility.


'''Petrol Stations''' and '''Hotels''' should be marked with their own *point places*, positioned at the front of the property. They should then be named like "Brand - Location (N)". For example: "Shell - Tibshelf" or "Days Inn - Woodall". The address should match that of the main services area.
The category should be set to '''Services / Layby''', any other facilities can be added as secondary categories such as Fast Food, Restaurant, Coffee shop / Cafe, Shop. Do '''not''' include Petrol Station or Hotel. The main brand of the services should be entered in the first line of the '''description''' (''Moto, Welcome Break, etc''), and then list the other businesses on the second line, separated by commas. All other attributes should be added if available. The road name or junction number, eg. ''Mx (N)'' or ''Mx Jx'', should be used for the services '''Street''' name in the address.


If there is a main route through the services that doesn't provide parking, these segments can be marked as Street. All other segments should be Parking Roads, as per usual guidelines for car parks.
''Petrol Stations'' and ''Hotels'' should be mapped separately with their own '''Point Places''', positioned at the entrance to the building. Their name should include the services name, eg. ''Shell - Woodall'' or ''Days Inn - Woodall''. The address should match that of the main services area.


'''Examples:'''
The segment that enters the service directly from the main highway should be named '''Services''', this provide the clear instruction ''exit onto Services''. Segments that rejoin the main highway should be left with ''no name''. If the services has a through road that does not provide direct parking then this should be set as a '''Street'''. All other segments within the services should be set as '''Parking Roads'''. Any limited access roads (with no public right of way), typically connecting the rear of the site to the local roads should be set as a '''Private Road'''.
* [https://www.waze.com/en-GB/editor/?env=row&lon=-1.36917&lat=53.94583&zoom=5 Wetherby Services] on A1
* [https://www.waze.com/en-GB/editor/?env=row&lon=-1.74396&lat=53.71326&zoom=5 Heartshead Moor] on M62
* [https://www.waze.com/en-GB/editor/?env=row&lon=-1.20484&lat=52.61929&zoom=5 Leicester Forest East] on M1
* [https://www.waze.com/en-GB/editor/?env=row&lon=-1.28264&lat=53.31549&zoom=4 Woodall Services] on M1


='''Natural Features'''=
[https://www.waze.com/editor?env=row&lon=-1.28243&lat=53.31568&s=70491415&zoom=5&venues=235078165.-1944054572.453697 Service area example]
These can be used to make the map look pleasing to the eye but serve no purpose for search or navigation. Natural features should be locked to rank 3.


==Parks and Woodland==
==Natural Features==
Parks and forests should be mapped using the appropriate type, but only if they're of significant size.
Generally mapping natural features only serves to improve the visual appearance of the App. In some cases they can provide a useful reference along a journey when crossing major rivers or passing lakes or woodlands. When fully mapped with an '''Area Place''' these should be locked to '''3'''.


==Water Features==
*'''Parks, forests, lakes''' - these should be mapped using an '''Area Place''', named if they have one, and the appropriate category set.
* Rivers and canals should be mapped as "River/Stream" with their proper names.  
*'''Rivers, canals''' - these should be mapped using an '''Area Place''', named, and the appropriate category set.  
** Use the [https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/1879-wme-street-to-river-plus Street to River] script for easy river creation.
*'''Seas / shorelines''' - these should '''not''' be mapped as they are provided by an external source.
* Lakes and ponds should be mapped using the type "Sea/Lake/Levee".
*'''Farms''' - these should '''not''' be mapped as Area Places. If they provide public services, such as a farm shop or camping, then they can be mapped as a '''Point Place'''.
* Seas should '''NOT''' be mapped, as the coastline is provided via an external source.


='''Private / Residential'''=
{{mbox | type=notice | text = You may wish to use the ''[https://www.waze.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=819&t=87931 Street to River Plus]'' script to help create rivers and canals.}}
* When reviewing a Place Update for a Residential (Private) Place:
*# verify that the house number is correct using Street View
*# accept the Update
*# adjust the location if necessary
*# review the attached photo, and delete it if it doesn't clearly show the residence
*Homes that have been submitted as the wrong type should be changed to Residential
*Residential places without a house number should be rejected or deleted


='''Categories'''=
==Residential Place Points==
* When editing places, ensure you have selected the EN GB language in the editor
When reviewing a '''Place Point Update''' for a residential dwelling it should only be accepted if it contains a '''house number''', this should be verified using Google Street View or a local authority map. Adjust the position to the '''correct location'''. You should review any photo(s) and delete any that do not '''clearly''' show the residence.
* Do '''NOT''' use category groups for the category of a place!
:E.g. Car Services, Professional and Public, Shopping and Services, etc
* Many Hotels are incorrectly categorised as Hostels


==Missing==
If the residential place has been submitted as anything other than a ''Residential Place Point'' it should be converted to one using the link in the left-hand panel.
* Community Centre → use Conventions / Event Centre
* Village Hall → use Conventions / Event Centre
* Garden Centre / Nursery → use Flowers / Gardening
* Dentist → Hospital / Medical Centre
* Newsagents → use Shop


==Conflicting==
==Categories==
Pet store and Veterinary Services (these are quite different and shouldn't be together)
{{mbox | type=important | text = You should check the Waze Map Editor language in the settings tab. Using '''English (UK)''' will provide British translations to place categories.}}
Do '''not''' use primary category groups for places, instead use the secondary categories. Primary categories include; ''Car Services, Transportation, Professional and public, Shopping and services, Food and drink, Culture and entertainment, Other, Lodging, Outdoors, Natural Features.


'''Note:''' After the UK Conference Orit confirmed that Waze had no plans to add extra categories or change any of the existing ones ‘at this time’. (Email to dave on 7/Sep/2014)
Always check the category on newly approved places as they are frequently wrong. Many Hotels are incorrectly categorised as Hostels


='''TO DO'''=
===Missing categories===
# re-arrange all pages to United_Kingdom/Roads, United_Kingdom/Cities, etc
{| cellpadding="0" width="50%" class="wikitable"
| style="width:25%" | '''Missing Category'''
| style="width:25%" | '''WME Category to use'''
|-
| Community centre
| Conventions / Event centre
|-
| Village hall
| Conventions / Event centre
|-
| Garden centre / Nursery
| Flower / Gardening
|-
| Dentist
| Doctor / Clinic
|-
| Newsagent
| Shop
|}

Revision as of 08:45, 24 May 2019

Introduction

Places are points of interest and should only be mapped if they are a useful destination or help drivers find their bearings.

Places come in 2 forms:

  • Point Places - These are not visible in the App but are searchable. Examples - convenience store, takeaways, car wash, bank, coffee shop.
  • Area Place - These are shown in the App and are searchable. Examples - supermarkets, retail parks, airports, golf course, parks, lakes. Overuse of Area Places can clutter the map and make identifying individual landmarks difficult.
This forms part of UK Editing Best Practice. Please read in conjunction with the generic global page on Places, which has more specific information about how to use the editor and moderate Update Requests.

Point Places

Point Places should be used for individual businesses with buildings smaller than 40x40m, and for businesses that share part of an building that is already covered by a larger Area Place. Points should be positioned at the entrance for the business.

Waze will navigate to the closest segment to the Point Place, if this is not the correct location to send users then an Entry/Exit Point should be added, ensuring that it is close enough to the appropriate street or PLR for correct navigation.

Area Places

Area Places should be drawn as simply as possible as Waze will substantially simplify the shape before displaying it in the App. You will be wasting your time mapping every little corner and change of direction. Consider mapping with a basic rectangle.

There are 3 form factors of Area Places:

  • Individual buildings - larger businesses such as supermarkets, cinemas, and stadiums, should be mapped to the edge of the building lines only.
  • Building clusters - locations that consist of multiple buildings such as hospitals, schools, retail parks, should be mapped to cover all of the buildings in a single area.
  • Campus complexes - buildings that form a unified complex or campus with an overall identity such as universities, and zoos, should be mapped to encompass the entire property, usually the property lines.
Waze will navigate to the closest segment to the centre of the Area Place polygon, if this is not the correct location to send users then an Entry/Exit Point should be added, ensuring that it is close enough to the appropriate street or PLR for correct navigation.

Naming conventions

Places should be named as simply as possible. This often means that the brand name of the business is sufficient to identify the Place, ensuring the address is correctly set will differentiate Value Shop in Wolverhampton from Value Shop in Dudley.

When more than one brand venue exists in the same city additional detail in the name is useful, this ensures users can choose the best destination. Using the brand store locator, if it has one, for inspiration on how they name their stores can be helpful. As always some research helps and common sense should be used.

Format:
<brand name> <store type> <locality name>
Examples
Tesco
Tesco Extra, Tesco Express
Tesco Express Charing Cross, Tesco Metro Covent Garden

Do not add venue names to segments that access the location, usually Parking Roads or Private Roads, these should be left blank by ticking the no name checkbox (unless the road has a given name which should be used).

Railway stations

Format:
<city name> Railway Station
Examples
Coventry Railway Station
Exeter Central Railway Station, Exeter St. Davids Railway Station

Navigation points

Multiple navigation points do not yet affect the production App (May 2019). More can be read about the status of this feature in the Global Forum thread.
  • Point Places - These can only have 1 unnamed navigation point, this should only be mapped if the Place is not located adjacent to the appropriate segment.
  • Area Places - You can add up to 20 navigation points, 1 of which should be marked as the main nav point. Each nav point should be named appropriately, yet as simply as possible, eg. Gate 1, Stadium Way entrance, Green Car Park. You should not include the original venue name. You can only create additional nav points once you move the previously created nav point away from the centre of the polygon.

Specific place mapping

Car Parks

For a comprehensive guide to mapping car parks you should refer to the UK Car Parks page.
Morrisons Car Park

If there is a distinctly-marked area where cars can park, separated from the road and with its own driveable segments, it should be mapped. If the car parking spaces are accessed directly from the road, this is on-street parking and should not be mapped, whether or not there are car park signs.

All mapped car parks must be areas, editors can only create car parks as an Area polygon within the WME. Car parks should be mapped to the edge of the drivable tarmac. Parking Lot Road segments should be added, but only the minimal amount required to allow navigation into and out of the car park. The category can only be set to Car Park. All other attributes should be added if available. Car park areas and roads should locked to 3.

Car park example

Lay-bys should not be marked with a Place, but should instead be mapped in accordance with the UK Roads page.

Shopping centres / retail parks

Bicester Shopping Village

Shopping centres & retail parks should be mapped as an Area Place that covers the outline of the building(s) & named according to the name of the centre or park. Each business within the shopping area can be mapped using a Point Place at the entrance to the individual shops. The name of the shopping centre / retail park should be used for the Point Place Street name.

The category should be set to Shopping Centre. Minor locations within the shopping centre / retail park, such as Opticians, Pharmacy, ATM, should be added as categories rather than being mapped. All other attributes should be added if available. Completed places can be locked to 2.

Shopping centre example

Town high streets / city centres

An exception to this rule would be a general town high street or city centre, although it may be a shopping area this should not be mapped as such. Instead only the individual businesses should be mapped as Place Points with their postal address used .

Supermarkets

Tesco store in Manchester

Supermarkets should be mapped as a single Area Place covering the main building. The supermarket should be named as simply as possible, adding the town/city is unnecessary, if there is more than one of that supermarket brand in the town/city then you should use a unique name to help differentiate within search results (you can often use the brand website store locator for inspiration). The category should be set to Supermarket/Grocery. All other attributes should be added if available. Completed places can be locked to 2.

If the Supermarket has a car park and/or petrol station these should be mapped separately.

Supermarket example

Petrol stations

Sleaford Road Service Station

Petrol stations / filling stations should be mapped as an Area Place and cover the entire forecourt, this is so that it is as clear as possible in the App and because wazers can only update prices within 500m of a petrol station. The access into and out of the forecourt should be mapped with Parking Roads, with care taken to set the appropriate directions & turn restrictions.

The category should be set to Petrol Station, any other facilities can be added as secondary categories, such as ATM, Car Wash, Shop. The petrol station should be named appropriately, not just Petrol Station or Shell, and the Brand correctly set. If the brand is not listed it should be set as Independent. All other attributes should be added if available. Petrol stations should be locked to 3.

Petrol station example

Restricted use locations, such as Costco Fuel, should have the suffix - Members Only (or similar) in the name and their Brand left blank, this ensures the name and not the brand is displayed in search results. The location should also be locked to 4.
Should a petrol station need closing the Brand should be removed, the suffix [CLOSED] be added to the name, and the category changed to Construction site. This will remove the location from nearest petrol stations list, and ensure the name is shown in any search results. You should make note of the location and be prepared to reopen the petrol station.

Service areas

These guidelines are for motorway services and other large service areas on major roads that include several facilities and business.
Woodall (N) services

Services should be mapped as an Area Place to the boundaries of the facilities including the end of the ramps leading into and out of the services. If the services cover both sides of the carriageway separate Area Places should be mapped. Services should be named to reflect the names shown on the highway signage, If the services are split by a carriageway then cardinal directions should be included after the name, eg. Woodall Services (S). Do not include the brand name or road name.

An entry/exit point should be added and positioned at the end of the exit ramp, this is to ensure Waze navigates off the main highway and ends voice instructions as the wazer arrives, they are then left to find their own way to the appropriate parking or facility.

The category should be set to Services / Layby, any other facilities can be added as secondary categories such as Fast Food, Restaurant, Coffee shop / Cafe, Shop. Do not include Petrol Station or Hotel. The main brand of the services should be entered in the first line of the description (Moto, Welcome Break, etc), and then list the other businesses on the second line, separated by commas. All other attributes should be added if available. The road name or junction number, eg. Mx (N) or Mx Jx, should be used for the services Street name in the address.

Petrol Stations and Hotels should be mapped separately with their own Point Places, positioned at the entrance to the building. Their name should include the services name, eg. Shell - Woodall or Days Inn - Woodall. The address should match that of the main services area.

The segment that enters the service directly from the main highway should be named Services, this provide the clear instruction exit onto Services. Segments that rejoin the main highway should be left with no name. If the services has a through road that does not provide direct parking then this should be set as a Street. All other segments within the services should be set as Parking Roads. Any limited access roads (with no public right of way), typically connecting the rear of the site to the local roads should be set as a Private Road.

Service area example

Natural Features

Generally mapping natural features only serves to improve the visual appearance of the App. In some cases they can provide a useful reference along a journey when crossing major rivers or passing lakes or woodlands. When fully mapped with an Area Place these should be locked to 3.

  • Parks, forests, lakes - these should be mapped using an Area Place, named if they have one, and the appropriate category set.
  • Rivers, canals - these should be mapped using an Area Place, named, and the appropriate category set.
  • Seas / shorelines - these should not be mapped as they are provided by an external source.
  • Farms - these should not be mapped as Area Places. If they provide public services, such as a farm shop or camping, then they can be mapped as a Point Place.
You may wish to use the Street to River Plus script to help create rivers and canals.

Residential Place Points

When reviewing a Place Point Update for a residential dwelling it should only be accepted if it contains a house number, this should be verified using Google Street View or a local authority map. Adjust the position to the correct location. You should review any photo(s) and delete any that do not clearly show the residence.

If the residential place has been submitted as anything other than a Residential Place Point it should be converted to one using the link in the left-hand panel.

Categories

You should check the Waze Map Editor language in the settings tab. Using English (UK) will provide British translations to place categories.

Do not use primary category groups for places, instead use the secondary categories. Primary categories include; Car Services, Transportation, Professional and public, Shopping and services, Food and drink, Culture and entertainment, Other, Lodging, Outdoors, Natural Features.

Always check the category on newly approved places as they are frequently wrong. Many Hotels are incorrectly categorised as Hostels

Missing categories

Missing Category WME Category to use
Community centre Conventions / Event centre
Village hall Conventions / Event centre
Garden centre / Nursery Flower / Gardening
Dentist Doctor / Clinic
Newsagent Shop