Loomio
Mon 15 Jul 2024 1:39PM

Paths - responsible tagging? Routing and safety implications

J James Public Seen by 49

I am fortunate to live and map in Dunkeld. I love exploring and am keen to responsibly share routes so others may enjoy the outdoors. I take the approach that if it is a path on the ground, I should map it even if others some may deem it hazardous. Hazardous is subjective and so I try quantify hazard. (You can see the result of adding sac_scale tag for paths around Dunkeld on Overpass Turbo).

How would you map the path in the photograph? Closed? Or sac_scale=hiking? Or mountain_hiking?

Locally, I have been trying to tag paths with rich accessibility information. I am particular about paths not footpaths because Scottish Outdoor Access Code means these highways that are byways may be used by walkers, runners, horse riders or cyclists. So I try to add sac_scale, width, smoothness, trail_visibility and incline. If there are specific hazards I add a hazard tag.

Through gentle engagement with various agencies, awareness of the value of path tagging has increased. For example, outdoors style in Organic Maps has implemented GitHub fix 7926. I also wrote an article for Professional Mountaineer encouraging path grading in popular mountain areas. And finally I have written a blog post on the subject.

So what am I asking? Really this is a reach out to anyone else with a similar interest such that I can get second opinions or other perspectives.





EB

Edward Bainton Thu 8 Aug 2024 6:47AM

Hi, This venue is very quiet - as you can see. If you haven't already done so, you could repost this to the Talk-GB list-serv, which is much more active.

R

RobJN Mon 12 Aug 2024 9:02PM

EB

Edward Bainton Wed 14 Aug 2024 9:31AM

@RobJN would I be right that Talk-GB conversations have mostly moved to that Community Forum? Or is there no real centre of gravity, just post wherever?