You have caused me to do some real thinking and digging on this subject. I think this debate is good, and will lead to better OSM data in the long run.
I think the "rules" should be replaced with the following "guidelines". If the directional is on the street sign, this is a strong indication that it should be part of the name. Pre-directionals are included in at least some street signs in Columbus Ohio, but not in SLC. Note, the size of the font does not mitigate the fact that they are on the signs. If official local government sources use pre-directionals, this is very strong indication that they should be part of the name. The Franklin County Ohio (where Columbus is located) Highway engineer includes directions in some cases on their maps. Note "E. North Broadway" and "W. North Broadway" on the following map: http://www.fceo.co.franklin.oh.us/Map-Atlas%20Pages/map_19.PDF, but not all. Note "W Broad St" in this map from the same source: http://www.fceo.co.franklin.oh.us/Map-Atlas%20Pages/map_27.PDF. Also, the Franklin County Auditor often uses directionals in their property database, although not consistently. If local residents and businesses _ever_ use directionals when talking about a street, this is an indication that it should be part of the name (I think we agree on this one). >> A test that I have not heard mentioned here is whether the directional >> appears as part of the building/house number on the sides of buildings >> (e.g 1705 W). If it does, we know for sure that it is part of the >> building number, and not the street name and it can safely be removed >> from the street name. > That will hardly every apply. A very good indication that pre-directionals should not be removed from the name tag outside of Utah. A city style address consists of a building number, and a street name (we are not concerned here with city state or zip). If the directional is part of the complete address, it must be either part of the building number, or the street name. If is not on the front of the building with the building number, then it must be part of the street name. > Again you are taking that test too literally. "Tests" are to be taken fairly literally. With these "tests" in the proposal, a new mapper may easily get the impression that in OSM pre-directionals are almost always to be removed from the name tag. > This test will fail in Washington DC and other places where the > directionals are really needed. The point should not be just whether directionals are needed, but whether they are regarded by local residents, businesses, and government officials as a part of the name. This should be evidenced by signage, official local government documents, and local usage (again, I think we agree on this final guideline). _______________________________________________ Talk-us mailing list Talk-us@openstreetmap.org http://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/talk-us