Challenge: Footpaths
RobJN
Public
Seen by 49
Hi all. There has recently been a crowd sourcing project to transcribe and georeference all written elements on historic maps (see gb1900.org). OSM UK have obtained a copy of all "F.P" (footpath) or similar locations.
I thought a really fun test would be to see if we can identify any possible missing footpaths by using the data.
We would need to filter the data down to just those points that do not have a OSM mapped highway within X meters. These are then candidates to investigate further.
The point data incudes some 300k points (based on locations of the first letter in "F.P") so it's a big task but not too difficult for a person with the right know how.
We'd love to have some help on this. If it is a project that also excites you, please let me know.
Gregory Marler (former Director) Thu 28 Jun 2018 1:29PM
Are you suggesting guidepost=designation with designation=footpath/bridleway?
It would be good to add that to the wiki, and refer to it being used in the UK for signs that identify a legal meaning. While I don't map them yet, I can see it would be helpful on maps that already render guidepost=* for a hint on how you will spot the footpath on the ground. Also, it could help where the signs go missing or get damaged. I wonder if local authorities even know how many they have out there?
RobJN Thu 28 Jun 2018 7:01PM
I wouldn't be so keen on that form of mapping. The legal designation is the route (and therefore an OSM way). The guidepost is just that - a marker.
Gregory Marler (former Director) Thu 28 Jun 2018 1:38PM
Reminder to self (or anyone who wants to)...
we should create a page on https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/UK_Quarterly_Project
If we can sum up what tools there are and what to look to, with links to the relevant keys/tags on the wiki.
http://www.mapthepaths.org.uk/ confuses me as to how I would use it. It doesn't allow me to see what the state is of OpenStreetMap (a layer switcher/fader would be handy) and all the ways seem to be "Not OSM Compatible"
Nick Whitelegg Sun 8 Jul 2018 11:59AM
MapThePaths shows the council data (in lighter/transparent colours) superimposed on OSM data (in darker colours). The idea is that you can identify which council paths need mapping on OSM, and also which OSM paths are missing designations (paths without designations appear in grey dashed lines rather than solid coloured lines).
In all areas, you can then do a ground survey to either map the path from scratch or add designation tags.
In areas where the council data is licensed under OGL (i.e. OSM compatible) you can add designation and prow_ref tags live in MapThePaths.
Tony Shield Thu 28 Jun 2018 3:02PM
Following on from Ed's suggestion I created a JOSM Preset (attached) to do just that.
I've used it on several locations where I have walked.
Nodes are
https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/5724216651
and there are two close by.
JOSM presents a nice Guidepost icon but the standard OSM presentation is just an 'i' icon, however I think that the information that there is a guidepost there is helpful. It will also be helpful to mark guideposts even if the path has not been surveyed and placed on the map. In this case there is a 2nd node pointing to a footpath I have not walked but I know is there -
https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/5724216649
Any use?
RobJN Thu 28 Jun 2018 7:05PM
@tonyshield1 As noted above, I'm not convinced that designation applies to the guideposts. The post itself is not the legal feature. In the same spirit you wouldn't add access=foot to the guidepost.
RobJN Thu 28 Jun 2018 7:15PM
Myself and @nickwhitelegg met with the Ramblers Association and the GB1900 project team this week (via phone). It was a promising first call and showed that we have a lot to gain from each other. Action was to work on a project scope and discuss again in person at the 9th July event. Will keep you posted.
TonyM Fri 29 Jun 2018 7:16AM
I am not familiar with the Footpaths project but the Ramber groups potentially provide a lot of people who have spare time and an interest in mapping footpaths. Also, (if not already underway) the walking magazines might be a means of increasing awareness and publicity.
Tony Shield Fri 29 Jun 2018 8:43AM
For Guideposts - is there agreement for mapping guideposts that mark footpaths/ways?
If so what tagging & nomenclature can be used particularly to distinguish designated ways from other guideposts.
I have seen - but can't remember which junction - a guidepost showing both Public Footpath and Bridleway - so need a solution for this case also.
:slight_smile:
Ed Loach · Mon 18 Jun 2018 9:28AM
I don't currently map them, though do tend to photograph them to confirm from arrow colour whether they are footpath/bridleway/whatever. One of the same images from the hiking section on the page in my last link, is also included on guidepost=simple (which may be a single user's way of mapping as there are only 57 uses) https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Tag:guidepost%3Dsimple . It looks like the guidepost key proposal from 2008 was never wiki voting formalied if that bothers you, but has got over half a million uses now.
Edit: I might be tempted to use designation= rather then guidepost=hiking or whatever (despite the wiki saying the tag is only for ways), separating with semi-colon if two different types meet or cross (e.g. designation=public_footpath;public_bridleway)