Hi everyone,
it seems there is a misunderstanding: I've only removed separate
footways besides streets that were already tagged with sidewalk=* (or
added a sidewalk=* key to the road and removed the sidewalk where I
noticed a problem), following the recommendations on the wiki. I've
not
deleted a single sidewalk information.
(The same is true for the terrace of the restaurant: I've removed the
wrong biergarten - according to the wiki, a biergarten is 'an open-air
area where beer is served and you are allowed to bring your own food'
- and added outdoor_seating=yes to the restaurant. Furthermore,
because it is the same restaurant, 'One feature, one OSM element'
applies here.)
@Andreas Bürki: Next time, please check the facts before accusing
someone of 'doing
some nasty work'. (I'll take 'Mr cleaner' as a compliment for doing
clean-up work. :-))
As for the discussion sidewalk=* vs footway: I think it is most
important that the mapping is done consistently - at least for a
single locality - to prevent confusion for map users, and that
regional decisions are well documented on the wiki to prevent
misunderstandings and extra work for mappers.
In my opinion, it makes sense to follow the recommendations on the
wiki - i.e. 'to map the sidewalk as property on the street if the
sidewalk is just attached with a kerb and not separated by a road
verge or other barriers' - because of:
* Routing: Separately mapped sidewalks break any straightforward
routing on streets that can be crossed anywhere (especially in living
areas).
* GPS: GPS receivers are generally not enough precise to determine if
someone is either on the street, on the left sidewalk or on the right
sidewalk.
* Simplicity: It is easier to map and to maintain. And no information
is lost. Also, please bear in mind that a map always is a
simplification.
* Clarity: for map users
And I don't see any disadvantages - why should blind people prefer
separate footways over sidewalk=*? Isn't it easier to produce
narrative directions with sidewalk=* keys? Besides,
sidewalk:*:tactile_paving tags can be added to roads too.
Kind regards,
SelfishSeahorse
----
'Il semble que la perfection soit atteinte non quand il n'y a plus
rien à ajouter, mais quand il n'y a plus rien à retrancher.' -Antoine
de Saint-Exupéry