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
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'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