Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2019 11:20:01 +0100
From: Sergio Manzi <s...@smz.it>
To: tagging@openstreetmap.org
Subject: Re: [Tagging] Drain vs ditch
Thank-you for confirming that, Mark.
Personally I think we, in OSM, should stop with this folly of overloading
English words with meanings they do not have in *any *dictionary (be it AmE,
BrE, CaE, or whatever).
Both the "ditch" and "drain" words *can *be used to describe certain features in
English. The difference is essentially an etymological one, with one related to the *process *of
excavation (dig -> ditch) and the other to the *function *of carrying liquids away (dry -> drain).
If we want to precisely map certain characteristics of a feature we should do
it explicitly through a *correct data model* that takes into consideration the
particular aspect we are trying to communicate. We want to communicate the
information that a (small) waterway is lined with concrete? Just say that with
an appropriate tag, like e.g. lined=*, or lining=*. We want to communicate the
information that a (small) waterway is used to carry waste water away? Once
again, let's say that with an appropriate tag, like e.g. usage=* (/please
ignore if the specific tags I put in the examples are not of your liking: not
the point here, let's discuss that later.../).
Arbitrarily overloading words with meanings they do not have in the common
language is just a perfect way to Babel, that is a reduction in information.
Sergio
[...]
I tend to agree. Sometimes I feel these endless debates on trying to decide
the meaning of tags is like reinventing the wheel (reinventing the definition).
Mark
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