No one seems to have mentioned that any OSM API update could potentially break "thousands" of applications yet we still update it if needed. For example, the change to API 0.5 broke every tool, renderer or app that still assumed segments exist. (Then again, for this example, it was easier to change stuff then because the ecosystem was still small leaving a smaller collateral damage.)
So, while I agree that unilateral changing of keys/tags is not the way to go, I don't agree with the idea that we don't change key/tag definitions simply because it could break stuff. I guess the right way to do things is to discuss key/tag changes where the discussion is roughly proportional to the "maturity" of the key/tag. For example, I wish that we had started with road=* instead of highway=*. But since highway is such a basic and established key that is probably is as old as OSM itself, it will take almost universal agreement to effect a change to the highway key name. On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 4:32 AM, Peteris Krisjanis <pec...@gmail.com> wrote: > 2010/8/1 Ulf Lamping <ulf.lamp...@googlemail.com>: > > Am 01.08.2010 16:40, schrieb Ross Scanlon: > >> > >> On Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:08:10 +0200 > >> Ulf Lamping<ulf.lamp...@googlemail.com> wrote: > >> > >>> Am 31.07.2010 14:00, schrieb Peteris Krisjanis: > >>>> > >>>> 2010/7/31 Ulf Lamping<ulf.lamp...@googlemail.com>: > >>> > >>> Please remember, that it's not done to change only the software (e.g. > >>> mkgmap), but each rule file or alike in use. > >>> > >>>> I know all costs, > >>> > >>> I have doubts about that. > >> > >> And most of them use mapnik and/or osm2pgslso there's no change for them > >> but to load a newer version of mapnik and > > > > osm2pgsql. > > > > That's only true for map developers that keep the default rendering rules > of > > the software in use. Once a developer starts to tweak the rendering to > his > > liking, he usually has to copy the rules file(s) and therefore won't > > directly benefit from upstream changes of the software. > > > > BTW: Most mobile device software (Garmin, mobile phone, ...) don't use > > mapnik/osm2pgsql. > > But they have have to sync with base sooner or later to follow > changes, or no? I think you overplay individuality of developers. It > would be quite ....stupid not to follow changes in upstream. > > Anyway, I understand your point, but I think there is some middle > ground where tags can be changed and it can be done reasonably. > > Have a nice working week, > Cheers, > Peter. >
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