Not Convinced By fee=yes Icon

by ADMIN 32 views

Introduction

As an OpenStreetMap (OSM) contributor, I recently encountered an icon that left me perplexed. The icon, which I will refer to as the "fee=yes" icon, is used to indicate that a particular point of interest (POI) charges a fee. However, upon closer inspection, I found the icon to be unclear and potentially misleading. In this article, I will discuss the issues with the "fee=yes" icon and propose alternative solutions for better clarity and consistency in OSM tagging.

The Problem with the "fee=yes" Icon

The "fee=yes" icon is used to indicate that a POI charges a fee. However, as I discovered, the icon is not always clear in its meaning. In the case of a camping that I was researching, the icon was circled in red, which led me to believe that the camping did not accept foreign money or cash. It was only after opening the POI in OSM that I discovered the icon was linked to the "fee=yes" tag. This experience highlights the potential for confusion and misinterpretation of the icon.

The Issue with "fee=yes" Tagging

The "fee=yes" tag is used to indicate that a POI charges a fee. However, as I pointed out earlier, this tag is rarely added to POIs. In fact, I would argue that it is more common to add the "fee=no" tag when a POI does not charge a fee. This raises the question of why the "fee=yes" tag is used at all. If a POI charges a fee, it is likely that the "fee=no" tag would be more prominent and easily visible.

Alternative Solutions

So, what can be done to improve the clarity and consistency of the "fee=yes" icon? Here are a few proposals:

  • Prominent "fee=no" Icon: Instead of using a discreet "fee=yes" icon, I would suggest using a prominent "fee=no" icon when a POI does not charge a fee. This would provide a clear and easily visible indication of the fee status.
  • Discreet "fee=yes" Icon: If a "fee=yes" icon is still desired, it could be made more discreet by removing the red circle. This would reduce the likelihood of confusion and misinterpretation.
  • No Icon at All: In some cases, it may be better to use no icon at all. This would eliminate the potential for confusion and misinterpretation altogether.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the "fee=yes" icon is not as clear and consistent as it could be. The use of a discreet icon and the "fee=yes" tag can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. By using a prominent "fee=no" icon, a discreet "fee=yes" icon, or no icon at all, we can improve the clarity and consistency of OSM tagging. I hope that this article has provided a useful discussion on the issues with the "fee=yes" icon and proposed alternative solutions for better clarity and consistency in OSM tagging.

Recommendations for OSM Contributors

If you are an OSM contributor, I would recommend the following:

  • Use a Prominent "fee=no" Icon: When a POI does not charge a fee, use a prominent "fee=no" icon to provide a clear and easily visible indication of the fee status.
  • Use a Discreet "fee=yes" Icon: If a "fee=yes" icon is still desired, make it more discreet by removing the red circle.
  • Use No Icon at All: In some cases, it may be better to use no icon at all. This would eliminate the potential for confusion and misinterpretation altogether.

Future Directions

In the future, I would like to see the OSM community work together to improve the clarity and consistency of OSM tagging. This could involve:

  • Standardizing Icon Usage: Standardizing the usage of icons and tags would help to reduce confusion and misinterpretation.
  • Improving Icon Design: Improving the design of icons would make them more clear and easily visible.
  • Providing Clear Documentation: Providing clear documentation on OSM tagging would help contributors to understand the rules and guidelines for tagging.

Q: What is the purpose of the "fee=yes" icon?

A: The "fee=yes" icon is used to indicate that a particular point of interest (POI) charges a fee. However, as we discussed earlier, the icon is not always clear in its meaning, and its usage can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Q: Why is the "fee=yes" icon not always clear?

A: The "fee=yes" icon is not always clear because it is often used in conjunction with other tags and icons, which can make it difficult to understand its meaning. Additionally, the icon is not always prominently displayed, which can lead to confusion.

Q: What are some alternative solutions to the "fee=yes" icon?

A: Some alternative solutions to the "fee=yes" icon include:

  • Prominent "fee=no" Icon: Using a prominent "fee=no" icon when a POI does not charge a fee.
  • Discreet "fee=yes" Icon: Using a discreet "fee=yes" icon by removing the red circle.
  • No Icon at All: Using no icon at all, which would eliminate the potential for confusion and misinterpretation.

Q: Why is the "fee=yes" tag rarely added to POIs?

A: The "fee=yes" tag is rarely added to POIs because it is often assumed that a POI charges a fee unless otherwise stated. This means that the "fee=no" tag is more commonly used to indicate that a POI does not charge a fee.

Q: How can I contribute to improving the clarity and consistency of OSM tagging?

A: You can contribute to improving the clarity and consistency of OSM tagging by:

  • Providing Feedback: Providing feedback on the "fee=yes" icon and other OSM tagging issues.
  • Proposing Changes: Proposing changes to the OSM tagging system, such as standardizing icon usage or improving icon design.
  • Participating in Discussions: Participating in discussions with other OSM contributors to improve the clarity and consistency of OSM tagging.

Q: What are some best practices for using the "fee=yes" icon?

A: Some best practices for using the "fee=yes" icon include:

  • Using a Prominent "fee=no" Icon: Using a prominent "fee=no" icon when a POI does not charge a fee.
  • Using a Discreet "fee=yes" Icon: Using a discreet "fee=yes" icon by removing the red circle.
  • Using No Icon at All: Using no icon at all, which would eliminate the potential for confusion and misinterpretation.

Q: How can I learn more about OSM tagging and contribute to the community?

A: You can learn more about OSM tagging and contribute to the community by:

  • Visiting the OSM Wiki: Visiting the OSM wiki to learn more about OSM tagging and contribute to the community.
  • Joining the OSM Community: Joining the OSM community to participate in discussions and contribute to the development of the OSM tagging system.
  • Attending OSM Events: Attending OSM events to learn more about OSM tagging and contribute to the community.

By following these best practices and contributing to the OSM community, you can help to improve the clarity and consistency of OSM tagging and make the OSM platform more useful and accessible for everyone.