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Returning to OSM

Posted by davespod on 29 August 2017 in English.

After a break of two years from mapping, apart from occasional POI update (and six years since regular mapping), I have got back to it. Partly prompted by moving house. I find it hard to resist when I move, and discover all the missing footpaths around me. I have always loved discovering how a horrid estate full of cul-de-sacs (like mine) is actually not nearly so horrid once you discover all the cul-de-sacs are joined together by footpaths, and you can actually walk through the estate. Fantastic to add these to the map.

Two things I enjoy are: 1. Realising that a long footpath through an estate is based on an ancient right of way (looking at historical maps), which has now taken on a new role as a major pedestrian link through an estate. You realise that the developers had to respect it, and that it has actually dictated the layout of the cul-de-sacs. Great when there are link paths from the cul-de-sacs. 2. Mapping the unofficial link paths, where there is no paved link, but the residents have taken a short cut, and this has become an established path. These are the paths that will never make it to any other geographic data set, and have the potential to make pedestrian navigation really great.

(Also enjoying converting the park from a block of green to something representing the fantastic amenity it is.)

Location: Newport, Telford and Wrekin, England, United Kingdom

Discussion

Comment from Richard on 29 August 2017 at 20:03

Yay! Welcome back.

Comment from davespod on 29 August 2017 at 21:44

Thanks :-)

Comment from trigpoint on 31 August 2017 at 11:43

Welcome back Dave, and welcome to “Shropshire”.

Unfortunately good integration of rights of way into housing estates is a result of lot of hard work and diligence by volunteers from campaining organisations such as The Ramblers. Otherwise the developers will go for an easy option such as to build a road along the line or board it into a narrow high fenced alleyway.

Phil (from Wem, but currently in an office in Telford)

Comment from davespod on 31 August 2017 at 12:32

Thanks, Trigpoint. I’ve lived in Shropshire for a few years, and indeed grew up in South Shropshire. Just moved from Pontesbury to Newport (so only just in Shropshire!).

I hadn’t realised the effort that went into achieving these things, but I’m not surprised, I suppose. Developers will get away with what they can. Most of these are high fenced alleys, but still better than having to follow the silly, wibbly, wobbly roads, and good for residents when they link up with the cul de sacs.

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