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How To Correct Map Errors

How to correct errors on maps used by plotaroute.com route planner

If you spot a mistake on one of the maps used by plotaroute.com and would like to help improve the maps, this guide provides advice on how to do this.

 

OPENSTREETMAP BASED MAPS

Most of our maps are based on OpenStreetMap data. OpenStreetMap is a community project that relies on the general public to contribute to improving the maps using local knowledge. There are over 6 million contributors worldwide. You can easily get involved by creating a free account with OpenStreetMap, which will then allow you to make changes directly to the maps yourself. Changes you make to map features will normally flow through to plotaroute.com within a few days. Routing related updates (such as changes to road access permissions), will take around 4-5 weeks, as our routing engine is updated less frequently.

To get started:

  1. Sign up for a free OpenStreetMap account at https://www.openstreetmap.org/

  2. Log in to OpenStreetMap using the account you created.

  3. Use the Search box to locate the place that you want to edit.

  4. Click the Edit button to launch the map editor.

    OSM Edit button

  5. To change the attributes of an existing road or path segment, click on it to select it.  It will be highlighted with a flashing red surround to show that it has been selected.

    Road selected for editing


  6. You can then edit any of the attributes in the left panel and also reposition the selected road or path segment by dragging the points on the vertices.

    Edit tags of a selected maps feature

  7. If you find that you can't Auto-Plot on a selected road or path by a particular Auto-Plot mode (On Foot, By Bike or By Road), check the "Allowed Access" tags to make sure that access is permitted for the selected mode. 

    Edit access permissions for a map feature

  8. If you want to add a missing road or path to the map, you can do this by using the Line tool to draw it on the map. You can then specify its attributes as above. You can also upload traces from GPS devices if you like - there is a link to find out more about this in the OpenStreetMap editor.

    Use the Line tool to draw a missing road or path


  9. Repeat the process for any other changes you want to make and then click the SAVE button to review your changes before submitting them.

    Save edits button


  10. Enter a short description of the changes you made.  If you're unsure about the changes and would like someone to review them you can select this option.

    Submit OSM edits


  11. Click the "Upload" button to submit your changes

If you would like to learn more, there are various tutorials and lots of other helpful informarion about contributing to OpenStreetMap maps on the OpenStreetMap Wiki.

PLEASE NOTE: As map changes require local knowledge, we are unable to make map corrections on your behalf, as we are unable to verify the accuracy and validity of any proposed changes.

 

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