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Welcome to Waze map editing in Belize and to the editing community!
Welcome to Waze map editing in Belize and to the editing community!


Many of the policies and best practices that have been developed for the US also apply to Belize. This page contains information that is unique to Canada. Because some of it is still being developed, please [[USA:|follow the guidance for the US]] where it is not in conflict with the information here.
Many of the policies and best practices that have been developed for the US also apply to Belize. This page contains information that is unique to Belize. Because some of it is still being developed, please [[USA:|follow the guidance for the US]] where it is not in conflict with the information here.




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Feel free to post questions and ask for advice in your editing. Belize is very different in a number of ways from Canada and the United States, so the generic editing guidelines don't always apply.
Feel free to post questions and ask for advice in your editing. Belize is very different in a number of ways from Canada and the United States, so the generic editing guidelines don't always apply.


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== Area/Country Managers ==
== Area/Country Managers ==
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=== Unlock/Update Requests ===
=== Unlock/Update Requests ===


Canada has its own forum area for unlock/update requests. Please make&nbsp;[http://www.waze.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=358 your requests here].
Belize handles unlock/update requests through the Discord channel.


== Closures ==
== Closures ==
Please report future planned road closures via Discord.  
Please report future planned road closures via Discord.  
<!-- [http://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qseeTLrjIW5eLVBuReJhxw0f5kqYtCVYyVsQMkxXJUY/viewform?usp=send_form this form.]


<!-- This form allows for complete (or directional, i.e. A->B only) closures to be reported. Partial closures (i.e. one of two lanes in a direction) should not be reported.
Partial closures (i.e. one of two lanes in a direction) should not be reported.


Major Events (e.g. Commonwealth Games, Tour d'Alberta, etc.) should still be dealt with using the [http://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0XIsGkHQmk8Nc0U5DDID1PwMQWqLMwmindiLDFwcjo/viewform Waze Major Traffic Events (MTE) form.]
Major Events (e.g. Commonwealth Games, Tour d'Alberta, etc.) should still be dealt with using the [http://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R0XIsGkHQmk8Nc0U5DDID1PwMQWqLMwmindiLDFwcjo/viewform Waze Major Traffic Events (MTE) form.]


The MTE method is preferred over adding restrictions -- MTE is nearly immediate (processed several times per day by Waze staff), and does not rely on a tile rebuild. The closure will also be visible in the app and on the livemap, in addition to avoiding routing through the segment.
The MTE method is preferred over adding restrictions -- MTE is nearly immediate (processed several times per day by Waze staff), and does not rely on a tile rebuild. The closure will also be visible in the app and on the livemap, in addition to avoiding routing through the segment.
== U-Turns ==
'''Practical application in Waze:''' restrict all U-turns in Canada unless there is a sign outright permitting them. Unlike in the US, this rule also applies to parking lot aisles.
<!-- Belize Statute: [http://www.???*** Motor Vehicle Act of Belize]


== City Naming ==
== City Naming ==


<!-- To save space, only enter the name of the city. For example, "Toronto" '''not''' "City of Toronto", or for smaller places use "Springfield" '''not''' "Town of Springfield", "Village of Springfield", "Springville Township", "Regional Municipality of Springfield".
'''''NEVER '''include the District in the City field.'' For example don't put in "Belmopan, Cayo".


'''''NEVER '''include the province/department in the City field.'' For example don't put in "Orange Walk, Orange Walk".
If you find a city that can't Save without the District name (perhaps it changes when you Save it, or generates other Save error), please post a message in the Belize forum.


If you find a city that can't save without the province name (perhaps it changes when you save it, or generates other save error), please post a message in the Belize forum.
This applies to both Primary names and Alternate names -- the Alternate city is assumed to be in the Primary country.
 
This applies to both primary names and alternate names -- the alternate city is assumed to be in the primary country.


== Road Naming ==
== Road Naming ==
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:
:
<!-- '''<u>Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta,British Columbia & Territories</u>'''
'''(name-of-highway) Hwy'''&nbsp;(H is capitalized, the 'wy' in lower case)&nbsp;'''e.g. Philip Goldson Hwy'''
'''(name-of-highway) Hwy'''&nbsp;(H is capitalized, the 'wy' in lower case)&nbsp;'''e.g. Philip Goldson Hwy'''


'''Not'''&nbsp;'Philip Goldson Highway' or 'Philip Goldson HWY (all caps)'.
'''Not'''&nbsp;'Philip Goldson Highway' or 'Philip Goldson HWY (all caps)'.


<!-- '''<u>Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and PEI</u>'''
<!-- Rte''' #'''&nbsp;(R is capitalized, the 'te' in lower case, followed by a number)&nbsp;'''e.g. Rte 16'''
<!-- '''Not'''&nbsp;'Route #' or 'RTE # (all caps)'. 
<!-- ::'''<u>For ALL of Canada</u>'''
<!-- ::''Where the signage indicates the highway based on a name ("Lougheed Hwy" or "Sooke Rd"), the name should be used. &nbsp;If, however, the signage refers to it by number primarily, that is to be the primary name, regardless of the local knowledge (e.g. the Sea-to-Sky Highway is signed as Hwy 99 and Wheeler Blvd. is signed as Rte 15).  If a numbered highway has local named signage as above e.g. "Lougheed Hwy" or "Sooke Rd", the Hwy number must be used as an alternative name.''
<!-- === Big Green Signs ===
<!-- :Segment naming for ramps and wayfinders should follow the Big Green Sign (BGS) text with the following rules.
<!-- :Segment name should generally follow signage as read, i.e. left to right, top to bottom, except all numbered highways, should be shown first, followed by destination, followed by icons if applicable.  All should be separated by a forward slash (“ / “), with a space before and after the slash.  Most BGS layout follows this standard.
:Acceptable icons to use are “✈️” for Airport and “⛴️” for Ferry.  You must copy and paste these exact icons as these are the only ones that work correctly with TTS.  Only use icons if they are used on the BGS, i.e. do not use the icon to replace a spelled out destination such as “Toronto Pearson International Airport” or “Powell River Ferry”.  Note that these icons do not work using French TTS.
<!-- :For more general information on BGS segment naming, please refer to the USA Wazeopedia sections for [[usa:Junction_Style_Guide/Interchanges#Wayfinders|wayfinders]] and [[usa:Road_names#Exit_ramps_and_entrance_ramps_.28on-ramps.29|entry/exit ramps]].


=== Abbreviations ===
=== Abbreviations ===
Please follow the [http://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGaddress-e.asp#1423617 Canada Post street type abbreviation] at all times even if it differs from in-real-life road signs.
See [https://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGaddress-e.asp#1437339 https://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGaddress-e.asp#1437339] for full details in English and French.
Check to make sure that the Canada Post Abbreviation has a working TTS. If it does not, then please check the list of abbreviations below. Note that while Canada Post does not abbreviate "Place" in French, Waze does abbreviate it as "Pl", just like Canada Post does in English.


With regards to the use of ordinals, please avoid using them unless they are consistently on most street signs.  "109 St" is preferred to "109th St," generally.
Please do not shorten names when they are integral to understanding the street name:


Additionally, please do not shorten names when they are integral to understanding the street name:
   e.g. '''Bad:''' N St, S St, Ave Rd
 
   e.g. '''Good:''' North St, South St, Avenue Rd
   e.g. Bad: N St, S St, Ave Rd
   e.g. Good: North St, South St, Avenue Rd
 
It is recommended to use the [http://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/11907 Custom Canadian WME Validator Script]. It will highlight all the incorrectly abbreviated street names.


'''Street Name Abbreviations'''
'''Street Name Abbreviations'''
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The USA has a standardized Functional Classification system which has been adopted by Waze Champs as the method for classifying different road types. Overall, this has resulted in use of the highway types for arterial roads in the metropolitan areas, with the Primary Street type being available for collector-type roads.
The USA has a standardized Functional Classification system which has been adopted by Waze Champs as the method for classifying different road types. Overall, this has resulted in use of the highway types for arterial roads in the metropolitan areas, with the Primary Street type being available for collector-type roads.


Unfortunately, Canada does not have the same standardized government-published maps to adopt here, but we can consider many of the same principles. This was first looked at in Edmonton, and seems to have been met with great success. With that in mind, we'd like to consider the following criteria for use within metropolitan areas and any city with a population exceeding ~40,000. In the event that the infrastructure of a smaller city has been designed with arterial routes, this may be adopted there, but will typically be less obvious.
Unfortunately, Belize (and Canada) does not have the same standardized government-published maps to adopt here, but we can consider many of the same principles. We'd like to consider the following criteria for use within metropolitan areas. In the event that the infrastructure of a smaller town has been designed with arterial routes, this may be adopted there, but will typically be less obvious.
 
Most local governments publish road classification maps, although there is little standardization between them so each municipality must be treated separately. Lists of existing conversions to Waze road types may be found on the province-specific wiki pages:
* [[British Columbia]]
* [[Alberta]]
* [[Saskatchewan]]
* [[Manitoba]]
* [[Ontario]]
* [[Quebec]]
* [[New Brunswick]]
* [[Nova Scotia]]
* [[Prince Edward Island]]
* [[Newfoundland and Labrador]]
* [[Territories]]
 
=== Trans-Canada Highway ===
 
{{Freeway| style= display: inline-block; width: 400px; height:15px;| }}
 
Road type: Freeway<br />Primary name: Hwy ## (e.g. Hwy 1)<br />Alternate: Trans-Canada Hwy
 
There are parts of the TCH that travel through National/Provincial parks with frequent stops, reduced speed and undivided portions. These segments should be reduced to a Major Highway with Freeway routing until the speed increases, stops are minimized or the highway is divided again.


=== Roads in cities ===
=== Roads in cities ===
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Due to a number of reasons, including long-distance routing issues, as well as appearance, the highway should remain as the same type it entered the city/town (except if it's a Freeway -- if it no longer fits the Freeway criteria, it may be downgraded to Major Highway with Freeway routing until it is again a Freeway).
Due to a number of reasons, including long-distance routing issues, as well as appearance, the highway should remain as the same type it entered the city/town (except if it's a Freeway -- if it no longer fits the Freeway criteria, it may be downgraded to Major Highway with Freeway routing until it is again a Freeway).


The road type designation should follow the entire numbered route.
The road type designation should follow the entire named/numbered route.


==== Freeways ====
==== Freeways ====
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**Exit ramps are typically designed with a deceleration zone so that traffic can exit the freeway at freeway speeds without obstructing traffic, then have sufficient distance to slow down before any turns
**Exit ramps are typically designed with a deceleration zone so that traffic can exit the freeway at freeway speeds without obstructing traffic, then have sufficient distance to slow down before any turns


When considering the road type, use the above noted Freeway classification as a guideline, with the idea that a Canadian "Freeway" may lack one of the criteria (e.g. Whitemud Freeway in Edmonton is 80 km/h, but meets all other criteria; Hwy 16 W of Edmonton doesn't have ramps for every junction, but meets all other criteria)
When considering the road type, use the above noted Freeway classification as a guideline, with the idea that a "Freeway" may lack one of the criteria.  


==== Major Highway ====
==== Major Highway ====
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{{Minor Highway| style= display: inline-block; width: 400px; height:15px;| }}
{{Minor Highway| style= display: inline-block; width: 400px; height:15px;| }}


Use for arterial roads.  They are more direct than using collector roads and sometimes have slightly increased speed limits.
Use for arterial roads.  They are more direct than using collector roads and sometimes have slightly increased speed limits. They would usually have one to many collector roads, and may have Local Streets and driveways.


==== Primary Street ====
==== Primary Street ====
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{{Primary Street| style= display: inline-block; width: 400px; height:15px;| }}
{{Primary Street| style= display: inline-block; width: 400px; height:15px;| }}


Suitable for collector roads through neighbourhoods and thoroughfares that aren't arterial.
Suitable for collector roads through neighbourhoods and thoroughfares that aren't arterial. They usually have Local Streets and may have driveways. They might terminate into a higher-level road, or another Primary Street, or down-grade to continue as a Local Street, as indicated by relative importance.
 
=== Alleys and Laneways ===


Alleys and laneways should never be added to the map without approval from a Canadian Champ.  In some cases (e.g. Toronto area), we have left the ones in place, but in most cases they should be removed.
=== Alleys ===


This is particularly relevant to basemapped areas that included them -- e.g. Saskatchewan -- small towns should certainly have the alleyways removed.
Alleys should not usually be added to the map. Refer any such proposed additions to an Area Manager. Do not removed existing Alleys without first discussing with an Area Manager.


In places where they are retained, they should have their city name set and the "None" box checked for Street Name.  They should also be changed to Parking Lot street type.  Do not use the Narrow Street type.
In places where they are retained, they should have their city name set and the "None" box checked for Street Name.  They should also be changed to Parking Lot street type.  Do not use the Narrow Street type.
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=== Parking Lot Roads ===
=== Parking Lot Roads ===


Please read the [[:USA:Best_map_editing_practice#Parking_Lots|Best Map Editing guidelines]] on [[:USA:Road_types#Parking_Lot_Road|parking lot roads]]. As of October 2018, North America has new guidelines: all parking aisles are to be mapped. US champs recommend enabling U-turns at the end of aisles, but '''this should not be done in Canada'''.
Please read the [[:USA:Best_map_editing_practice#Parking_Lots|Best Map Editing guidelines]] on [[:USA:Road_types#Parking_Lot_Road|parking lot roads]]. All parking aisles are to be mapped.  


==Locking Standard==
==Locking Standard==


Canada has active "Traffic Locks", these locks are based on usage from users. They are limited to a max rank of 4, but can be any rank below.
Segments that have restricted turns must be locked to a minimum Level 3.


Segments that have restricted turns must be locked to a minimum Level 3.
<span style="color: red"><b>If the current lock is higher than the minimum standards listed below, please don't lower the lock.</b></span>


<span style="color: red"><b>If the current lock or traffic lock is higher than the minimum standards listed below, please don't lower the lock.</b></span>
If you have a concern about the current lock then please discuss your concern with an Area Manager.


<center>
<center>
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==Place Editing==
==Place Editing==


PUR should be reviewed for accuracy, once approved all relevant information pertaining to the place should be entered. Please use each company's website to gather all the information you can. Once a place is complete please lock to rank 3.  
Place Update Requests (PURs) should be reviewed for accuracy. Once a PUR is Approved, all relevant information pertaining to the Place should be entered. Please use each company's website to gather all the information you can. Once a Place is complete, lock the Place to Rank 3.  


This practice will prevent app trusted users and most IGN editors from making incorrect changes to places we know are right. App trusted users and IGN editors are rarely rank 3.
This practice will prevent app-trusted users and most IGN editors from making incorrect changes to places we know are right. App-trusted users and IGN editors are rarely Ranked as high as 3.


Following are general standards for place locking in Canada:
Following are general standards for Place locking in Belize:
<br>
<br>
<center>
<center>
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===Telephone Number Format for Waze Places===
===Telephone Number Format for Waze Places===


+1-NPA-NXX-XXXX
+501-NXX-XXXX


*NPA is the [http://www.nanpa.com/area_codes/ Area Code]
*NXX is the [http://localcallingguide.com/lca_prefix.php prefix]
*NXX is the [http://localcallingguide.com/lca_prefix.php prefix]
*XXXX is the 4 digit block
*XXXX is the 4-digit block


This number format allows mobile phones, regardless of their home network, to dial a number without having to modify the number first.
This number format allows mobile phones, regardless of their home network, to dial a number without having to modify the number first.
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===Place Naming===
===Place Naming===


Place Naming in Canada should adhere to the following guidelines. Following the government agency naming guide is a list of businesses which are chains or franchises. Please use these name spellings when creating or updating a place.
Place Naming should adhere to the following guidelines.  


===Hospitals & Other Medical Services===  
===Hospitals & Other Medical Services===  


Hospitals with Emergency Rooms are the only place type permitted to use the Hospital category. All other day clinics, surgical centres, doctors etc must use the Doctor / Clinic category. Other non core medical services services such as Naturopaths, physio-therapists, chiroprators, etc should use the Office category. Emergency Rooms must have a separate Waze Point Place with "ER/Urgence" prefixed in the primary name, for example:
Hospitals with Emergency Rooms are the only Place type permitted to use the Hospital category. All other day clinics, surgical centres, doctors, etc., must use the Doctor / Clinic category. Other non-core medical services such as Naturopaths, physio-therapists, chiropractors, etc should use the Office category. Emergency Rooms must have a separate Waze Point Place with "ER" prefixed in the primary name, for example:


:ER - Brampton Civic Hospital
:ER - Hospital
:ER - St. Michael's Hospital
:ER - Hospital
:Urgence - Hôpital de Verdun


===Government Agencies===  
===Government Agencies===  
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'''Police Stations''': City, Agency followed by division name, for example:
'''Police Stations''': City, Agency followed by division name, for example:


:Toronto Police 12 Division
:Belmopan Police
:Peel Police 22 Division
:Orange Walk Police
:OPP Collingwood Detachment
 


'''Fire Stations''': City, Agency followed by station number, for example:
'''Fire Stations''': City, Agency followed by station number, for example:


:Brampton Fire Station 221
:Belize City Fire Station
:Toronto Fire Station 347
:Punta Gorda Fire Station


===Nested Places===
===Nested Places===
If a secondary business within another business location has a different category, contact numbers and opening times, it may be added to the map as a new (second) point place with the new primary category and relevant contact details and opening times.  Typical examples of this type of nesting would be pharmacies or post offices within supermarkets or superstores.
If a secondary business within another business location has a different category, contact numbers and opening times, it may be added to the map as a new (second) Point Place with the new primary category and relevant contact details and opening times.  Typical examples of this type of nesting would be pharmacies or post offices within supermarkets or superstores.


===Place Name Harmonization===
===Place Name Harmonization===


If you don't find the business you're looking for, please [http://docs.google.com/forms/d/13JwXsrWPNmCdfGR5OVr5jnGZw-uNGohwgjim-JYbSws/viewform use this form] to submit the missing information.  
<!-- If you don't find the business you're looking for, please -->[http://docs.google.com/forms/d/13JwXsrWPNmCdfGR5OVr5jnGZw-uNGohwgjim-JYbSws/viewform use this form] to submit the missing information.  


A [https://www.waze.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=819&t=215657 script is available to assist with Place Harmonization] and has been localized for use in Canada.  
A [https://www.waze.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=819&t=215657 script is available to assist with Place Harmonization] but has NOT yet been localized for use in Belize.  


{{#widget:Google Spreadsheet
{{#widget:Google Spreadsheet
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[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Jvo8J1wHTaqKT856IrmR_vKsbTs_skdu1qkFAkZNDPo/pubhtml View this list full-screen in Google Sheets]
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Jvo8J1wHTaqKT856IrmR_vKsbTs_skdu1qkFAkZNDPo/pubhtml View this list full-screen in Google Sheets]
<!--  -->
<!-- ===Fuel Retailers=== -->
<!--  -->
<!-- For modification of fuel retailers in Belize, please use the [//docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaonCiVkOLIYRHmcpiFWkEodl-6UaLA8r01QomjnvYt8PVNA/viewform?entry_1000001=Canada Gas Stations Brands form]. -->


===Fuel Retailers===
== When to use Area or Point Place ==
 
For modification of fuel retailers in Canada, please use the [//docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaonCiVkOLIYRHmcpiFWkEodl-6UaLA8r01QomjnvYt8PVNA/viewform?entry_1000001=Canada Gas Stations Brands form].
 
== When to use Area or Point in Canada ==


Here is the Canadian guidance on selecting Area or Point for Places in the Waze Map Editor.
Here is guidance on selecting Area or Point for Places in the Waze Map Editor.


'''Optional Area''' shall only be used after consulting local area managers on regional guidelines. The place must be a significant landmark with navigational value in the community. For example: a Tim Hortons in Hepburn, SK (population 500) is of significance. However, the same sized Tim Hortons is of zero significance in the Greater Toronto Area.
'''Optional Area''' shall only be used after consulting local Area Managers. The place must be a significant landmark with navigational value in the community.  
<!-- For example: a Tim Hortons in Hepburn, SK (population 500) is of significance. However, the same sized Tim Hortons is of zero significance in the Greater Toronto Area. -->


We do not want to impose hard & fast rules for the '''Optional Area''' category. Please use some judgement, we do not want to see wall-to-wall areas for every single building structure on the map.
We do not want to impose hard & fast rules for the '''Optional Area''' category. Please use some judgement, we do not want to see wall-to-wall areas for every single building structure on the map.
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[[File:Emergency.jpg|right|300px|Emergency.jpg]] "Emergency and Authorized Vehicles Only" are to be treated as Non-drivable roads. These are found primarily through the median of divided highways to connect opposite direction lanes.  
[[File:Emergency.jpg|right|300px|Emergency.jpg]] "Emergency and Authorized Vehicles Only" are to be treated as Non-drivable roads. These are found primarily through the median of divided highways to connect opposite direction lanes.  


*Recommended not to map them in Canada.
*Recommended not to map them.


==Ferries==
==Ferries==


The [[:USA:Ferries|ferry road type]] is now working in Waze. If a ferry segment is misbehaving, adjust it slightly and save to force a tile rebuild. Canada will adopt [[:USA:Road_types/USA#Ferry|US guidelines]] with respect to ferries.  
The [[:USA:Ferries|ferry road type]] is now working in Waze. If a ferry segment is misbehaving, adjust it slightly and save to force a tile rebuild. Belize will adopt [[:USA:Road_types/USA#Ferry|US guidelines]] with respect to ferries.  


* If the ferry has a toll, mark it as a [[:USA:Best_map_editing_practice#Toll_roads|toll road]].
* If the ferry has a toll, mark it as a [[:USA:Best_map_editing_practice#Toll_roads|toll road]].

Latest revision as of 01:01, 6 May 2020

This is a work in progress!

Please bear with us as we organize, update and correct entries for the country of Belize. This wiki was originally from the Canadian wiki - thank you! Canada, being a Commonwealth country, also has English among it's languages and they usually drive on the right-hand side of the road, so it's a much better fit than most for Belize. But we will work to make it a wiki that is tailored for the citizens and visitors of Belize that use Waze.

Please see the list below for Area/Country Managers to ask for more information or check out the Belize forum on Discord.


A Complete Guide to Waze in Belize

Welcome to Waze map editing in Belize and to the editing community!

Many of the policies and best practices that have been developed for the US also apply to Belize. This page contains information that is unique to Belize. Because some of it is still being developed, please follow the guidance for the US where it is not in conflict with the information here.


Getting Started

Please see the article Getting Started.

Another great resource for new map editors is the Welcome to WME.

Help Improve Waze

Please see the article Help Improve Waze

Forums

Please check out the Belize-specific forums here: Belize Forum

Feel free to post questions and ask for advice in your editing. Belize is very different in a number of ways from Canada and the United States, so the generic editing guidelines don't always apply.


Area/Country Managers

If you are an Area Manager that covers part of Belize, please add yourself to this list. See comments via an "Edit" of this section to add yourself.

List of Area Managers

Username Primary Areas Managed Comments Forum PM
daveks14 Country-wide Rank 5 Large-Area Manager USA Great Plains Region (PLN), Central & Eastern Ohio PM
hmarian Ontario Waze Global Champ, Rank 6 CM for Canada; AM for Greater Toronto Area and the surrounding communities PM
manoeuvre Ontario Waze Global Champ, Rank 6 CM for Canada; AM for Greater Toronto Area PM


Area/Country Manager Requests

To request Area Manager or Country Manager access, please see this thread: AM/CM Application

Unlock/Update Requests

Belize handles unlock/update requests through the Discord channel.

Closures

Please report future planned road closures via Discord.

Partial closures (i.e. one of two lanes in a direction) should not be reported.

Major Events (e.g. Commonwealth Games, Tour d'Alberta, etc.) should still be dealt with using the Waze Major Traffic Events (MTE) form.

The MTE method is preferred over adding restrictions -- MTE is nearly immediate (processed several times per day by Waze staff), and does not rely on a tile rebuild. The closure will also be visible in the app and on the livemap, in addition to avoiding routing through the segment.

City Naming

NEVER include the District in the City field. For example don't put in "Belmopan, Cayo".

If you find a city that can't Save without the District name (perhaps it changes when you Save it, or generates other Save error), please post a message in the Belize forum.

This applies to both Primary names and Alternate names -- the Alternate city is assumed to be in the Primary country.

Road Naming

Highways

Major Highways should be named in this format:

(name-of-highway) Hwy (H is capitalized, the 'wy' in lower case) e.g. Philip Goldson Hwy

Not 'Philip Goldson Highway' or 'Philip Goldson HWY (all caps)'.


Abbreviations

Please do not shorten names when they are integral to understanding the street name: 

 e.g. Bad: N St, S St, Ave Rd
 e.g. Good: North St, South St, Avenue Rd

Street Name Abbreviations

Approved Abbreviation Pronunciation Do Not Use
Alley Alley Aly
Aut Autoroute Autoroute
Av Avenue (French) Avenue, Ave
Ave Avenue (English) Avenue, Av
Bend Bend Bnd
Blvd Boulevard Boulevard
Boul Boulevard (French) Boulevard, Blvd
Brg Bridge Bridge
Bypass Bypass By-pass
Carref Carrefour Carrefour
Ctr Centre Centre, Center
Ch Chemin Chemin
Cir Circle Circle
Circt Circuit Circuit, Cct
Close Close Cl
Common Common Common, Cmn
Conc Concession Concession
Crnrs Corners Corners,Cors
Crt Court Court, Ct
Cove Cove Cv
Cres Crescent Crescent, Cr
Crois Croissant Croissant, Croiss
Crossing Crossing Cross, Xing
Cds Cul-de-sac Cul-de-sac
Divers Diversion Diversion
Dr Drive Drive
Éch Échangeur Échangeur
Espl Esplanade Esplanade
Estate Estates Estates, Est
Expy Expressway Expressway, Expwy
Exten Extension Extension,Ext
Field Field Fld
Gdns Gardens Gardens
Glen Glen Gln
Green Green Grn
Grnds Grounds Grounds
Grove Grove Grv
Harbr Harbour Harbour, Harbor, Hbr
Hts Heights Heights
Hwy Highway Highway
Hghlds Highlands Highlands
Hill Hill Hl
Hollow Hollow Holw
Imp Impasse Impasse
Inlet Inlet Inlt
Island Island Is
Knoll Knoll Knl
Landng Landing Landing,Lndg
Lane Lane Ln
Lmts Limits Limits
Lkout Lookout Lookout
Manor Manor Mnr
Meadow Meadow Mdw
Montée Montée Mtée
Mount Mount Mt
Mtn Mountain Mountain
Orch Orchard Orchard
Pk Park Park
Pky Parkway Parkway, Pkwy
Passage Passage Psge,Pass
Ptway Pathway Pathway
Pines Pines Pnes
Pl Place Place
Plat Plateau Plateau
Plaza Plaza Plz
Pt Point Point
Port Port Prt
Pvt Private Private
Prom Promenade Promenade
Rg Range Range
Ridge Ridge Rdge
Rd Road Road
Rdpt Rond-point Rond-point
Rte Route Route
Rle Ruelle Ruelle
Sent Sentier Sentier
Sq Square Square
Subdiv Subdivision Subdivision
St Street Street
Terr Terrace Terrace, Ter, Tce
Tsse Terrasse (French) Terrasse, Terr
Thick Thicket Thicket
Tline Townline Townline
Trail Trail Trl
Trnabt Turnabout Turnabout
Villge Village Village, Vlg

Road Types

The USA has a standardized Functional Classification system which has been adopted by Waze Champs as the method for classifying different road types. Overall, this has resulted in use of the highway types for arterial roads in the metropolitan areas, with the Primary Street type being available for collector-type roads.

Unfortunately, Belize (and Canada) does not have the same standardized government-published maps to adopt here, but we can consider many of the same principles. We'd like to consider the following criteria for use within metropolitan areas. In the event that the infrastructure of a smaller town has been designed with arterial routes, this may be adopted there, but will typically be less obvious.

Roads in cities

As a highway enters a city/town, it often becomes a named street, and sometimes would no longer fit the usual criteria for a "highway".

Due to a number of reasons, including long-distance routing issues, as well as appearance, the highway should remain as the same type it entered the city/town (except if it's a Freeway -- if it no longer fits the Freeway criteria, it may be downgraded to Major Highway with Freeway routing until it is again a Freeway).

The road type designation should follow the entire named/numbered route.

Freeways

Template:Freeway

In general, Freeways will have:

  • Multi-Lane, divided road
  • No cross traffic
  • No stop lights (except for ramp meters)
  • No stop signs
  • No parking
  • No stopping (except for toll booths, freeway access metering, movable bridges, and traffic congestion)
  • Highest speed limits (relative to region)
  • Some have minimum speed limits
  • Limited access:
    • Access restrictions vary by region but some typical restrictions are:
      • No pedestrians
      • No bicycles
      • No mopeds
      • No Animal-Drawn Vehicles
    • Entrance ramps are typically designed with an acceleration zone so that cars can accelerate up to freeway speeds before merging into freeway traffic
    • Exit ramps are typically designed with a deceleration zone so that traffic can exit the freeway at freeway speeds without obstructing traffic, then have sufficient distance to slow down before any turns

When considering the road type, use the above noted Freeway classification as a guideline, with the idea that a "Freeway" may lack one of the criteria.

Major Highway

Template:Road

Use for major arterial roads. Often these have 2-3 lanes (or more) in each direction, and may be structured to be turned into freeways eventually. Usually this means relatively few intersections, higher speed limit, and higher capacity.

Additionally, if a road enters an area as a Freeway, but then loses its limited-access situation, it will generally continue on as a Major Highway.

If only one type of arterial is used by the municipality on their maps, the decision between a "major" and a "minor" will be that of relative importance and capacity. Generally, a "major" will have 2+ lanes, whereas a minor may only have one. Local knowledge is also especially useful in determining this.

Minor Highway

Template:Road

Use for arterial roads. They are more direct than using collector roads and sometimes have slightly increased speed limits. They would usually have one to many collector roads, and may have Local Streets and driveways.

Primary Street

Template:Primary Street

Suitable for collector roads through neighbourhoods and thoroughfares that aren't arterial. They usually have Local Streets and may have driveways. They might terminate into a higher-level road, or another Primary Street, or down-grade to continue as a Local Street, as indicated by relative importance.

Alleys

Alleys should not usually be added to the map. Refer any such proposed additions to an Area Manager. Do not removed existing Alleys without first discussing with an Area Manager.

In places where they are retained, they should have their city name set and the "None" box checked for Street Name. They should also be changed to Parking Lot street type. Do not use the Narrow Street type.

In considering whether one should be mapped, the primary question is "would it be appropriate for a stranger (e.g. pizza delivery guy) to park there and enter the residence from that side" - if the answer is "no", then they should definitely not be mapped.

Parking Lot Roads

Please read the Best Map Editing guidelines on parking lot roads. All parking aisles are to be mapped.

Locking Standard

Segments that have restricted turns must be locked to a minimum Level 3.

If the current lock is higher than the minimum standards listed below, please don't lower the lock.

If you have a concern about the current lock then please discuss your concern with an Area Manager.

Minimum Road Locking Rank Standard
Segment Type Minimum locks
Template:Freeway 4
Template:Ramp highest rank of connected segment
Permitted green u-turn 3
Template:Road 4
Template:Road 3
Template:Primary Street 2
Template:Street 1
Template:Road 4

Place Editing

Place Update Requests (PURs) should be reviewed for accuracy. Once a PUR is Approved, all relevant information pertaining to the Place should be entered. Please use each company's website to gather all the information you can. Once a Place is complete, lock the Place to Rank 3.

This practice will prevent app-trusted users and most IGN editors from making incorrect changes to places we know are right. App-trusted users and IGN editors are rarely Ranked as high as 3.

Following are general standards for Place locking in Belize:

Place Minimum Locking Rank Standard
Place Type Minimum locks
Airports 4
Hospitals 4
Major Tourist Attractions/Landmarks 4
Police/Fire Stations 3
Gas Stations 3


Telephone Number Format for Waze Places

+501-NXX-XXXX

  • NXX is the prefix
  • XXXX is the 4-digit block

This number format allows mobile phones, regardless of their home network, to dial a number without having to modify the number first.

Place Naming

Place Naming should adhere to the following guidelines.

Hospitals & Other Medical Services

Hospitals with Emergency Rooms are the only Place type permitted to use the Hospital category. All other day clinics, surgical centres, doctors, etc., must use the Doctor / Clinic category. Other non-core medical services such as Naturopaths, physio-therapists, chiropractors, etc should use the Office category. Emergency Rooms must have a separate Waze Point Place with "ER" prefixed in the primary name, for example:

ER - Hospital
ER - Hospital

Government Agencies

Police Stations: City, Agency followed by division name, for example:

Belmopan Police
Orange Walk Police


Fire Stations: City, Agency followed by station number, for example:

Belize City Fire Station
Punta Gorda Fire Station

Nested Places

If a secondary business within another business location has a different category, contact numbers and opening times, it may be added to the map as a new (second) Point Place with the new primary category and relevant contact details and opening times. Typical examples of this type of nesting would be pharmacies or post offices within supermarkets or superstores.

Place Name Harmonization

use this form to submit the missing information.

A script is available to assist with Place Harmonization but has NOT yet been localized for use in Belize.

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View this list full-screen in Google Sheets

When to use Area or Point Place

Here is guidance on selecting Area or Point for Places in the Waze Map Editor.

Optional Area shall only be used after consulting local Area Managers. The place must be a significant landmark with navigational value in the community.

We do not want to impose hard & fast rules for the Optional Area category. Please use some judgement, we do not want to see wall-to-wall areas for every single building structure on the map.

Optional Area shall be landmarked to just the building structure only, do not include the parking lot area.

Fence-line Areas shall be landmarked from fence line to fence line to include all parking lots, roads, and anything associated with the property. Parking lot roads (PLRs), parking lots, and gas stations all serve the same purpose.

Template:Red

Parent Category Type Comments
Car Services Car Wash Point
Car Services Charging Station Point
Car Services Garage / Automotive Shop Point
Car Services Gas Station Fence-line Area Many gas stations also have convenience stores and ATMs. Remember to use "Gas Station" as the primary category and the add any others which are relevant. Please see the Places/Gas Station article.
Car Services Parking Lot Both There are very few parking lots which should be mapped at all. Please see the Places/Parking lot article.
Transportation Airport Fence-line Area Special-handling
Transportation Bridge Area Should only be use for bridges with significance: Peace Bridge, Golden-gate Bridge
Transportation Bus Station Point
Transportation Ferry Pier Point
Transportation Junction / Interchange Area Will not be used in Canada.
Transportation Seaport / Marina / Harbor Area Size-dependent.
Transportation Subway Station Point
Transportation Taxi Station Point
Transportation Train Station Point
Transportation Tunnel Area
Professional and public Cemetery Fence-line Area
Professional and public City Hall Point
Professional and public College / University Area
Professional and public Conventions / Event Centre Area Size-dependent
Professional and public Courthouse Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Professional and public Doctor / Clinic Point
Professional and public Embassy / Consulate Area
Professional and public Factory / Industrial Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Professional and public Fire Department Area
Professional and public Government Optional Area
Professional and public Hospital / Urgent Care Area ONLY Hospitals, Emergency Rooms, and places offering Urgent Medical Care should use this category. ERs encompassed in a hospital Place Area should be Points.

Clinics, and Medical offices which do not offer urgent medical care for Walk-Ins should use the Doctor / Clinic or Office, (and any other appropriate) category as discussed above regarding Hospitals.

Professional and public Information Point Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Professional and public Kindergarten Point
Professional and public Library Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Professional and public Military Area
Professional and public Offices Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Professional and public Organization or Association Point
Professional and public Police Station Area
Professional and public Prison / Correctional Facility Area
Professional and public Post Office Point
Professional and public Religious Centre Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Professional and public School Fence-line Area
Shopping and services Arts & Crafts Point
Shopping and services ATM Point
Shopping and services Bank / Financial Point
Shopping and services Bookstore Point
Shopping and services Car Dealership Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Car Rental Point
Shopping and services Convenience Store Point
Shopping and services Currency Exchange Point
Shopping and services Department Store Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Electronics Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Fashion and Clothing Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Flowers Point
Shopping and services Furniture / Home Store Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Gifts Point
Shopping and services Gym / Fitness Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Hardware Store Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Jewelery Point
Shopping and services Laundry / Dry Cleaning Point
Shopping and services Market Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Music Store Point
Shopping and services Personal Care Point
Shopping and services Pet Store / Veterinarian Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Pharmacy Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Photography Point
Shopping and services Shopping Centre Area
Shopping and services Sporting Goods Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Supermarket / Grocery Point Can be Optional Area see notes above. Must be a Point if it is part of larger shopping mall/center.
Shopping and services Swimming Pool Point
Shopping and services Toy Store Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Shopping and services Travel Agency Point
Food and drink Bakery Point
Food and drink Bar Point
Food and drink Coffee shop Point
Food and drink Dessert Point
Food and drink Fast Food Point
Food and drink Food Court Point
Food and drink Ice Cream Point
Food and drink Restaurant Point
Culture & entertainment Art Gallery Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Culture & entertainment Casino Area Large hotel-casinos perhaps could be Area Places.
Culture & entertainment Club Point
Culture & entertainment Game Club Point
Culture & entertainment Movie Theater Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Culture & entertainment Museum Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Culture & entertainment Music Venue Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Culture & entertainment Performing Arts Venue Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Culture & entertainment Racing Track Area
Culture & entertainment Stadium / Arena Area
Culture & entertainment Theme Park Area
Culture & entertainment Theater Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Culture & entertainment Tourist Attraction / Historic Site Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Culture & entertainment Zoo / Aquarium Area Size-dependent
Other Construction Site Area Do not map in Canada.
Lodging Bed & Breakfast Point
Lodging Camping / Trailer Park Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Lodging Cottage / Cabin Point
Lodging Hostel Point
Lodging Hotel Point
Outdoors Beach Area Do not map without a name.
Outdoors Golf Course Area
Outdoors Park Area Do not map without a name.
Outdoors Playground Area Do not map without a name.
Outdoors Plaza Point Unsure about mapping these at all
Outdoors Promenade Point Unsure about mapping these at all
Outdoors Scenic Lookout / Viewpoint Point
Outdoors Ski Area Area
Outdoors Sports Court Point Can be Optional Area see notes above.
Natural features Farm Area Do not map without a name.
Natural features Forest / Grove Area Only map official state/national forests, not every stand of trees.
Natural features Island Area
Natural features River / Stream Area Use only if water itself is visually obvious to drivers on nearby roads. Do not remap features already present in the built-in Waze water layer unless that layer is incomplete or inaccurate. Map only the typical extent of visible water, not adjacent open space, greenbelt, culvert, meadows, or flood plain. If the river/stream is too narrow to map conveniently with an Area Place, it should not be mapped at all.
Natural features Sea / Lake / Pond Area Use only if water itself is visually obvious to drivers on nearby roads. Do not remap features already present in the built-in Waze water layer unless that layer is incomplete or inaccurate. Map only the typical extent of visible water, not adjacent beaches or land. If the feature is too small to map conveniently with an Area Place, it should not be mapped at all.


Speed Limits

Please refer to the USA Speed Limit guidelines.

Temporary Construction Speed Limits

Do not change the speed limit due to temporary construction; exceptionː a local editor who takes the route on a daily commute and assumes full responsibility of updating the speed limit.

Ramp Speed Limits

For ramps with only advisory speed limit signs, use the highest speed limit of the in or out segment.

Emergency Vehicle Roads Service road.png

Emergency.jpg
Emergency.jpg

"Emergency and Authorized Vehicles Only" are to be treated as Non-drivable roads. These are found primarily through the median of divided highways to connect opposite direction lanes.

  • Recommended not to map them.

Ferries

The ferry road type is now working in Waze. If a ferry segment is misbehaving, adjust it slightly and save to force a tile rebuild. Belize will adopt US guidelines with respect to ferries.

  • If the ferry has a toll, mark it as a toll road.

Update Requests

Where appropriate, reply to users with the standard replies provided by the URC-E script. If 4 days pass without a reply from the user, send the reminder message. Close the UR if a further 4 days pass without a reply from the user.

Technical Information

Please see the article Technical Information.

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