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This page serves as the primary resource for editors of Tennessee. Review all the sections to better understand how the guidelines for this state might deviate from the overall USA or worldwide guidelines. If you have any comments or questions about this page or state refer to the community links below.
As of April 2016, numbered state highways should be in either TN-xxx or SR-xxx format depending on classification. See the Highway Numbering section for details.
Introduction
Tennessee is a part of the South Atlantic region, which includes the states and/or territories of:
Before editing the maps in Tennessee, be sure to fully review and understand the editing manual.
The Waze user community follows the Waze etiquette guidelines discussed in the Wiki. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these guiding principals while editing the maps and this Wiki, as well as when communicating with other Waze users.
GIS Data for 84 of Tennessee's 95 counties can be found on the state property viewer website. In addition, the counties listed in the table below maintain their own GIS websites. Some of these counties are not available on the state website, while a few can be viewed on both the state site as well as on their own site.
If you find anything that needs to be updated please please report to State Managers and report here
According to Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-152, the following maximum speed limits apply in Tennessee, with individual counties and municipalities setting lower speeds on individual roads as needed:
Interstates and limited access freeways (urban and rural): 70 MPH
Divided highways: 65 MPH
Undivided and two-lane roads: 55 MPH
Residential streets: 30 MPH
Before verifying a speed limit in the editor, it MUST be confirmed either with the street view reticle in WME, reports from "on the ground", or using data provided by individual municipalities if available.
A list of speed limit data collected by editors can be found on this page.
The Waze forum is a great place to find answers to previously asked questions and also a place to ask new ones. Below are links to the forums specific to Tennessee.
New editors should consider checking into the formal mentoring program available at no charge.
A number of Tennessee editors actively communicate via the chat service Discord. We encourage fellow editors (new and experienced!) to join us so we can share tips, tricks and best practices to improve the map for fellow wazers. Please click here or send a PM to an SM or RC (listed below).
Cities and towns
One of the most common errors when editing the maps is when an editor creates a road and does not confirm the road by setting the city and road name (or stating it has none).
There are 346 Incorporated Cities and Towns in Tennessee. A list of municipalities in Tennessee is found here: List of municipalities in Tennessee
ONLY incorporated places in the list above should be used as the City name within a segment’s primary name. Census Designated Places (CDPs) and unincorporated towns or communities should NOT be listed in the primary City field for segments. Check the box for “No City” in this case.
The City field for segment Alternate Names and within the address for Places should utilize the USPS city name for the area. This includes residential point places (RPPs). Note that in some cases the USPS city name will not match the incorporated city name. In these cases, the segment primary City name should be the incorporated name, and an alternate name with the USPS city name should be added.
Tennessee currently observes the following Standardized Name nomenclature for Numbered Routes:
Road Type
Standardized Name
Freeways
I-XXX
US Highways
US-XXX
Primary State Highways
TN-XXX
Secondary State Highways
SR-XXX
County Highways
CR-XXX
These naming conventions should also be applied to "Old" numbered routes that have become local streets after the completion of new highway alignments. For example, "Old State Rte 33" and "Old US Hwy 70" Should be renamed "Old TN-33" and "Old US-70" respectively. In some cases, it may be necessary to research whether the old route was formerly a state or US highway.
State Highway Signage
State highways are divided into primary and secondary classifications and use a different type of signage for each:
In order to determine which naming format to use, check Street View and the TDOT FC Maps (Link) to verify sign shape. Most US highways in Tennessee are also assigned a "hidden" state route number, in which case one will be unable to find state highway signs in Street View. For example, TN-1 follows US-70 and several other US highways across most of the state from Memphis to Bristol, but is only signed in certain areas. These state highway designations, where they exist, should be listed in the alternate name for the US highway segment.
Also note that state routes can change between primary and secondary designation depending on their intended use. For example, TN-25 in Gallatin has a short stretch that is classified as SR-25.
If primary or secondary status cannot be determined, it is acceptable to default to TN-xxx format.
Highway Naming
See Road names and Road types for general guidelines for naming and classifying roads.
Regarding Local and Alternate Names:
In situations where a highway passes through a town, the road in those areas is typically named something other than the numbered route. In these situations the road should be named based on the following conditions:
If the local street signs provide guidance with the local name, that should be used as the primary name in the Waze map. The numbered route should be added as an alternate name.
If the local signs only indicate the route number, then that should be the primary name and and the local road name should be added as an alternate name.
Example: TN-13 in Waverly, TN has a Local Name of S Church St. (as indicated by signage). The Primary Street Name of the segments is S Church St., while TN-13 is listed as an Alternate Street Name.
Regarding Overlapping Highways:
When two or more numbered highways (or interstates) run concurrently (one stretch of road has multiple route numbers), the segment should be named after the primary of the routes. The primary route will usually have one or more of the following attributes:
The route whose mile markers are used for the concurrent segment
The route whose exit numbers are used for the concurrent segment
When the concurrency ends, the route whose path does not get signed as a numbered exit.
In Tennessee, most US highways are also assigned a "hidden" state route number. These routes are often unsigned when they share a concurrency with a US highway. For example, TN-1 follows US-70 and several other US highways across most of the state from Memphis to Bristol, but is only signed in certain areas. These state highway designations, where they exist, should be listed in the alternate name for the US highway segment.
Regarding Scenic Routes:
Although Tennessee's roads tend to be quite scenic in and of themselves, many highways are specially designated as scenic routes and are signed with a green and white mockingbird logo. However, the "Scenic" or "Scn" designations should not be included in road names on numbered highways, unless specifically named as such in state GIS sources. Do not treat these like bannered routes when determining road names.
Classification via TDOT Functional Classification maps
Possible classification upgrade due to highway type
Step 1: Classification via TDOT Generated Functional Classification
The Tennessee Functional Class Map is updated by the the Tennessee Department of Transporation (TDOT). Using the TDOT maps, the Corresponding Waze Road Type is determined via the following two tables:
If a road is not shown on the Functional Classification Maps, it is deemed as a Local Road with a Waze Road Type of Street .
Inconsistent switching between road types along a road is not wanted. Consistency is key. Do not change a road type for routing sake or to make it appear on the map at a higher speed.
Sometimes strictly following these functional classification guidelines will generate inconsistent Waze road types at boundaries between urban and rural maps. It is best to use the aerial maps and GPS data to find a logical location where a road should make the change in road type. These types of changes are usually at intersections with other roads (primary street and above) and sometimes incorporate a change in lane count (2-lane road transitions to 4-lane road). Prudent editor discretion is needed at these locations.
Step 2: Classification upgrades via highway type
Sometimes, after determining road type in step 1, a road will need to be upgraded if it is an Interstate, Federal Highway, or State Highway. The list below provides the minimum that a particular highway should be classified (e.g. a Urban Collector would be at a minimum a primary street, but it would be upgraded to a major highway if it was a US Highway or a minor highway if it were a State Highway).
Freeway - Interstates
Major Highway - US Highways
Minor Highway - State Highways (Both Primary and Secondary State Routes), US Business Highways
Quick Reference Table
This chart is an alternative presentation of the two steps above which can provide a handy reference.
To use this chart, first determine the functional class of a road. Secondly, determine whether it is a signed, numbered highway in a particular highway system.
Where the column for the road's highway system and the row for the road's Tennessee functional class meet, you will find the proper road type for that particular road.
Review the Wiki guidelines for non-drivable roads to ensure compliance with the general guidelines.
Generally, if a road can't be driven on (i.e. Walking Trail, Pedestrian Boardwalk, Stairway, Railroad, Runway/Taxiway) then it should not be mapped in Waze. This is due to the way the routing engine works, as Waze WILL route users to drive on these "Non-Drivable" road types.
Toll Roads
There are currently no toll roads in the state, so there should be no road segments with the 'toll road' checkbox enabled. The only exception is the three ferries currently operating in state, each of which charge a small fee for passage.
Unpaved Roads
If, after determining functional classification of an unpaved (dirt or gravel) road segment, the road is determined to be Primary Street or Street , set it to the "Dirt Road / 4X4 Trail" type. If, however, an unpaved road is determined to be a Freeway , Major Highway , or Minor Highway , do not set it as dirt road.
National Park Roads
The National Park Service uses a separate functional classification system for park roads. According to this system, some park roads would be upgraded from Street to Primary Street . US highways crossing through national parks, regardless of NPS classification, should be set to Major Highway . There are no state highways in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Closures
When managing a section of roadway under construction or being closed for a major event, follow the Wiki guidelines on construction zones and Real time closures.
Closures can be requested using the TN Closure Form. This form is monitored by area and state managers.
TDOT provides media advisories on progress of the state-funded construction projects. The updates are broken into four regions, each providing a weekly update. Sometimes special construction events are given. For a current listing see Tennessee Road Closures and Weekly Construction Reports.
Places
Tennessee follows the USA standard for Places. Do not deviate from the guidelines without first obtaining consensus to do so via the state forum linked on this page.
Please follow general worldwide guidelines for mapping Places.
A Place can be locked at 3 once it minimally has the following information:
Correct Category
Name - Formatted with Title Case (Use capital letters for the first letter in each word)
Area or Point as appropriate with Destination Point in the correct location
Address - House number and correct street name
Please try to fill in all information available, but those items are the minimum.
Airports and hospitals should be locked at 5. Other important places such as major tourist attractions prone to editing and major parks can be locked at 4 or 5 as necessary to protect their integrity.
Place Update Requests
When moderating Place Update Requests (PURs), please be aware that they are not added to the map until the Wazer hits Done. This means that a passenger of a car may take a great photo of a business, but be a block or two down the road before it is added. Zoom into the map where the Place was added and ensure they are where they are supposed to be, moving the point if necessary.
Chain Name Harmonization
In an effort to keep common Places the same across the region, the South Atlantic wiki page now has a list to reference. The list includes Names, Alt Names, Categories, and Websites of Chain companies across the region. If you do not see a Chain listed and feel it should be added, please fill out this form to submit it for review.
Team UR Handling
For best practices and etiquette, see the Update request wiki page.
Tennessee editors encourage teamwork in handling URs. URs are not owned by the first responder. If another editor has first hand knowledge of the issue and can make the necessary corrections to the map to solve the reported issue, they are free to do so. Editors must comment on a UR when closing them, even if the editor is the original reporter.
When a UR does not contain enough information or the fix is not obvious, we have found that a 1/4/8 system works well for generating a response from the reporter. For example:
Day 1
Within 24 hours (1 day) after an Update Request has been submitted, an editor should provide a response to the Update Request to get the process started. This starts a seven day clock.
Day 4
If the reporter has not commented after 3 days (4 days since initial comment) a second message is sent reminding the reporter that we need more information about the problem they encountered to fix the issue.
Example
"Just a reminder: We have not received a response on your report. If we don't hear back from you soon we will infer everything is okay and close the report. Thanks!"
Note - While the 4 day reminder is not required in the South Atlantic region, we have seen a large number of responses from them and encourage their use.
Day 8
If the reporter still has not commented after 4 more days (8 days since initial comment) a message should be sent telling the reported that we were unable to fix the problem and this report is being closed. The Update Request then needs to be closed as Not Identified.
Example
"The problem was unclear and volunteers didn't receive a response so we are closing this report. As you travel, please feel welcome to report any map issues you encounter. Thanks!"
Old User Reports
The 1/4/8 rule has been very successful in our busy areas with editors maintaining them. There are some areas outside of our reach and occasionally as we venture off the beaten path, we come across a report that has been there for quite some time. We feel these reports are as valid as the reports opened yesterday and they should be given the same courtesy of response as new reports. Give the reporter at least 7 days to respond before closing as Not Identified.
Cameras
Not every camera-looking device at an intersection is a speed or red light camera. Generally speaking:
a speed camera takes a photograph of a vehicle when it passes by the camera at too high a speed.
a red light camera takes a photograph of a vehicle that enters an intersection after the light is red. In some areas, it takes the photograph when a vehicle is not clear of the intersection some period after the light turns red.
When adding a camera, be sure to review the camera placement recommendations.
Laws regarding speed and red light cameras vary between the states and territories, so be sure to understand the details of camera legality in Tennessee.
Red Light and Speed cameras are used in various municipalities throughout Tennessee. These municipalities include Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Germantown, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Hixson, Red Bank, Morristown, Johnson City, Kingsport, and others.
There are also cameras mounted on traffic signals that are used as part of the signal control. These compare sequential images of the intersection approach to determine if there is a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, etc) waiting and will trigger the sequence. These devices CAN NOT issue tickets and should not be mapped.
There are traditional traffic monitoring cameras covering most of the major highways in the state. These send live video to TDOT & local media and serve ONLY as a traffic monitoring system and should not be mapped.
Many states and territories keep an active list of pending or closed actions that need to be done in the state by the editors. All editors are welcome to contribute to the list of activities.
Tennessee maintains a "To-do" list to help editors guide their efforts and figure out "what can I do next?" That list can be found here.
Area Managers
The table below identifies the editors also designated as Area Managers or higher who are editing in Tennessee. If you have any questions, please consider contacting them directly as needed. If you are an Area Manager that covers Tennessee, or a USA Country Manager that does a lot of work in Tennessee, please add yourself to this list (alphabetical by username) in the correct rank section.
The editor who also serves as the Regional Coordinator for Tennessee is automatically listed at the top of the table. That editor may not be highly active in this state and therefore may not be listed separately in the table.
Tennessee — Area, State, Country Managers, and Regional Coordinators
