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Waze Map Editor
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{{mbox|type=construction|text=This page is currently part of a larger effort to update the restrictions information across the wiki. Contact [https://www.waze.com/forum/ucp.php?i=pm&mode=compose&u=7009939 Kent Smith] for more information}}
There are three restrictions that affect an editor's ability to change the map:
There are three restrictions that affect an editor's ability to change the map:


* Driven / editable area - based on map editors' experience
* Driven / editable area - based on map editors' experience
* Traffic lock - applied to segments based on historical traffic data
* Manual lock - applied to objects by map editors to prevent adjustments from less experienced editors
* Manual lock - applied to segments by map editors
* Automatic lock - applied because of a system driven feature or requirement


Any of the three restrictions can restrict an editor from modifying an object on the map.
Any of the three restrictions can restrict an editor from modifying an object on the map.


Locks help ensure that important roads are not accidentally (or intentionally) modified and disrupt traffic flow for all the client app users in that area.
The locks help ensure that important roads and other objects are not accidentally (or intentionally) modified and disrupt traffic flow for all the client app users in that area.


== Restriction types ==
== Restriction types ==
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{{:Editable area}}
{{:Editable area}}
=== Lock rank ===
There are 7 locking ranks for objects (1 through 6 and Staff). The locking ranks correspond to the editor's rank measured by their [[Your_Rank_and_Points#Waze_Map_Editing_Ranks|editing rank]] on their statistics window.
An unlocked object has a lock rank of 1 and can be edited by any editor rank. Objects can be locked at any rank up to and including the rank of the adjusting editor. Editing an object requires the lock rank of that object be equal to or less than the rank of the editor. A Staff locked object cannot be modified by any editor and requires a [[Staff locks|special unlock request process]] discussed below.


=== Segment lock ===
=== Segment lock ===
Segment locks apply to both [[#Manual lock|manual]] and [[#Automatic lock|automatic]] locks. This system ensures more important roads and highways are not accidentally altered by less experienced editors (until they get more experience).
A segment may be locked either [[#Manual segment lock|manually]] or  [[#Automatic segment lock|automatically]]. This process ensures more important roads and highways are not accidentally altered by less experienced editors (until they get more experience).


A lock restricts:
A lock on a segment restricts:
#Segment editing ability (name changes, node changes, adding junctions, etc.)
#Segment editing ability (name changes, node changes, adding junctions, etc.)
#Automatic adjustments (changes made by the server when it identifies problems in the map)
#Automatic adjustments (changes made by the server when it identifies problems in the map)


==== Lock rank ====
There are seven locking ranks for segments (1 through 6 and Staff). The locking ranks correspond to the editor's rank measured by their [[Your_Rank_and_Points#Waze_Map_Editing_Ranks|editing rank]] on their statistics window.


An unlocked segment has a lock rank of 1 and can be edited by any editor rank. Segments can be locked by editors at any rank up to and including their own rank. Editing a segment requires the lock rank of that segment be equal to or less than the rank of the editor. A Staff locked segment cannot be modified by any editor and requires a special unlock request process discussed below.
==== Manual segment lock ====
All rank 2 and above editors have the ability to manually [[Map_Editor Interface and Controls#General Tab|lock a segment]]. This type of lock is manually applied by a higher-ranked editor to a particular segment of road that needs to be protected from accidental change or vandalism. The more important the road, the more likely it is to be locked.


In addition to the lock rank, the segment must also be fully included in one of your [[editable area]]s discussed above.
In the past, many segments were locked for other reasons that no longer exist, but the segments do not get unlocked unless they are edited again and the editor adjusts down the lock rank.


==== Manual lock ====
Also, in the early days of WME there was a problem where locked segments would follow the rank of the last editor who touched them and, as they increased in rank, the segment would increase in lock rank. This is no longer the case, but there are some segments that previously increased in lock rank and have remained high for no apparent reason. The can be reduced in lock rank as needed.
All Rank 2 and above editors have the ability to manually [[Map_Editor Interface and Controls#General Tab|lock a segment]]. This type of lock is manually applied by a higher-ranked editor to a particular segment of road that needs to be protected from accidental change or vandalism. The more important the road, the more likely it is to be locked.


In the past, many segments were locked for other reasons that no longer exist, but the segments do not get unlocked unless they are edited again and the editor adjusts down the lock rank.
==== Automatic segment lock ====
 
==== Automatic lock ====
There are three different automated locks that may affect a segment.
There are three different automated locks that may affect a segment.


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Generally, rank 3 or 4 should be able to edit about 90% of the roads in their areas, unless manually locked by a senior editor (see below).
Generally, rank 3 or 4 should be able to edit about 90% of the roads in their areas, unless manually locked by a senior editor (see below).


Editors with rank 5 or 6 can edit 100% of the roads in their editable area.
Editors with rank 5 can edit nearly all of the roads and rank 6 can edit 100% of them in their editable area.


===== Road closure lock =====
===== Road closure lock =====
When a road is [[Real_time_closures#WME_closure_feature|closed through WME]], it cannot be edited by any rank until the closure is removed (temporarily or because it expired).  
When a road is [[Real_time_closures#WME_closure_feature|closed through WME]], it cannot be edited by any rank until the closure is removed (temporarily or because it expired).  
Currently, only rank {{rank|closure}} editors or above can affect road closures. For situations that require an adjustment be made before the closure has ended, the rank {{rank|closure}}+ editor can copy down all the relevant closure information, remove the closure, make the change to the segment, and then return the closure information. The editor should be sure the segment is not also locked above their rank before starting this procedure. If either lock is above their rank, the editor should use the procedure for [[#Unlocking_an_object_above_your_rank|unlocking objects above their rank]] covered below.


===== Junction box lock =====
===== Junction box lock =====
A [[junction box]] currently prevents any modifications to the segments linked to the junction box regardless of the editor's rank. The junction box would need to be removed before the segments could be edited. This is a limitation that may be adjusted in the future.
A [[junction box]] currently prevents any modifications to the segments linked to the junction box regardless of the editor's rank. The junction box would need to be removed before the segments could be edited. This is a limitation that may be adjusted in the future.


== Locking of other objects ==
Currently only editors of rank {{rank|jb}} or greater can create or edit junction boxes. Use the procedure outlined below to get assistance from a local editor with a high enough rank to edit the junction box.
===Violation camera editing ability===
 
=== Place lock ===
A [[place]] may be locked either [[#Manual place lock|manually]], [[#Automatic place lock|automatically]], or by a [[Places#blocked|block to specific users for all places]]. This locking/blocking process ensures more important places are not accidentally altered by less experienced editors (until they get more experience).
 
A place with multiple lock conditions noted below will require the highest rank of all the conditions to moderate that [[PUR]] (place update request).
 
==== Manual place lock ====
Places are manually locked by setting the [[Places#Place_lock|lock rank on the general tab]] of the place. This prevents a place from being directly edited in WME by any editor with a lower rank. It also prevents updates from [[trusted user]]s when locked at a rank {{rank|PlaceAutoTrust}} or above.
 
If an editor tries to modify and save a change to a place manually locked above his rank, the change will be saved as a PUR for moderation by a higher rank.
 
==== Automatic place lock ====
===== New place =====
Any new place created by an untrusted user will not be added to the client app until it is moderated (approved) by a rank {{rank|PlaceAutoTrust}} or greater editor.
 
===== Flagged (reported problem) =====
{{mbox|type=notice|text=The following conditions must also consider any other concurrent lock status when determining if a moderator can approve a PUR.}}
 
Any flagged content reported by any user up to rank {{rank|placeflagapproval}} will not be accepted until it is moderated (approved to be removed) by a higher ranked editor.
 
Additionally, places flagged as duplicates, closed, or residential requires moderation regardless of the reporting user's rank, but the moderator can be of any rank. All other flagged images reported by trusted users will be removed without moderation.
 
{{mbox|type=caution|text=If a place is flagged as a duplicate, when the moderator approves the "merge places" it just deletes the duplicate place without transferring any information.}}
 
===== Promotional staff locks =====
At times, some places will be associated with promotional efforts by the company through Waze. Depending upon what kind of promotion may be in effect, some or all of the related places may be locked by Waze staff, preventing any direct modifications from any editor rank. However, suggested updates can still be submitted through the client app, but they will require staff level moderation (approvals).
 
==== Blocked user ====
If any user/editor, regardless of trust status or rank, submits too many flagged images, new places or updates to places which are rejected, that user may be blocked from further place creations, edits, or updates. This block would impact the editor/user even for unlocked (rank 1) places. The user must contact their [[RC]] to understand more about why they were blocked and information on how to get unblocked.
 
=== Violation camera lock ===
When an editor approves a [[violation camera]] (speed or red light), the camera is locked at that editor's rank. An editor with a lower rank may not change / delete the camera, unless he or she is the owner of the camera or an [[Area Manager]] for its location.
When an editor approves a [[violation camera]] (speed or red light), the camera is locked at that editor's rank. An editor with a lower rank may not change / delete the camera, unless he or she is the owner of the camera or an [[Area Manager]] for its location.


== Combination of multiple restrictions ==
<!-- *************************************************************************
{{Anchor |Combined locking scheme}}
This section is mainly covering explaining how the traffic lock system interacts with other locking systems. While this feature is disabled in the US, it serves very little purpose in this page and should be removed until traffic locks are enabled.
*****************************************************************************
 
== {{anchor|Combined locking scheme}}Combination of multiple restrictions ==


The first two are both locking systems that apply to specific segments for the 6 editor ranks. The third is based primarily on geography (areas surrounding the editor's recorded drives are open to the editor if there is no manual or traffic lock, other areas are restricted for the editor, even if there is no traffic lock and no manual lock).
The first two are both locking systems that apply to specific segments for the 6 editor ranks. The third is based primarily on geography (areas surrounding the editor's recorded drives are open to the editor if there is no manual or traffic lock, other areas are restricted for the editor, even if there is no traffic lock and no manual lock).
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=== Illustration ===
=== Illustration ===


* In a new development, the city is laying out new streets. A driver "paves" a new road, Lockrank Street. Initially, there is very little traffic, so there is no traffic lock. It has never been manually locked. So, by default the traffic lock is 1, and by default the manual lock is 1. The combined lock is 1, so anyone can edit it,
* In a new development, the city is laying out new streets. A driver "paves" a new road, Lockrank Street. Initially, there is very little traffic, so there is no traffic lock. It has never been manually locked. So, by default the traffic lock is 1 and by default the manual lock is 1. The combined lock is 1, so anyone can edit it.
* Lockrank Street gets vandalized a number of times by brand new users (rank 1), so the [[Area Manager]] applies a rank 2 lock to it. There is still no traffic lock (i.e., traffic lock is 1). It is now effectively locked to the manual lock, rank 2. New editors (rank 1) can't edit it, and can't edit the junctions at either end of it. Editors ranked 2-6 can edit it and its junctions.
* Lockrank Street gets vandalized a number of times by brand new users (rank 1), so the [[Area Manager]] applies a rank 2 lock to it. There is still no traffic lock (i.e., traffic lock is 1). It is now effectively locked to the manual lock of rank 2. New editors (rank 1) can't edit it with the [[Editing_restrictions#Effects_of_locking|following exclusions]]. Editors ranked 2-6 can edit it.
* A new editor notices that the road name has changed to Newlock Road. She tries to edit it, but discovers that is is locked at rank 2, while she is rank 1. She goes to the unlock request forum, and requests the change. The Area Manager reduces the manual lock rank to 1. Since there is still no traffic lock, the lock is effectively removed. The new editor makes the change. The Area Manager changes the manual lock back to rank 2 to continue protecting from vandalism.
* A new editor notices that the road name has changed to Newlock Road. She tries to edit it, but discovers that is is locked at rank 2, while she is rank 1. She goes to the unlock request forum and requests the change. The Area Manager reduces the manual lock rank to 1. Since there is still no traffic lock, the lock is effectively removed. The new editor makes the change. The Area Manager changes the manual lock back to rank 2 to continue protecting from vandalism.
* A new cross street, Junction Lane, is added to the street grid, and another driver paves it. He is a rank 2 editor. He goes into the editor to name it and connect it to Newlock Road. He is able to, because he is a rank 2 editor.
* A new cross street, Junction Lane, is added to the street grid, and another driver paves it. He is a rank 2 editor. He goes into the editor to name it and connect it to Newlock Road. He is able to because he is a rank 2 editor.
* Drivers find Newlock Road is a good way to get across the city, so it starts receiving a lot of traffic.  
* Drivers find Newlock Road is a good way to get across the city, so that road starts receiving a lot of traffic. Waze applies a traffic lock of 3. Even though the manual lock is 2, the traffic lock is higher in this case and the road is effectively locked to the traffic lock of 3. It can now be edited only by rank 3 editors and above.
Waze applies a traffic lock of 3. Even though the manual lock is 2, the traffic lock is higher in this case, and the road is effectively locked to the traffic lock. It can now be edited only by rank 3 editors and above.
* Another cross street, Development Way, is added to the grid. The rank 2 editor goes to add it, and finds he is unable to create the junction onto Newlock Road. He goes to the unlock forum to ask for the lock to be lowered to 2 so he can fix the map. The Area Manager tells him that the lock can't be lowered, because the traffic lock overrides it. The Area Manager makes the change on behalf of the editor.
* Another cross street, Development Way, is added to the grid. The rank 2 editor goes to add it, and finds he is unable to create the junction onto Newlock Road. He goes to the unlock forum to ask for the lock to be lowered to 2, so he can fix the map. The Area Manager tells him that the lock can't be lowered, because the traffic lock overrides it. The Area Manager makes the change on behalf of the editor.
* Myles Opia is a rank 1 editor. He misreads some sign information, and changes the name of Development Way to Developer Way. It gets flipped back and forth a number of times. However, traffic has been building on it and it gets a traffic lock of rank 2. This stops Myles Opia from further changes.
* Myles Opia is a rank 1 editor. He misreads some sign information, and changes the name of Development Way to Developer Way. It gets flipped back and forth a number of times. However, traffic has been building on it, and it gets a traffic lock of rank 2. Stopping Myles Opia form further incorrect changes.
* Myles Opia later edits enough roads to attain rank 2. He starts changing Development Way again. The Area Manager locks it to rank 3. Since this is higher than the traffic lock of 2, it overrides the traffic lock, and the road can't be edited by rank 1 or 2 editors.
* Myles Opia has edited enough roads to attain rank 2. He starts changing it again. The Area Manager locks it to rank 3. Since this is higher than the traffic lock of 2, it overrides the traffic lock, and the road can't be edited by rank 1 or 2 editors.
******************************************************************************************
 
-->
== Effects of locking ==
== {{anchor|Locked junction}}{{anchor|Junctions}}{{anchor|Effects of locking}}Segment lock effects ==
{{anchor|Locked junction}}{{anchor|Junctions}}Locks create editing restrictions as described below.


===Segment editing ability===
When a segment is locked above an editor's rank, by a manual, traffic, closure, or junction box lock, the editor '''cannot''' perform any of the following:
When a segment is locked above an editor's rank, either by a [[traffic lock]] or a manual lock, the editor '''cannot''' perform any of the following:
* Change the properties of the segment (including name, country, state/province, city, road type, elevation, etc.)
* Change the properties of the segment (including name, country, state/province, city, road type, elevation, etc.)
* Change the geometry of the segment.
* Change the geometry of the segment.
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* Change the turns (including U-turns and partial turn restrictions) visible when the segment is selected.
* Change the turns (including U-turns and partial turn restrictions) visible when the segment is selected.
* Change restrictions on the segment.
* Change restrictions on the segment.
* Set a closure on the segment (unless that segment is within an editor's [[Map_Editor_Interface_and_Control#RTC_area|RTC area]]).
* Set a closure on the segment (unless that segment is within an editor's [[RTC area]]).
* Disconnect a road from the junction node at either end of the segment.
* Disconnect a road from the junction node at either end of the segment.
* Create a new junction anywhere on the segment.
* Create a new junction anywhere on the segment.
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===Staff locks===
===Staff locks===
A special type of manual lock is the Waze Staff Lock. There have been times when a Waze staff member has locked a segment. In many cases, the lock is no longer required. So if you have a reason to edit it, please review [http://tinyurl.com/unlockstaff this support link] to request it to be unlocked. This link is only for staff rank locks.
A special type of manual lock is the Waze Staff Lock. There have been times when a Waze staff member has locked a segment. In many cases, the lock is no longer required. So if you have a reason to edit it, please use <!--[http://tinyurl.com/unlockstaff this support link]-->[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBvLog2gXBdXpO-qasY5RJdiqXdR-VrlOGVw2hOBrnjvSx6g/viewform?formkey=dGlLcFd1V1dkZW41Y0lKMTJMaXZTUEE6MQ&fromEmail=true this support link] to request it to be unlocked. This link is only for staff rank locks.


===Automatic adjustments===
===Automatic adjustments===
Much of the road network may from a "base map import" that Waze set up to initially populate each new country's road map. The data on the base map is not always certain, so Waze initially set "soft restrictions" on turns and unknown road diretcionality for many segments. As Waze learns actual traffic patterns on these segments, it may "change its mind" about the restrictions and directionality.
Much of the road network came from a "base map import" that Waze set up to initially populate each new country's road map. The data on the base map is not always certain, so Waze initially set "soft restrictions" on turns and unknown road diretcionality for many segments. As Waze learns actual traffic patterns on these segments, it may "change its mind" about the restrictions and directionality.


When a user edits the map and alters a previously untouched segment by changing the segment's nodes, turn restrictions, names, etc., the Waze servers will no longer allow itself to [[Timeline_of_updating_process#Automatic_road_updates_by_Waze|automatically alter that segment]] in the future. Before a user alters a segment, the Waze server could alter road directionality, shape, and turn restrictions based on tracking real-world driving, via GPS inputs.
When a user edits the map and alters a previously untouched segment by changing the segment's nodes, turn restrictions, names, etc., the Waze servers will no longer allow itself to [[Timeline_of_updating_process#Automatic_road_updates_by_Waze|automatically alter that segment]] in the future. Before a user alters a segment, the Waze server could alter road directionality, shape, and turn restrictions based on tracking real-world driving, via GPS inputs.
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In the past, the Waze server was known to have changed even segments that had been edited. This lead to many users locking down roads to prevent the Waze server from adjusting the segment. Since the Waze server can no longer alter edited segments, locking roads for this reason is no longer necessary.
In the past, the Waze server was known to have changed even segments that had been edited. This lead to many users locking down roads to prevent the Waze server from adjusting the segment. Since the Waze server can no longer alter edited segments, locking roads for this reason is no longer necessary.


If an editor finds a road locked for seemingly no reason, use the procedure described above for changing locked map segments, to request a permanent release of the lock.
If an editor finds a road locked for seemingly no reason, use the procedure described above for changing locked map segments to request a permanent release of the lock.


== Area Managers ==
== {anchor|Area Managers}}Area manager ==
In short: An [[Area Manager]] (AM) does not have restrictions based on areas recently driven. Manual locks still apply, and Traffic locks (once implemented) may or may not apply.
In short, an [[area manager]] (AM) does not have restrictions based on areas recently driven. Manual locks still apply, and Traffic locks (once implemented) may or may not apply.


Most users can edit only the segments they have driven and the surrounding areas (see above, Editable areas). This restriction does not apply to an AM, within his or her assigned management area(s). Within these areas, an AM may edit any object locked up to their rank or lower.
Most users can edit only the segments they have driven and the surrounding areas (see above, Editable areas). This restriction does not apply to an AM within his or her assigned management area(s). Within these areas, an AM may edit any object locked at or below their rank.


However, locks still apply to AMs. An AM cannot edit anything locked to a higher rank than his own.  
However, locks still apply to AMs. An AM cannot edit anything locked to a higher rank than his own.  
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[[Category:Waze Map Editor]]
[[Category:Waze Map Editor]]
[[Category:Construction]]<!-- https://www.waze.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1636&t=225982 -->

Revision as of 00:17, 30 May 2017

There are three restrictions that affect an editor's ability to change the map:

  • Driven / editable area - based on map editors' experience
  • Manual lock - applied to objects by map editors to prevent adjustments from less experienced editors
  • Automatic lock - applied because of a system driven feature or requirement

Any of the three restrictions can restrict an editor from modifying an object on the map.

The locks help ensure that important roads and other objects are not accidentally (or intentionally) modified and disrupt traffic flow for all the client app users in that area.

Restriction types

Editable area (driving area, management area)

In real edit mode (logged in), you can make changes within your editable area. Your editable area consists of:

  • The roads you have driven recently (see note below).
  • Areas within a certain distance of those roads. How far this distance extends depends on your editing rank.
  • Areas in which you are the Area Manager. You can edit your assigned area, even if you have not driven a road nearby recently.

You can highlight your editable area on the map by turning on the layer for editable area.

An object is editable if any portion of it is inside one of your editable areas, subject to any further restrictions covered in the editing restrictions page.

Recent drives
Waze records your drives when it is operating with or without navigating to a destination while your device has constant GPS and GSM/3G/4G network connectivity. You can see a history of those drives in the editor. Make sure you have nothing selected, and click the Drives tab in the side panel.

Short drives are usually added to the drives list almost immediately. Longer drives may take a day or two to appear.

After a certain period of time, these drives expire. They may still show in your drives list, but Waze will no longer display the drive details, unless there is a more recent drive. This timing may not coincide directly with the expiration of your editable area, noted below.

You can tell the difference between recent drives and expired drives in the Drives panel. Recent drives are a clickable link which will show the path of the drive. Expired drives show the summary (date, elapsed time, length), but you can't click them.

Expiration
Editable area gained by a drive expires 90 days after the date of the drive or on the last day of the third month after the drive, whichever is later. An area manager appointment could also be revoked after 90 days of inactivity.

Lock rank

There are 7 locking ranks for objects (1 through 6 and Staff). The locking ranks correspond to the editor's rank measured by their editing rank on their statistics window.

An unlocked object has a lock rank of 1 and can be edited by any editor rank. Objects can be locked at any rank up to and including the rank of the adjusting editor. Editing an object requires the lock rank of that object be equal to or less than the rank of the editor. A Staff locked object cannot be modified by any editor and requires a special unlock request process discussed below.

Segment lock

A segment may be locked either manually or automatically. This process ensures more important roads and highways are not accidentally altered by less experienced editors (until they get more experience).

A lock on a segment restricts:

  1. Segment editing ability (name changes, node changes, adding junctions, etc.)
  2. Automatic adjustments (changes made by the server when it identifies problems in the map)


Manual segment lock

All rank 2 and above editors have the ability to manually lock a segment. This type of lock is manually applied by a higher-ranked editor to a particular segment of road that needs to be protected from accidental change or vandalism. The more important the road, the more likely it is to be locked.

In the past, many segments were locked for other reasons that no longer exist, but the segments do not get unlocked unless they are edited again and the editor adjusts down the lock rank.

Also, in the early days of WME there was a problem where locked segments would follow the rank of the last editor who touched them and, as they increased in rank, the segment would increase in lock rank. This is no longer the case, but there are some segments that previously increased in lock rank and have remained high for no apparent reason. The can be reduced in lock rank as needed.

Automatic segment lock

There are three different automated locks that may affect a segment.

Traffic lock
 At this time, traffic locks are disabled in the USA because the leadership team has requested a feature be added to traffic locks that enables AMs to edit segments with a traffic lock set above their rank (but not manual locks above their rank).


A traffic lock is an automatically-applied editing lock for a road segment. A lock is applied by the Waze servers to any road segments having a high volume of traffic traversing it. The lock rank is the same as with manual locks.

Roads with low volumes of traffic have a rank 1 lock, which is really no lock at all, because the lowest editor rank is also 1. Roads with somewhat more traffic are locked at rank 2.

The busiest roads -- generally, the top 10% traveled roads in an area -- are locked at rank 5, so that only rank 5 or 6 editors can edit them.

Generally, rank 3 or 4 should be able to edit about 90% of the roads in their areas, unless manually locked by a senior editor (see below).

Editors with rank 5 can edit nearly all of the roads and rank 6 can edit 100% of them in their editable area.

Road closure lock

When a road is closed through WME, it cannot be edited by any rank until the closure is removed (temporarily or because it expired).

Currently, only rank 3 editors or above can affect road closures. For situations that require an adjustment be made before the closure has ended, the rank 3+ editor can copy down all the relevant closure information, remove the closure, make the change to the segment, and then return the closure information. The editor should be sure the segment is not also locked above their rank before starting this procedure. If either lock is above their rank, the editor should use the procedure for unlocking objects above their rank covered below.

Junction box lock

A junction box currently prevents any modifications to the segments linked to the junction box regardless of the editor's rank. The junction box would need to be removed before the segments could be edited. This is a limitation that may be adjusted in the future.

Currently only editors of rank 4 or greater can create or edit junction boxes. Use the procedure outlined below to get assistance from a local editor with a high enough rank to edit the junction box.

Place lock

A place may be locked either manually, automatically, or by a block to specific users for all places. This locking/blocking process ensures more important places are not accidentally altered by less experienced editors (until they get more experience).

A place with multiple lock conditions noted below will require the highest rank of all the conditions to moderate that PUR (place update request).

Manual place lock

Places are manually locked by setting the lock rank on the general tab of the place. This prevents a place from being directly edited in WME by any editor with a lower rank. It also prevents updates from trusted users when locked at a rank 2 or above.

If an editor tries to modify and save a change to a place manually locked above his rank, the change will be saved as a PUR for moderation by a higher rank.

Automatic place lock

New place

Any new place created by an untrusted user will not be added to the client app until it is moderated (approved) by a rank 2 or greater editor.

Flagged (reported problem)
 The following conditions must also consider any other concurrent lock status when determining if a moderator can approve a PUR.

Any flagged content reported by any user up to rank 2 will not be accepted until it is moderated (approved to be removed) by a higher ranked editor.

Additionally, places flagged as duplicates, closed, or residential requires moderation regardless of the reporting user's rank, but the moderator can be of any rank. All other flagged images reported by trusted users will be removed without moderation.

If a place is flagged as a duplicate, when the moderator approves the "merge places" it just deletes the duplicate place without transferring any information.
Promotional staff locks

At times, some places will be associated with promotional efforts by the company through Waze. Depending upon what kind of promotion may be in effect, some or all of the related places may be locked by Waze staff, preventing any direct modifications from any editor rank. However, suggested updates can still be submitted through the client app, but they will require staff level moderation (approvals).

Blocked user

If any user/editor, regardless of trust status or rank, submits too many flagged images, new places or updates to places which are rejected, that user may be blocked from further place creations, edits, or updates. This block would impact the editor/user even for unlocked (rank 1) places. The user must contact their RC to understand more about why they were blocked and information on how to get unblocked.

Violation camera lock

When an editor approves a violation camera (speed or red light), the camera is locked at that editor's rank. An editor with a lower rank may not change / delete the camera, unless he or she is the owner of the camera or an Area Manager for its location.

Segment lock effects

When a segment is locked above an editor's rank, by a manual, traffic, closure, or junction box lock, the editor cannot perform any of the following:

  • Change the properties of the segment (including name, country, state/province, city, road type, elevation, etc.)
  • Change the geometry of the segment.
  • Edit House Numbers on the segment.
  • Change the turns (including U-turns and partial turn restrictions) visible when the segment is selected.
  • Change restrictions on the segment.
  • Set a closure on the segment (unless that segment is within an editor's RTC area).
  • Disconnect a road from the junction node at either end of the segment.
  • Create a new junction anywhere on the segment.

The editor can request an unlock in order to make necessary edits on locked segments.

Even when a segment is locked, the editor can still perform the following:

  • Attach a segment to the junction node at either end of the locked segment.
  • Change the turn restrictions from other segments into the locked segment.
  • Delete an unlocked road from a junction with the locked segment (but remember deleting road segments deletes the traffic data for that segment, and so should generally not be done).

Unlocking an object above your rank

This section explains how to deal with various lock types when you need to apply a change to a segment (or connected junction) or other object locked above your rank.

Requesting changes

There are three methods to unlock manual segments and their junctions, or to request an edit change for any type of restriction.


You need to provide specific information to facilitate your change request. Your private message or forum post should contain the following:

  • Subject: the road lock rank and location. Example: rank 4: Anytown, NY - SR-123
  • Additional details to include in the body of the message:
  • Your own "traffic cone rank" -- this gives the unlocking editor some insight into your experience level, and to know the rank reduction needed in case of a manual lock override. Example: I am rank 2.
  • A description of the change you wish to be made. Example: I would like to change mapped road geometry to match physical changes to the road
  • An explanation of the reason for the change. Example: The road has recently been relocated and straightened and causes Waze to think you drove off the road. You can see the problem by turning on GPS tracks in the editor screen. I drive it often enough that I am able to make the change even though the imagery is out of date.

We ask for all this information so that:

  1. The correct editor (one with the appropriate seniority and with responsibility for the correct geographic area) can respond. Putting the road's existing rank and location in the subject allows responding editors to find the requests appropriate for them.
  2. The responding editor can evaluate the request correctly.
  3. The responding editor can figure out the correct action to take (change lock rank so you can make the edit, apply the edit himself directly, ask for more information, ask for more evidence, do more research, or deny the request).

Note that many segments were locked for reasons that are no longer applicable. However, high traffic areas are locked to prevent less experienced editors from making changes that would cause problems or do not follow the generally agreed mapping procedures. The same applies for "tricky situations," where the road configuration is set up somewhat unusually, in order to meet a specific requirement or solve a specific problem. The lock is to help prevent a less knowledgeable editor from changing it to be more "logical" or "more standard," but thereby actually breaking the map.

Also note that if a traffic lock is active, and above your rank, the segment can't be unlocked, and you can't make the edit yourself. That is because Waze does not support overriding traffic locks. However, your request is the same. The responding editor will make the change for you. If that editor needs your assistance to completing the change, he or she will let you know, and if necessary will work out a plan for collaborating on the edit with you.

Staff locks

A special type of manual lock is the Waze Staff Lock. There have been times when a Waze staff member has locked a segment. In many cases, the lock is no longer required. So if you have a reason to edit it, please use this support link to request it to be unlocked. This link is only for staff rank locks.

Automatic adjustments

Much of the road network came from a "base map import" that Waze set up to initially populate each new country's road map. The data on the base map is not always certain, so Waze initially set "soft restrictions" on turns and unknown road diretcionality for many segments. As Waze learns actual traffic patterns on these segments, it may "change its mind" about the restrictions and directionality.

When a user edits the map and alters a previously untouched segment by changing the segment's nodes, turn restrictions, names, etc., the Waze servers will no longer allow itself to automatically alter that segment in the future. Before a user alters a segment, the Waze server could alter road directionality, shape, and turn restrictions based on tracking real-world driving, via GPS inputs.

In the past, the Waze server was known to have changed even segments that had been edited. This lead to many users locking down roads to prevent the Waze server from adjusting the segment. Since the Waze server can no longer alter edited segments, locking roads for this reason is no longer necessary.

If an editor finds a road locked for seemingly no reason, use the procedure described above for changing locked map segments to request a permanent release of the lock.

{anchor|Area Managers}}Area manager

In short, an area manager (AM) does not have restrictions based on areas recently driven. Manual locks still apply, and Traffic locks (once implemented) may or may not apply.

Most users can edit only the segments they have driven and the surrounding areas (see above, Editable areas). This restriction does not apply to an AM within his or her assigned management area(s). Within these areas, an AM may edit any object locked at or below their rank.

However, locks still apply to AMs. An AM cannot edit anything locked to a higher rank than his own.

When an AM encounters a road locked above his rank, he should follow the same procedure as shown above for unlocking segments. In addition, if the regional manager or country manager allows it, he may request action directly from the regional/country manager using whatever channels the they have established for communication.

Note that regional managers and country managers likewise do not have geographic (drive-based) restrictions within their areas.

Applicability of traffic locks

Traffic locks are implemented only in some countries at this time.

At this time, traffic locks are disabled in the USA because the leadership team has requested a feature be added to traffic locks that enables AMs to edit segments with a traffic lock set above their rank (but not manual locks above their rank).

See also

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