There are many aspects of editing related to an editors rank and permissions that will control what can be changed on the map and how editors after them will be affected. Be sure to understand this information to be best prepared when editing the map.
Rank clarification
There are many ranking systems in Waze. Each one is used for a different purpose. See this other page for more detailed information on the other ranking systems. The below information is only covering Editing Rank.
Rank comparisons
Plantilla:Editing rank Many editors will include an image of their editing rank in their signature line. A number of editing rank images have been saved in the Wiki for your easy link access.
Editing permissions
Locked segments
When an editor locks a segment, it currently has two functions, both controlling:
- Automatic adjustments
- Editing ability
In the past, many segments were locked for other reasons that no longer exist, but the segments do not get changed unless they are edited again and the editor removes the lock.
Automatic adjustments
A locked segment will not be changed by GPS tracks both in terms of geometry and directionality. In the past the Waze server was altering road directionality based on a few GPS inputs. So editors were locking segments to stop those automated changes. Now the Waze server requires much more GPS tracking to prevent false readings, so most editors no longer lock segments for this reason.
Segment Editing ability
A locked segment cannot be changed by an editor of a rank lower than that of the locking editor, or the rank of the editor who last edited the segment. The "locking rank" is based on the last person to edit the segment, and not the user who created it.
You can edit segments based on your editing rank and Editable area. Once a segment is locked, only a user with the same (or higher) rank can edit the segment again. This includes turn restrictions from any segment attached to a junction which also has a locked segment connected to it.
There are many cases where a segment (or connected junction) may need to be edited by a lower rank editor. For that reason there are two methods to unlock segments (and junctions).
- Send a private message to the last editor of the locked segment explaining why you need to unlock and change the segment. Most higher ranked editors will help you with the problem.
- Alternately you can post a forum message in the unlock request forum. Be sure to have the location of the segment listed in the title of the message. Also include a permalink with all desired segments highlighted to make it fast and easy for the higher ranked editor monitoring that forum to make the change.
In both cases be sure to explain the reason for the desired unlock request. Many segments were locked in the past for reasons that are no longer present. 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.
Locked junctions
A junction is considered to be locked when any segment which is connected to that junction is locked. A locked junction cannot have its restrictions or allowances edited. See above for information on unlock requests for segments (which control junctions).
Speed cameras editing ability
The last person to edit the speed cam is basically locking it to their rank. A user with a lower rank will not be able to change / delete the camera, unless they are the owner of the camera or if it's in their area of management.
Area Managers
Area Managers (AMs)can edit any unlocked objects within their defined area. This includes overriding a lock on an object of a lower-ranking editor. AMs cannot override anything locked by an editor of a higher rank. When necessary the AM can private message the last editor to ask them to unlock it or post a permalink to the unlock request forum (discussed above).
A growing list of Area Managers and their preferred contact details can be found here.