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<translate>This page is the key starting point for any editor of the Waze maps. Ensure that you read through the entire page to best prepare you for the many bits of information needed to make you a good map editor. People who edit the map without fully understanding many of these elements can do more harm than good with their edits. If you cannot find an answer to your question somewhere in the Wiki, be sure to post a question in the [https://www.waze.com/forum/ Waze Forums] where many experienced Wazers will be happy to provide an answer. Just be sure you did your best to search for the answer in the Wiki here.
{{SelectionBar}}
{{Mbox|type=neweditor|text=New editors, please first [[Waze_Map_Editor/Welcome|visit our WME Welcome page]].}}
This page is the key starting point for any editor of the Waze maps. Ensure that you read through the entire page to best prepare you for the many bits of information needed to make you a good map editor. People who edit the map without fully understanding many of these elements can do more harm than good with their edits. If you cannot find an answer to your question somewhere in the Wiki, be sure to post a question in the [http://www.waze.com/forum/ Waze Forums] where many experienced Wazers will be happy to provide an answer. Just be sure you did your best to search for the answer in the Wiki here.




==The Road Maps History==
 
The Waze map was started in many countries by importing publicly available road data. This data was fairly accurate in geometry, but could be out of date. It also did not include some details vital for a navigation system such as permitted travel direction, and distinctions between driveable roads and non-driveable ways, such as railroads and canals. The imported maps also did not indicate if a junction or bridge was present where roads crossed. Waze defaulted to a junction in all cases, and even though turn restrictions may show as being in place at these junctions, all turns are actually allowed if the segments have never been edited. This set of data was enough to get started, but definitely needed updating and maintenance.
== The Road Maps History ==
 
The Waze map was started in many countries by importing publicly available road data. This data was fairly accurate in geometry, but could be out of date. It also did not include some details vital for a navigation system such as permitted travel direction, and distinctions between drivable roads and non-drivable ways, such as railroads and canals. The imported maps also did not indicate if a junction or bridge was present where roads crossed. Waze defaulted to a junction in all cases, and even though turn restrictions may show as being in place at these junctions, all turns are actually allowed if the segments have never been edited. This set of data was enough to get started, but definitely needed updating and maintenance.


This is where two key aspects of the Waze system come into play:
This is where two key aspects of the Waze system come into play:
# The web-based map editing tools for Waze users to edit maps of their neighborhoods, cities or other places with which they are familiar.
 
# The collecting of GPS data from Waze users to modify the maps to set road direction and turning permissions at intersections.
#The web-based map editing tools for Waze users to edit maps of their neighborhoods, cities or other places with which they are familiar.
#The collecting of GPS data from Waze users to modify the maps to set road direction and turning permissions at intersections.


Some countries had no data available for their road systems, so the maps for these countries must be built from the ground up by Waze users. The maps are created in the web editor using roads recorded in the Waze client and the stored GPS tracks of all Waze users superimposed over available aerial photography.
Some countries had no data available for their road systems, so the maps for these countries must be built from the ground up by Waze users. The maps are created in the web editor using roads recorded in the Waze client and the stored GPS tracks of all Waze users superimposed over available aerial photography.




==The Map Editor==
== The Map Editor ==
Waze is currently using its second generation map editing interface (covered in this article). Known as the '''Waze Map Editor''' (or WME for short), it is the default editor for Waze since September 19, 2011. This editor interface was functionally upgraded with [[Update Requests in Waze Map Editor#Communication|Update Request Conversations]] and [[Scheduled restrictions|Scheduled Segment and Turn Restrictions]] on November 3, 2013. There are currently [[Banks of Servers|three different server farms]] managing the maps of the world. Be sure to select the appropriate server when making edits to a particular part of the world. You can use the same username on all servers, but your editing points are managed separately by each server. Also the maps are not synchronized between the servers, so for example if you went to the North America server to modify parts of Europe, the different server supporting Wazers in Europe would not see your changes.


Waze is currently using its second generation map editing interface (covered in this article). Known as the '''Waze Map Editor''' (or WME for short), it is the default editor for Waze since September 19, 2011. This editor interface was functionally upgraded on November 2, 2014 which added UI changes to Place Update moderation, ability to jump to another nearby Place Update Request to quickly moderate multiple requests in proximity to each other, additional saving error meaningful messages, and removal of the ability to use the Service Road type. There are currently [[Banks of Servers|three different server farms]] managing the maps of the world. Be sure to select the appropriate server when making edits to a particular part of the world. You can use the same username on all servers, but your editing points are managed separately by each server. Also the maps are not synchronized between the servers, so for example if you went to the North America server to modify parts of Europe, the different server supporting Wazers in Europe would not see your changes.
== Map Editing Quick-start Guide ==


==Map Editing Quick-start Guide==
Learning the best map editing techniques for proper navigation and appearance takes some time and practice, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience too. You can be proud that you are improving the experience for all Waze users. The details in later sections of this page are important for you to learn, but for simple edits, there is a [[Map Editing Quick-start Guide]] to get you going quickly.
Learning the best map editing techniques for proper navigation and appearance takes some time and practice, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience too. You can be proud that you are improving the experience for all Waze users. The details in later sections of this page are important for you to learn, but for simple edits, there is a [[Map Editing Quick-start Guide]] to get you going quickly.


It is very important that all editors take time to read all the documentation found in the [[#Editing Manual| Editing Manual]] to ensure the Waze map remains complete, accurate, and able to fully and properly route users.
It is very important that all editors take time to read all the documentation found in the [[editing manual]] to ensure the Waze map remains complete, accurate, and able to fully and properly route users.
 
 
== Accessing the Waze Map Editor (WME) ==


=== Basics ===


==Accessing the Waze Map Editor (WME)==
The Waze Map Editor is currently officially supported on the Chrome browser only. It may or may not work on other browsers, but there is currently no official support for issues that might arise.
===Basics===
The Waze Map Editor editor is currently officially supported on the Chrome browser only. It may or may not work on other browsers, but there is currently no official support for issues that might arise.


You can access the map editing page directly using a single URL: http://www.waze.com/editor
You can access the map editing page directly using a single URL: [http://www.waze.com/editor http://www.waze.com/editor]. Use the menu at the top-right corner of the screen to select between US & Canada, Israel, and World server infrastructures.


If you are at the [http://www.waze.com Waze homepage]:
If you are at the [http://www.waze.com Waze homepage]:
# From the Waze homepage select the Login link at the top-right corner of the screen.
# Click on "Live Map" in the main navigation header.
# Click on "EDIT THE MAP"


Once logged in, your screen should look something like this:
#From the Waze homepage select the Login link at the top-right corner of the screen.
#Click on "Live Map" in the main navigation header.
#Click on "EDIT THE MAP"
 
When have you successfully arrived at the Waze Map Editor, you are presented with a large splash screen full of information, possible actions, and a place to enter your Waze username and password.
 
[[File:Wme login splash screen.png|center|Wme login splash screen.png]]
 
<br/>Once logged in, your screen should look something like this:


[[Image:Wme1 sample post login.jpg|700px]]
[[File:Wme sample post login.jpg|700px|Wme sample post login.jpg]]


=== Best Map Editing Practices ===
=== Best Map Editing Practices ===
When editing the Waze maps, please be sure to first review this page and also follow the [[best map editing practice]]. You should also be aware of [[Known_issues#Waze_Map_Editor|known Waze Map Editor issues or missing features]].


===Additional Details===
When editing the Waze maps, please be sure to first review this page and also follow the [[Best map editing practice]].
Using the WME, you can add, edit, or delete nearly any object within your [[#Editable Area|editable area]]. If a road segment is '''locked''' by a user with a higher editing level than you, the road, intersection, or turn permissions connected to that road segment cannot be altered unless you chose one of the following:
* Place a request to the [https://www.waze.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46319 Update/Unlock Request forums] to unlock that segment by giving them a [[Waze Map Editor#Permalink|permalink]] with the segment or segments highlighted and a country manager may unlock it for you.
* Send a Private Message (PM) to the previous editor using the [http://www.waze.com/forum/ucp.php?i=pm&folder=inbox Forum PM functionality]. As of the August 12, 2012 update, Area Managers are no longer able to override segments locked by higher-level editors.


=== Additional Details ===


Be sure to check out the [[Map Editing Tips and Hints]] page for some shortcuts for logging in to the map editor and other great pieces of information to enhance your map editing.
Using the WME, you can add, edit, or delete nearly any object within your [[#Editable_Area|editable area]]. If a road segment is '''locked''' by a user with a higher editing rank than you, the road, intersection, or turn permissions connected to that road segment cannot be altered unless you chose one of the following:


*Place a request to the [http://www.waze.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46319 Update/Unlock Request forums] to unlock that segment by giving them a [[Waze Map Editor#Permalink|permalink]] with the segment or segments highlighted and a country manager may unlock it for you.
*Send a Private Message (PM) to the previous editor using the [http://www.waze.com/forum/ucp.php?i=pm&folder=inbox Forum PM functionality]. As of the August 12, 2012 update, Area Managers are no longer able to override segments locked by higher-rank editors.


==Play Mode==
<br/>Be sure to check out the [[Map Editing Tips and Hints]] page for some shortcuts for logging in to the map editor and other great pieces of information to enhance your map editing.
[[Image:Wme3 playmode banner.png|center|700px]]


The Waze Map Editor has a practice mode called Play mode in which you can perform nearly every action available when logged into the Editor, except that you cannot save any changes. In order to save changes, you must log in. Play mode is helpful to and should be used by users who are new to map editing in Waze.


If you are a new editor, take time to read the editing manual and use the editor in Play mode, practicing the functions you would if you were logged in, but without the worry of permanently messing something up. Add, delete, update segments. Change their properties, direction, road type. Connect segments to other segments, try changing turn restrictions. Restrict all turns on a junction, build a roundabout, add a park landmark, build an overpass, delete extra junctions, give a segment a different name, an alternate name, set its level differently, etc.


== Practice Mode ==


==Editable Area==
[[File:Wme practice mode sidebar.png|left|Wme practice mode sidebar.png]]
Your editable area consists of:
* Areas within a certain distance of any location you have driven with Waze running in the past 90 days. This distance depends on your [[Editing ranks|editing rank]].
* Areas in which you have requested to be an [[Area Manager]].


You can highlight your editable area on the map by turning on the [[Map_Editor_Interface_and_Controls#Editable_areas|layer for Editable Area]].
The Waze Map Editor has a Practice mode in which you can perform nearly every action available when logged into the Editor, except that you cannot save any changes. In order to save changes, you must log in. Practice mode is helpful to and should be used by users who are new to map editing in Waze. The editor, while in Practice mode, has icons/buttons and links on the left sidebar area shown here to the left.


Once you have practiced all the functionality, go ahead and log in and try it for real.
There is a significant amount of information organized in the wiki. In fact, nearly every question about Waze has already been asked, and is in the wiki. That's why it's been created: to answer your questions.


If you are a new editor, take time to read the [[editing manual]] and use the editor in Practice mode, practicing the functions you would if you were logged in, but without the worry of permanently messing something up. {{clear}} Here's some things to test out in Practice Mode:


==Map Editing Basics==
*Add, delete, update segments.
The Waze Map Editor editor was designed to be used without much documentation, but this list will give the quick basics for drawing a new road, roundabout, or landmark
*Rename a segment, change its direction, road type.
# Click the item you want to create under the big + button
*Connect segments to other segments
#* For a road, click to start drawing, click to add a geometry [[node]] as you follow a path, and double-click (or shift-click) to end drawing
*Try changing turn restrictions. Restrict all turns on a junction. See how changing a segment direction affects turn arrows.
#* For a roundabout, click at the center of the [[roundabout]] and move the mouse to size it. Click to create it. Note there must be roads leading into the roundabout first.
*Build a roundabout
#* For a landmark, or POI (Point of Interest), click to start the landmark and click as you follow the outline of the area. Double-click to end drawing.
*Add a park landmark
# For each object, there are details you need to enter before saving, such as the city, street name, direction and level, or landmark type for landmarks.
*Build an overpass
# Click the Save button
*Delete extra junctions
*Add an alternate name to a segment


You can also modify or delete existing map objects. You do this by selecting an object, then modifying its geometry, location or properties. What is possible with each object depends on the type of object. The [[Waze Map Editor#Editing_Manual|Editing Manual]] is where you will find all the details necessary to understand all the editor functionality.
When you are ready to log in and try it for real, use the Log in link found on the bottom Practice Mode bar:


[[File:Wme practice mode bottom bar.png|center|Wme practice mode bottom bar.png]] {{clear}}


==Permalink==
== Editable Area ==
[[Image:wme31 permalink.jpg]]


{{permalink}}
In play mode (not logged in), all areas of the map are editable, though you can't save them. Once you have practiced all the functionality, go ahead and log in and try it for real.


{{:Editable area}}


==Keyboard Shortcuts==
Below are the default keyboard shortcuts for the Waze Map Editor. You can customize some keyboard shortcuts by bringing up the keyboard shortcuts help window (with the ? key), select a shortcut and then press the single key you want to use instead of the default one. This affects the current browser and computer only. This shortcut information is not stored on the server, so you would have to repeat this for each computer and browser you use.


{{Keyboard shortcuts WME}}
== Map Editing Basics ==


The Waze Map Editor editor was designed to be used without much documentation, but this list will give the quick basics for drawing a new road, [[roundabout]], or landmark


==Map Update Timing==
#Click the item you want to create under the drawing button
Edits made in the online editors do not appear on the Live Map nor client immediately. Waze has a long-term goal of 24hr update processing. With the completion of infrastructure upgrades in the 2nd half of 2012, both North America and World map updates are running weekly.
#*[[File:DrawRoads.jpg|30px]] Roads
#**For a road, click to start drawing, click to add a geometry [[Node]] as you follow a path, and double-click (or shift-click) to end drawing
#**For a roundabout, click at the center of the roundabout and move the mouse to size it. Click to create it. Note there must be roads leading into the roundabout first.
#*[[File:DrawPlace.jpg|30px]] Places
#**For a point place (formerly known as a point of interest), click the correct location to create the point.
#**For an area place (formerly known as a landmark), click to start the landmark and click as you follow the outline of the area. Double-click to end drawing.
#For each object, there are details you need to enter before saving, such as the city, street name, direction and level, or landmark type for landmarks.
#Click the Save button


Please see the [[Timeline of updating process]] page for more detail on the various processes Waze runs and expected update timing.
You can also modify or delete existing map objects. You do this by selecting an object, then modifying its geometry, location or properties. What is possible with each object depends on the type of object. The [[Editing manual]] is where you will find all the details necessary to understand all the editor functionality.


== Permalink ==


==Editing Manual==
<center>[[File:Wme permalink highlight.jpg]]</center>
* [[Map Editing Quick-start Guide]]
* [[Best map editing practice]]
* [[Map Editing Tips and Hints]]
* [[Map Editor Interface and Controls]]
* [[Map Legend]]
* [[How to label and name roads]]
* [[Update Requests in Waze Map Editor]]
* [[Map Problems in Waze Map Editor]]
* [[House_Numbers_in_WME|House Numbers in Waze Map Editor]]
* [[Creating and Editing street segments]]
* [[Scheduled restrictions|Scheduled (Time-Based) Segment and Turn Restrictions]]
<!--* [[Fixing junctions and intersections]]-->
* [[Fixing "smudged" cities]]
* [[Creating and Editing a roundabout]]
* [[Creating and Editing a landmark]]
* [[Overpasses, Underpasses and Bridges]]
* [[Updating the map]]
* [[Editing ranks]]
* [[How to handle road closures]] due to long-term construction, natural disasters, etc
* [[How to add ferries]] (TO DO)
* [[How to add tunnels]] (TO DO)
* [[How to add a new road to an existing junction]]
* [[Naming of roads crossing a dual carriage way]]
* [[Editing more than one road]]
* [[Warning on possible lack of accuracy in aerial images]]
* [[Private Installations|Private and Military Installations]]
* [[Carpool, HOV, Transit lanes]]
* [[Automatic map updates and the locking of roads]]
* To report map editor performance issues, use the Quick Help form on the [http://www.waze.com/support Support Page]
* [http://bit.ly/vQlGJT Outdated Aerials] - a form to report locations where the current aerial imagery is out of date


{{/Permalink}}
<br/>'''{{Red|Tip:}}''' You can change the display name of a link in the forums by using the following format:
::[url=URL LINK]YOUR TEXT HERE[/url]
== Settings ==
[[File:Just tabs settings.png|thumbnail|300px]]<small>This feature is new {{As of|January 2015|lc=y}}</small><br/>
To access user-preference settings in WME, click the "Settings" tab in the left pane. Options include:
* '''Draw new roads as two-way''' - determines whether any new road segments you draw start as two-way or one-way
* '''Draw new roads with all turns allowed''' - when new roads are drawn with a connection to a junction, the junction can have all "turns" to or from the new segment allowed or disallowed
*'''Select only on empty selection''' - affects editor behavior when you select an object (road segment, junction, or place) when there is already an object(s) selected
** If not checked, then clicking on an object will automatically deselect any other objects already selected. This may cause accidental deselection
** If checked, you are prevented from selecting a new object if there anything is already selected. Note that multi-select mode allows you to select additonal segments when segment(s) are already selected; use the control key for momentary multi-select, or press the M keyboard shortcut to toggle multi-select mode on/off. Also note that clicking an empty spot can still cause deselection.
*'''Enable fullscreen mode''' - when checked, more screen space is given to the map (removes the menu header from the top of the page). Keyboard shortcut {{key press|Shift|F}} toggles this setting.
*'''Units''' - Choose between Imperial (feet/miles) or Metric (meters/kilometers)
== Keyboard Shortcuts ==
{{:Keyboard shortcuts}}
== Map Update Timing ==
Edits made in the online editors do not appear on the Live Map nor client immediately. The Waze servers typically update the client and Live Map every 24 hours, but at times delays could cause this to be multiple days between updates.
Please see the [[Timeline of updating process]] page for more detail on the various processes Waze runs and the expected update timing.
== Editing Manual ==
''See the [[Editing manual]] page.''
== Style Guides ==


==Style Guides==
The Style Guides are important for understanding the nuances of road network design in Waze. Please take time to read, and reference them in the future when you come upon a tricky intersection.
The Style Guides are important for understanding the nuances of road network design in Waze. Please take time to read, and reference them in the future when you come upon a tricky intersection.


* [[Junction Style Guide]]
*[[Junction Style Guide]]
* [[Limited Access Interchange Style Guide]]
*[[Limited Access Interchange Style Guide]]
 
 
 
== Using External sources (such as Google Imagery) ==


{{:External sources}}


==Using External sources (such as Google Imagery)==
[[Category:Waze Map Editor|Waze_Map_Editor]]
{{Template:External sources}}
</translate>

Latest revision as of 17:02, 25 March 2015

New editors, please first visit our WME Welcome page.

This page is the key starting point for any editor of the Waze maps. Ensure that you read through the entire page to best prepare you for the many bits of information needed to make you a good map editor. People who edit the map without fully understanding many of these elements can do more harm than good with their edits. If you cannot find an answer to your question somewhere in the Wiki, be sure to post a question in the Waze Forums where many experienced Wazers will be happy to provide an answer. Just be sure you did your best to search for the answer in the Wiki here.


The Road Maps History

The Waze map was started in many countries by importing publicly available road data. This data was fairly accurate in geometry, but could be out of date. It also did not include some details vital for a navigation system such as permitted travel direction, and distinctions between drivable roads and non-drivable ways, such as railroads and canals. The imported maps also did not indicate if a junction or bridge was present where roads crossed. Waze defaulted to a junction in all cases, and even though turn restrictions may show as being in place at these junctions, all turns are actually allowed if the segments have never been edited. This set of data was enough to get started, but definitely needed updating and maintenance.

This is where two key aspects of the Waze system come into play:

  1. The web-based map editing tools for Waze users to edit maps of their neighborhoods, cities or other places with which they are familiar.
  2. The collecting of GPS data from Waze users to modify the maps to set road direction and turning permissions at intersections.

Some countries had no data available for their road systems, so the maps for these countries must be built from the ground up by Waze users. The maps are created in the web editor using roads recorded in the Waze client and the stored GPS tracks of all Waze users superimposed over available aerial photography.


The Map Editor

Waze is currently using its second generation map editing interface (covered in this article). Known as the Waze Map Editor (or WME for short), it is the default editor for Waze since September 19, 2011. This editor interface was functionally upgraded on November 2, 2014 which added UI changes to Place Update moderation, ability to jump to another nearby Place Update Request to quickly moderate multiple requests in proximity to each other, additional saving error meaningful messages, and removal of the ability to use the Service Road type. There are currently three different server farms managing the maps of the world. Be sure to select the appropriate server when making edits to a particular part of the world. You can use the same username on all servers, but your editing points are managed separately by each server. Also the maps are not synchronized between the servers, so for example if you went to the North America server to modify parts of Europe, the different server supporting Wazers in Europe would not see your changes.


Map Editing Quick-start Guide

Learning the best map editing techniques for proper navigation and appearance takes some time and practice, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience too. You can be proud that you are improving the experience for all Waze users. The details in later sections of this page are important for you to learn, but for simple edits, there is a Map Editing Quick-start Guide to get you going quickly.

It is very important that all editors take time to read all the documentation found in the editing manual to ensure the Waze map remains complete, accurate, and able to fully and properly route users.


Accessing the Waze Map Editor (WME)

Basics

The Waze Map Editor is currently officially supported on the Chrome browser only. It may or may not work on other browsers, but there is currently no official support for issues that might arise.

You can access the map editing page directly using a single URL: http://www.waze.com/editor. Use the menu at the top-right corner of the screen to select between US & Canada, Israel, and World server infrastructures.

If you are at the Waze homepage:

  1. From the Waze homepage select the Login link at the top-right corner of the screen.
  2. Click on "Live Map" in the main navigation header.
  3. Click on "EDIT THE MAP"

When have you successfully arrived at the Waze Map Editor, you are presented with a large splash screen full of information, possible actions, and a place to enter your Waze username and password.

Wme login splash screen.png
Wme login splash screen.png


Once logged in, your screen should look something like this:

Wme sample post login.jpg

Best Map Editing Practices

When editing the Waze maps, please be sure to first review this page and also follow the Best map editing practice.

Additional Details

Using the WME, you can add, edit, or delete nearly any object within your editable area. If a road segment is locked by a user with a higher editing rank than you, the road, intersection, or turn permissions connected to that road segment cannot be altered unless you chose one of the following:

  • Place a request to the Update/Unlock Request forums to unlock that segment by giving them a permalink with the segment or segments highlighted and a country manager may unlock it for you.
  • Send a Private Message (PM) to the previous editor using the Forum PM functionality. As of the August 12, 2012 update, Area Managers are no longer able to override segments locked by higher-rank editors.


Be sure to check out the Map Editing Tips and Hints page for some shortcuts for logging in to the map editor and other great pieces of information to enhance your map editing.


Practice Mode

Wme practice mode sidebar.png
Wme practice mode sidebar.png

The Waze Map Editor has a Practice mode in which you can perform nearly every action available when logged into the Editor, except that you cannot save any changes. In order to save changes, you must log in. Practice mode is helpful to and should be used by users who are new to map editing in Waze. The editor, while in Practice mode, has icons/buttons and links on the left sidebar area shown here to the left.

There is a significant amount of information organized in the wiki. In fact, nearly every question about Waze has already been asked, and is in the wiki. That's why it's been created: to answer your questions.

If you are a new editor, take time to read the editing manual and use the editor in Practice mode, practicing the functions you would if you were logged in, but without the worry of permanently messing something up.

Here's some things to test out in Practice Mode:

  • Add, delete, update segments.
  • Rename a segment, change its direction, road type.
  • Connect segments to other segments
  • Try changing turn restrictions. Restrict all turns on a junction. See how changing a segment direction affects turn arrows.
  • Build a roundabout
  • Add a park landmark
  • Build an overpass
  • Delete extra junctions
  • Add an alternate name to a segment

When you are ready to log in and try it for real, use the Log in link found on the bottom Practice Mode bar:

Wme practice mode bottom bar.png
Wme practice mode bottom bar.png

Editable Area

In play mode (not logged in), all areas of the map are editable, though you can't save them. Once you have practiced all the functionality, go ahead and log in and try it for real.

In real edit mode (logged in), you can make changes with 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, a privilege you can request if you are at least rank 3. 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.


Some roads within your editable area may have further restrictions. Review all the sections of the Editing restrictions page for more information.

Recent drives
Waze records your drives when it is operating with or without navigating to a destination. You can see a history of those drives in the editor. Make sure you have no roads or landmarks selected, and click the Drives link 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 remember the drive details, and the editing area will be removed, unless there is a more recent drive.

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.

Editable Area expiration
An editable area will expire after 90 days of your last drive in that area.


Map Editing Basics

The Waze Map Editor editor was designed to be used without much documentation, but this list will give the quick basics for drawing a new road, roundabout, or landmark

  1. Click the item you want to create under the drawing button
    • Roads
      • For a road, click to start drawing, click to add a geometry Node as you follow a path, and double-click (or shift-click) to end drawing
      • For a roundabout, click at the center of the roundabout and move the mouse to size it. Click to create it. Note there must be roads leading into the roundabout first.
    • Places
      • For a point place (formerly known as a point of interest), click the correct location to create the point.
      • For an area place (formerly known as a landmark), click to start the landmark and click as you follow the outline of the area. Double-click to end drawing.
  2. For each object, there are details you need to enter before saving, such as the city, street name, direction and level, or landmark type for landmarks.
  3. Click the Save button

You can also modify or delete existing map objects. You do this by selecting an object, then modifying its geometry, location or properties. What is possible with each object depends on the type of object. The Editing manual is where you will find all the details necessary to understand all the editor functionality.

Permalink

The permalink icon can do two things. It can refresh the browser window and it can create a Permalink to share and communicate with other editors. A permalink is a URL used to take you or someone else directly to a specific map location. It contains latitude, longitude, zoom level, visible layers, and any objects that are selected. Objects that can be selected may include a junction or a place or one or more segments.

Before using the permalink icon, zoom and pan the map to show what you want to show. If you wish to, select one place or one junction or one or more segments.

To refresh the browser and "remember" the current editing window information, simply click on the permalink icon. Any unsaved edits will be lost, and the chat window will be cleared. The current map permalink will be copied to the address bar, and may be copied for sharing with other editors.

To create a permalink without refreshing the browser, hover the mouse over the permalink icon on the right side of the bottom bar until a message pops up to use ctrl-C. Then use Ctrl+C (or on a Mac Cmd+C) to copy the permalink. Or simply right-click on the permalink icon and choose the browser menu option to copy the link address or URL.


To include a single place, junction, or segment in the permalink, click on it before using the permalink icon. To include several segments, use ctrl+click (MAC: Command+click).

Be aware that editors cannot see Update Requests (URs) outside their editing area. If you want to discuss a UR with someone who cannot edit in your area, a screenshot of the open UR uploaded to an image-sharing website will be a useful supplement to your permalink.



Tip: You can change the display name of a link in the forums by using the following format:

[url=URL LINK]YOUR TEXT HERE[/url]


Settings

This feature is new as of January 2015

To access user-preference settings in WME, click the "Settings" tab in the left pane. Options include:

  • Draw new roads as two-way - determines whether any new road segments you draw start as two-way or one-way
  • Draw new roads with all turns allowed - when new roads are drawn with a connection to a junction, the junction can have all "turns" to or from the new segment allowed or disallowed
  • Select only on empty selection - affects editor behavior when you select an object (road segment, junction, or place) when there is already an object(s) selected
    • If not checked, then clicking on an object will automatically deselect any other objects already selected. This may cause accidental deselection
    • If checked, you are prevented from selecting a new object if there anything is already selected. Note that multi-select mode allows you to select additonal segments when segment(s) are already selected; use the control key for momentary multi-select, or press the M keyboard shortcut to toggle multi-select mode on/off. Also note that clicking an empty spot can still cause deselection.
  • Enable fullscreen mode - when checked, more screen space is given to the map (removes the menu header from the top of the page). Keyboard shortcut Shift+F toggles this setting.
  • Units - Choose between Imperial (feet/miles) or Metric (meters/kilometers)

Keyboard Shortcuts

When using Waze Map Editor there are a number of keyboard shortcuts available to make editing the map a bit easier if you prefer the keyboard over the mouse. Below are the default keyboard shortcuts. You can customize some keyboard shortcuts by bringing up the keyboard shortcuts help window (with the ? key), select a shortcut, and then press the single key you want to use instead of the default key. This affects the current browser and computer only. This shortcut information is not stored on the server, so you would have to repeat this for each computer and browser you use.

Shortcut Description
General
F move the cursor to the search box
?
Shift+/
Shift+-
Shift+~
Shift+ù
shows the keyboard shortcuts
Ctrl+S
Cmd+S
save edits
Delete delete the single selected object (segment, junction, landmark). To delete multiple objects, you must click the trash can icon and confirm the multiple delete.
Esc deselect all objects
Alt+ Shift+R
Opt+ Shift+R
reload all layers (refreshes map without using a permalink; preserves the chat window)
Drawing
I draw (insert) a new Road/Segment (equivalent to clicking Road under the draw road icon)
O draw a new Roundabout (equivalent to clicking Roundabout under the draw road icon)
Editing Segments
D delete a geometry node from a road segment while hovering the cursor over it during road geometry editing
E when one or more segments are selected, activates Edit mode (shortcut for clicking the Edit button)
H when a segment is selected, activates House Number mode (shortcut for clicking the Edit House Numbers button)
M toggle multi-select mode. Default behavior is that to select multiple segments, you must use the modifier key to multi-select. When toggled active, multi-select mode lets you select multiple segments without using the modifier key.
R toggle segment direction between 1-way (A->B), 1-way (B->A), and 2-way while updating road details. See road direction for more information.
T when one or more segments are selected, activates Restrictions mode (shortcut for clicking the Add/Edit Restrictions button) - mnemonic Time-restrict
Ctrl+A select Entire Street - mnemonic Select All
Ctrl+Z
Cmd+Z
undo
Ctrl+ Shift+Y
Cmd+ Shift+Y
redo
Ctrl+ Shift+Z
Cmd+ Shift+Z
redo
Ctrl+ increase elevation of selected segments (if all elevations are the same)
Ctrl+ decrease elevation of selected segments (if all elevations are the same)
Junctions and arrows
A
toggle connection arrows between transparent or opaque so you can see beneath them and click items under them. Often times editors will hit the A key by mistake and then wonder why turn arrows cannot be selected.
Q disable all connections for the selected junction which makes the turn arrows all red for that selected junction.
S
toggles separation of connection arrows so they do not overlap to ease clicking on either
W allow all connections for the selected junction which makes the turn arrows all green for that selected junction. Note that this key will only enable all turns that had not previously been automatically enabled by the Waze routing server, called soft allowed turns. The soft allowed turns have a higher penalty than turns enabled by the editor. Therefore since soft and editor allowed turns have the same color green, if it is known that all turns are enabled at a particular intersection, it is better to first force all turns to disabled with the Q key and then press the W key to force them all to editor enabled.
Shift+Z
toggles display of disallowed connections (turns) for every segment/node in the view. When active, no green arrows are shown.
Display and layers
Shift+A toggles Area Managers layer
Shift+C toggles Cities layer
Shift+D toggles No Name segment highlighting
Shift+E toggles Editable areas layer
Shift+F toggles Full Screen mode
Shift+G toggles GPS points layer
Shift+I toggles (Satellite) Imagery layer
Shift+L toggles Landmarks layer
Shift+V toggles Live users layer
Shift+P toggles (map) Problems layer
Shift+R toggles Roads layer
Shift+S toggles (speed) Cameras layer
Shift+U toggles Update requests layer
Alt+C toggles Chat window
Alt+ Shift+R reloads layers
Shift+ Zooms the map in one level
Shift+ Zooms the map out one level
Pan the map in all four directions
Shift +click
double-click
re-centers the map on at the clicked location and zooms in one level
Shift +click + drag mouse draws a temporary rectangle and zooms into that portion of the map

Red Cmd keys are for Apple Mac systems


Map Update Timing

Edits made in the online editors do not appear on the Live Map nor client immediately. The Waze servers typically update the client and Live Map every 24 hours, but at times delays could cause this to be multiple days between updates.

Please see the Timeline of updating process page for more detail on the various processes Waze runs and the expected update timing.


Editing Manual

See the Editing manual page.


Style Guides

The Style Guides are important for understanding the nuances of road network design in Waze. Please take time to read, and reference them in the future when you come upon a tricky intersection.


Using External sources (such as Google Imagery)

Usage of any external copyrighted source of information, in order to add information to the Waze database or maps, is not allowed. External copyright information includes any online or printed map information that is not provided by Waze through the Waze Map Editor interface.

With the recent acquisition of Waze by Google, Inc., changes have been made to the Waze Map Editor to include updated aerial and street view images from Google. These are considered internal sources and completely acceptable to be used in creating map information for Waze. Google's terms of use restricts use of their map information to specific conditions and Waze has the proper licensing to use what you see inside the Waze Map Editor, but nothing else.

Using any source of external copyright information puts the Waze maps under danger of being forced to revert all changes done to the map in your area / country.

If any user were to do such a thing, it would taint all the work that person did on the maps and Waze would need to reverse out all those edits. There could also be other adverse effects. Waze has already had to remove all the maps for Chile, and other South American countries because the source of the map data was not properly licensed (not the result of any Waze action).

Users may negotiate with officials in their country for access to aerial images that Waze can use. The user must be careful not to give the impression that they are acting on behalf of Waze. But as an interested citizen any user can speak with local authority, in a local language, to explain the benefits to their country in making aerial images freely available as a public good.

Note that external copyright information does not include any source of information that is provided by Waze through the internal tools of the online editor or application. Also any information developed independently by a user being physically present at a site is acceptable to add to the map as long as it is provided without copyright.