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
You can see your own editing rank from the Waze Map Editor (WME) on the top left of the screen. Your rank appears as a series of cones with a number. In the WME when you select a segment, the properties drawer will show you the name of the editor who created and last modified the segment. The number in parenthesis is the rank system scale.
If your rank is lower than what it should be (based on the criteria below), and you are NOT in the USA, please contact Support to have the team look into the situation. Currently moving from one rank to the next higher rank is not automatic and needs assistance from Waze support. USA based editors should refer to the Editing rank USA section.
Note: Changes have been made to ranks as of July 2014[update]. Some of these changes are still in discussion and may continue to change beyond what is shown below.
Note that this chart is a general world-wide example. Some countries with Self-Management may have different ranking systems. Please check specific countries for variations.
| Description | Rank in Cones in WME | Editable Area Radius | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin, System, or Basemap import | N/A (staff) | N/A | Includes segments which have not been created or edited by an actual user, but exist from the initial data import (called the basemap) will show this information. |
| Area Manager | N/A | N/A | Area Managers (AM) can edit anything within their assigned area except objects locked by higher-level editors. Editors of any Rank can be granted AM rights, however in some countries there may be a minimum requirement before Area Managers are approved. Read the Area Manager section in the Wiki first before applying for an AM. |
| New users | 1 | 1 mile | All users start in this group, unless they are a member of one of the other groups listed |
| Editors with 1K edits or IGN editors | 2 | 2 miles | IGN Map editors are an extension of the Waze Geo-Ops (aka the Map Team) |
| Editors with 25K edits | 3 | 3 miles | Editors with 25K edits. Note: Some IGN Map editors may also be rank 3. |
| Editors with 100K edits | 4 | 4 miles | Need to contact Support for upgrading the level. |
| Editors with 250K edits | 5 | 4 miles | Need to contact Support for upgrading the level. |
| Waze Champs or over 500K edits | 6 | N/A | Many Waze Champs will hold this rank to assist the Waze Staff in managing security in road locks. Also if other editors reach 500K edits, they can request moving up to this rank. |
| Over 500K edits and granted country-wide editing rights | 6 | Country-wide | Once you reach 500K map edits, you can separately request through Support that you be granted country wide editing rights for the server on which you participate. This is not a separate editing rank, but the old rank system used that term to refer to country managers (CM). In some countries with rank self management you will also need approval from the other CMs. In smaller countries with no current CM, you can request CM status at a lower rank and if appropriate you may be granted. |
| Waze admins | STAFF | Unlimited | Currently only paid Waze employees |
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 controls:
- Segment editing ability
- Automatic adjustments
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 changes the lock.
Segment editing ability
A locked segment may not be changed by an editor of a rank lower than the rank to which is was set either by a previous editor or a traffic lock.
An editor may edit segments based on Editable area and editing rank. When a segment is locked, only a user with the same or higher rank can edit the segment again. When any segment forming a junction is locked, turn restrictions are locked for all segments at that junction.
Unlocking segments above your rank
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 appropriate unlock request forum for your country. 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.
Staff locks
There are times when a Waze staff member may have locked a segment over time. In many cases it may not be required any more, so if you have a reason to need to edit it, please review this support link to request it to be unlocked. This link is only for staff level locks.
Automatic adjustments
A locked segment is not 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.
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).
Violation cameras editing ability
The person who approves a violation camera is basically locking it to their rank. A user with a lower rank may not be able to change / delete the camera, unless they are the owner of the camera or if it is in their area of management.
Area Managers
An Area Manager (AM) may edit any unlocked objects within their defined area. An AM cannot edit anything locked to a higher rank than their own. 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).