The way that cities are assigned to segments in WME has impacts both to visual app behavior and address searchability. The Primary City controls how city areas and names are displayed in the mobile app. Missing necessary Alternate Cities may negatively influence address searchability. No segments with addresses should ever be left with no Primary or Alternate City. Please follow these guidelines when assigning Primary and Alternate Cities to segments.
Setting the Primary City
- If a segment is on the border of or within the limits of an incorporated municipality, the segment's Primary City shall be set to that municipality.
- If a segment is on the border of two incorporated municipalities, it is the editor's discretion which one to set as Primary City.
- If a segment is outside of an incorporated municipality, but is on the border of or within the limits of a Census Designated Place (CDP), the segment's Primary City shall be set to that CDP.
- If a segment is on the border of two CDPs, it is the editor's discretion which one to set as Primary City.
- If a segment is not within or on the border of any municipality or CDP, the segment's Primary City shall be set to None (checkbox).
When to set one or more Alternate Cities
- If a segment is on the border of two incorporated municipalities, add an Alternate City for the municipality not used as the segment's Primary City
- If a segment is on the border of two CDPs, add an Alternate City for the CDP not used as the segment's Primary City
- If a segment is within a "USPS City" (ZIP Code area) that is named differently than the segment's Primary City or any Alternate Cities, add an Alternate City matching the "USPS City".
Examples
- A segment within the city limits of Shoreline and within ZIP Code 98155 (Seattle) shall have a Primary City of Shoreline and an Alternate City of Seattle.
- A segment on the border between the CDPs of Brush Prairie and Five Corners, and within ZIP Code 98662 (Vancouver), shall have a Primary City of either Brush Prairie or Five Corners, with the other set as an Alternate City, and shall also have an Alternate City of Vancouver.
Residential Place Points
For best search results in the app, Residential Place Points (RPPs) should be set to the "USPS City". Use care when approving RPP requests submitted via the app, because they will be set to the Primary City of the closest segment by default.
City Editing Resources
There are several scripts available for use within WME to assist you in determining which Primary City and Alternate Cities may be appropriate for any area. Please check with local editing leadership via Discord for guidance and training in the use of these scripts.
Washington City Resource Links