Mapping Shop Replacements: Parcel Lockers & Vending Machines

Hey everyone! Let's dive into an interesting discussion about how we can better map the evolving landscape of our cities, specifically when small shops are replaced by parcel lockers or vending machines. This is becoming increasingly common, and we need to ensure our mapping tools, like StreetComplete (SC), can accurately reflect these changes.

The Growing Trend of Shop Replacements

In many urban areas, the transformation of traditional shop spaces into parcel locker hubs or vending machine locations is a noticeable trend. This shift reflects changing consumer behaviors and the rise of e-commerce. In cities like Sofia, and even in places like Italy, the scenario of a shop being replaced by a cluster of parcel lockers or vending machines is becoming quite familiar. However, our current mapping tools sometimes struggle to capture this transition seamlessly. StreetComplete, for instance, treats shops as "places" while vending machines and parcel lockers are categorized as "things." This distinction creates a bit of a snag when trying to accurately map these replacements.

Currently, in StreetComplete, you can only replace shops with other "places," which doesn't include parcel lockers or vending machines. These are tucked away in the "things" overlay, making direct replacement a no-go. The workaround? Mappers often add the machines via the "things" overlay and then leave a note suggesting the original shop node be deleted. Some, like myself, go the extra mile by cutting and pasting the machine tags to the former shop node to preserve its history, and then deleting the newly created machine node. You can see an example of this process here. This manual process, while effective, isn't the most efficient way to handle these transitions. We need a smoother, more intuitive method to accurately reflect these changes on the map.

This is where the core of our discussion lies: how can we adapt our tools to better represent this growing trend? The manual workaround is functional, but it adds extra steps and can be a bit cumbersome. By streamlining this process, we can ensure that our maps remain accurate and up-to-date, reflecting the real-world changes happening in our communities. The goal is to make mapping these transitions as straightforward as possible, so everyone can contribute to a more detailed and accurate representation of our urban environments.

Proposed Solutions: Streamlining the Mapping Process

To address this, we need to brainstorm solutions that make the mapping process more intuitive and efficient. The key is to redefine how these elements are categorized within StreetComplete and potentially other mapping tools. This will not only simplify the mapping process but also ensure that our maps accurately reflect the evolving urban landscape.

1. Redefining Parcel Lockers and Vending Machines as "Services"

One potential solution involves reclassifying parcel lockers and vending machines as "services" rather than just "things." This means moving them from the "things" category to the "places" list within StreetComplete. This shift in categorization makes logical sense. Parcel lockers and vending machines aren't simply static objects; they provide a service, much like a shop or a post office. This idea was previously suggested here, and it aligns well with the need for a more integrated approach.

By considering them as services, we open the door to more seamless replacements. Imagine being able to directly replace a shop with a parcel locker or a vending machine within the "places" interface. This would eliminate the need for workarounds and make the mapping process significantly more straightforward. Think of it this way: a shop provides a retail service, while a parcel locker provides a delivery service. Both fall under the umbrella of services offered within a community, making the reclassification a logical step.

2. Making Parcel Lockers and Vending Machines Available as "Shops"

Another complementary solution is to make parcel lockers and vending machines available as options within the "shops" category. This doesn't mean we completely redefine them, but rather we expand their availability. By allowing them to be tagged as shops, we acknowledge the functional role they play in replacing traditional retail spaces. This approach offers a flexible way to map these transitions, especially in cases where the replaced shop's primary function has been taken over by the new installation.

This addition would mean that when you're mapping a location where a shop used to be, you can directly select "parcel locker" or "vending machine" as the replacement. This streamlines the process and ensures that the map accurately reflects the change in the type of service offered at that location. This dual availability – as both a “service” and a type of “shop” – provides the most comprehensive and user-friendly mapping experience. It allows for nuanced tagging that captures the full context of the change, from the type of service provided to the historical evolution of the location.

Benefits of These Changes

Implementing these changes would bring a host of benefits to the mapping community and the accuracy of OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Let's explore some of the key advantages:

Streamlined Mapping Process

The most immediate benefit is a more streamlined mapping process. By allowing direct replacement of shops with parcel lockers or vending machines, we eliminate the need for complex workarounds. This saves time and reduces the potential for errors. Mappers can focus on accurately capturing the change without getting bogged down in technicalities. This ease of use encourages more contributions and ensures that the map reflects the most current state of the urban landscape.

Improved Data Accuracy

These changes will also lead to improved data accuracy. By providing a clear and direct way to map these transitions, we minimize the chances of misrepresentation or incomplete information. The map will more accurately reflect the services available in a given area, which is crucial for both users and businesses relying on OSM data. Accurate data is the foundation of a reliable map, and these improvements directly contribute to that goal.

Enhanced User Experience

For users of OSM-based applications, these changes translate to an enhanced user experience. Imagine searching for a parcel locker or vending machine and finding accurate, up-to-date information. This is especially important in today's fast-paced world where convenience and efficiency are paramount. By providing better data, we empower users to make informed decisions and navigate their surroundings more effectively.

More Comprehensive Mapping

Finally, these changes promote more comprehensive mapping. By making it easier to map these transitions, we encourage more mappers to contribute. This leads to a more detailed and accurate representation of the urban environment, benefiting everyone who uses and contributes to OSM. The more comprehensive the map, the more valuable it becomes as a resource for the community.

Open Discussion and Next Steps

So, guys, what are your thoughts on these proposed solutions? Do you see any potential challenges or alternative approaches? Let's discuss the best way forward to ensure our mapping tools accurately reflect the evolving urban landscape. This is a collaborative effort, and your input is invaluable in shaping the future of OSM.

It's important to consider various perspectives and potential implications before implementing these changes. For example, how would these changes affect existing data? Are there any edge cases we need to consider? By engaging in open discussion, we can identify and address any potential issues, ensuring a smooth and effective transition.

The next steps would involve gathering feedback from the community, refining the proposed solutions based on that feedback, and then working with the StreetComplete developers to implement the changes. This is an exciting opportunity to improve our mapping tools and make a real difference in the accuracy and usability of OSM.

Let's work together to make it happen!