Help/FAQ
Introduction message, how to use this FAQ
Section
Q. ?
A.
Q. Why do deleted objects still show up in Google search results?
A. Objects put up for deletion will be removed after a specified time. However, Google will continue to display the deleted/outdated information until they update their own search results to show the latest web pages. This is because Google takes 'snapshots' of web pages it examines and caches (stores) that version as a back-up. The cached version is what Google uses to judge if a page is a good match for your query. Unfortunately, these stored pages may be outdated until they are updated. You can either be patient until Google removes the outdated data or you can contact them here.
Q. I can't add roads?
A. If you are a new user, it is most likely a temporary limitation has been placed on your ability to use the "Road" tool because your experience level is too low. To increase your experience level, you must first add places to the map with the "Add place" tool. Please make sure the places you add are accurate and proper. Once you have gained enough experience with the "Add place" tool, you will be allowed to use the "Road" tool. The restriction is necessary because the "Road" tool has specialized features that new/inexperienced users find difficult to use properly. Adding roads requires skill and so it is only available to experienced users who are familiar with the use of other tools. Click here for more on experience levels.
If you have suddenly lost the ability to add roads then you will need to create a report topic in the forum here and a bug report here.
Q. Can you update the map in my location because it is too blurry/low resolution quality?
A. Unfortunately, Wikimapia cannot update the satellite/aerial imagery. The satellite/aerial imagery used in Wikimapia is provided by Google Earth. Wikimapia uses Google Earth's satellite/aerial imagery as a reference source to build its own maps. When Google Earth updates its satellite/aerial imagery, the satellite/aerial imagery used in Wikimapia shall also be updated. Click here for more information.
Languages in Objects
Q. Can I add information in my local language in a different language page?
A. No. You cannot add languages in a different language page. This restriction applies to wordings added after the proper title. You can only add your language to the corresponding language page by accessing the object's 'Menu' and selecting 'Add another language' in the drop down menu. You may then choose your language from the choices available. You can also access your language page by clicking the two-letter country code (in blue) at the bottom of a tag.
Q. Should I delete an object if it contains a language unfamiliar to me or foreign to the country it is in?
A. The simple answer is no. Accurate descriptions in foreign languages are perfectly acceptable as long as they are made in the correct language page. The wilful deletion of tags containing foreign languages is forbidden.
Q. Can I add a link to the object description which links to a Wikipedia article in a different language?
A. No. You should add the link to the respective language page of the object. Even then it should be confined to the Wikipedia link section in the object's edit window. However, you may include links to secondary Wikipedia articles which helps describe the object, in the description section.
Polygons
Q. Why can't I add more points to a polygon?
A. There are limitations on the total number of polygon dots you can add depending on your user level:
- Level 0 users: 300 dots
- Level 1 users: 1000 dots
- Level 2 users: 2,500 dots
Q. Why can't I create big polygons and why do I get the message: "Too big polygon"?
A. There are limitations on the polygon size you can make depending on your user level:
- Level 0 users: ~31.64 km²
- Level 1 users: ~244.14 km²
- Level 2 users: ~996,006 km²
Q. Can I revert a polygon to the state before it was vandalized?
A. Yes you can, by applying the polygon state at some previous revision as current.
Q. Can I delete a polygon?
No, this isn't possible. If you think the polygon shape is wrong, you should resize it so that it is correct. If the incorrect polygon has hundreds of dots and you find it too laborious to correct manually, please contact an Advanced User to assist you.
Q. I don't understand guideline 1.2. "A place must have at least a properly constructed outline"?
A. This is a minimum requirement for a place object to be acceptable. A polygon should clearly outline a map object you are marking in the aerial/satellite image. A properly constructed outline means a polygon should never overlap an area that is not part of the object.
A place object should have an accurate outline but it doesn't need a title or description, although the inclusion of which is preferred for the place object to be useful. If the place object lacks proper details, it is still possible for other users to improve it.
Q. I can do contour/polygon in form of "arrow" specifying a direction to other object?
A. No. "Toward" isn't existing object.
Disputes
Q. Someone keeps editing my places!
A. If you have a dispute, please notify the fellow user and moderators in the WikiMapia Forum. They'll try to resolve issues, but only if parties are willing to discuss their sides of the issue accurate and fairly.
