Wikimapia - User contributions [en]

Ban Moderation

2016-06-22T10:20:56Z

RK77: /* Choosing the correct ban */

{{Languages|Ban_Moderation}}

{{Navbox user guide}}

__TOC__

== What is Ban Moderation? ==
Ban Moderation is a corrective procedure guide that should be followed closely by Advanced Users in order to ensure an infringer is afforded exhaustive resources for rehabilitation before he/she is restricted or banned.

== When should you use Ban Moderation? ==
Before progressing with any case it is important to assess it thoroughly. As covered by the [[Banning Guidelines]], you must determine the intentions of the infringer, the nature of the infringement and you must be able to distinguish between:

# Deliberate vandalism (any deliberate action intended to corrupt information). Examples: inserting spam, porn images, deleting information which complies with Wikimapia guidelines, intentional adding of nonsense/false information to Wikimapia etc.
# Mistakes made by newcomers and/or inexperienced users due to misunderstandings about Wikimapia guidelines, tools and wiki concept. Examples: first experiments with “Add place” tool by a newcomer, drawing roads with polygons and etc.

The role of an Advanced User exemplifies the qualities of a peace-maker/keeper. You agree to promote a peace-maker/keeper personality by practising the principles of being polite, patient and perceptive. You should also keep the following points in mind:

#Punishment is not always necessary. Sometimes you can just correct the problem, and contact user with explanations.
#Assume good faith that every user is here to improve Wikimapia.
#Use common sense.
#Avoid extreme formalism and bureaucracy.
#Avoid preventive measures. A user cannot be punished if he/she has not violated the Guidelines, no matter what your experience tells you
#Do not ban without sorting out the case.
#If in doubt - discuss the case in the forum.

Wikimapia's philosophy is based on good will, so it is essential for you to keep the recommendations in mind when using Ban Moderation.

==Ban Moderation explained==
Ban Moderation comprises of four actions. They are Guidance, Warning, Temporary ban and Permanent ban. To better understand the functions of each action, they have been divided into two stages. The first three actions are grouped under the Education stage. The fourth and final Permanent ban action is grouped under the Exclusion stage.

{| border="0" cellpadding="15" cellspacing="5" align="center"
| colspan="5" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: center;" | '''Education'''
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" style="text-align: center;" | <font color="#6E6E6E"><font size=5>►</font></font>
| colspan="6" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: center;" | '''Exclusion'''
|-
| bgcolor="#31B404" style="text-align: center;"| <font color=white>'''1. Guidance'''</font>
| style="text-align: center;" | <font color="#6E6E6E"><font size=5>►</font></font>
| bgcolor="yellow" style="text-align: center;"| '''2. Warning'''
| style="text-align: center;" | <font color="#6E6E6E"><font size=5>►</font></font>
| bgcolor="orange" style="text-align: center;"| '''3. Temporary ban'''
| bgcolor="red" style="text-align: center;"| '''4. Permanent ban'''
|}

==Education==
The Education stage is a remedial process which aims to provide corrective assistance to an infringer. A few essential requirements for Education stage to be successful is for you to be friendly, patient, approachable. These qualities shall greatly benefit your communication and mediation skills.

*Infringers should be given the benefit of the doubt depending on the level of their cooperation.
*An infringer who exercises actions of good faith or has exhibited potential to benefit Wikimapia should be given ample time to reform.
*You are more likely to see positive results with a communicative infringer than one who doesn't respond to messages.
*Try to determine the circumstances of a case and ascertain whether an infringer is purposefully ignoring your messages.
*An infringer who doesn't respond to messages shouldn't be deemed uncooperative if he/she hasn't had the opportunity to open their messages.

Each case should be treated using common sense and sound judgement.

Aside from extremely rare exceptions, you are required to adhere to the conditions listed under section 1 & 2 of the Banning Guidelines when communicating and handling an infringer regardless of his/her culpability.

===Guidance===
The Guidance action should always be perceived as the only one required in the Education stage to enlighten new, inexperienced and settled users. It is customary as well as necessary to communicate with an infringer by sending them a polite notice. A polite notice is a personal message which establishes initial contact with an infringer. A polite notice should:
# make them acknowledge the error(s) they are committing, be it on the map or with another user
# show them why the error is incorrect by citing rules which have been violated
# provide solutions for them to correct the error
# advise them to avoid making the same mistake again
# encourage them to ask questions about things they do not understand
# notify them that persistent infringements may incur a warning or even a ban

If an infringer commits further infringements after Guidance, or if an initial infringement is considered a major violation, you may progress to the Warning action.

===Warning===
An infringer who repeats or commits further violations during or after the Guidance action is to be regarded as a repeat infringer. The repetition of errors or offences warrants the issue of a Warning action because the Guidance action by itself has proven inadequate. Additionally, major violations committed by first-time infringers shall also warrant a direct Warning action. Examples of behaviour that can result in a Warning action are:
*persistence in committing similar errors
*cancelling or reverting correct edits
*misconduct
*abusive behaviour
Repeat infringers who commit further infringements should be sent a warning message indicating that their repeat actions have been detected. You should repeat the mediation techniques of the Guidance action with a more persuasive approach. You should also emphasize that failure to comply with the conditions set henceforth shall not be tolerated and may ensue in a temporary or permanent ban.

Warning actions are quite delicate matters and should be conducted with extra care. This action is critical in the Education stage because the case can easily erupt into volatile situations if handled incorrectly. Remember, calm & patient communication is key.

If a repeat infringer commits further infringements after a warning, or if an initial infringement is considered a major violation, you may progress to the Temporary ban action.

===Temporary ban===
A temporary ban is an account restriction with variable limits on time and functions. An infringer's account can be imposed with a temporary ban if he/she has persisted with infringements despite being given ample warning.

==Exclusion==
The definition of Exclusion is to reject, bar or compel to leave. The Exclusion stage is necessary when an infringer fails to accept the Guidance, Warning and Temporary ban stages of the Education stage.

===Permanent ban===
The process of expelling or blocking a user is accomplished by implementing a permanent ban. Aside from extremely rare exceptions:
*a permanent ban must only be applied after the failure of the Education stage
*you cannot directly impose a permanent ban on a first-time infringer

Unlike a temporary ban, you do not have flexibility in restricting certain functions an infringer has access to for varying lengths of time. A permanent ban means all functions are restricted (see the 'Ban types & ban lengths' table below).

==Choosing the correct ban==

As explained in section 3 of the [[Banning Guidelines]], you can choose to restrict certain functions an infringer has access to for varying lengths of time during a temporary ban.

A ban comes into effect immediately if an infringer is already logged in. If an infringer is not logged in, the ban will commence once he/she logs back in.

Bans can be cancelled by overriding them with another ban.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:40%"
|+ Ban types & ban lengths
|-
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" align="center" | '''Ban types'''
| colspan="4" align="center" bgcolor="#A7C1F2" | '''Temporary ban length'''
| rowspan="2" colspan="6" bgcolor="#FA5858" align="center" | '''Permanent ban'''
|-
| bgcolor="#82FA58" align="center"|'''6 hours'''
| bgcolor="#D0FA58" align="center"|'''1 day'''
| bgcolor="#F7D358" align="center"|'''7 days'''
| bgcolor="#FAAC58" align="center"|'''1 month'''
|-
| align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | '''Edit map'''
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
|-
| align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | '''PMs & forum posts'''
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
|-
| align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | '''Full'''
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
|}

===Ban types===
AUs should use sound judgement to determine which ban type to use in conjunction with an appropriate ban length. A ban type should be proportionate to the violation committed, do not use an inappropriate or severe ban type if it is not necessary. Remember, restrictions are for education purposes only.
====Edit map====
This ban type restricts an infringer's access to functions related to editing the map. Communication via PMs and participation in the forum is still possible. You cannot set a ban length of one month or a permanent ban with this ban type.

''This ban type should be used to restrict infringers who specifically abuse map editing functions.''
====PMs & forum posts====
This ban type restricts an infringer's ability to communicate via the personal messaging system and the forum. Map editing functions can still be accessed. You cannot set a ban length of one month or a permanent ban with this ban type.

''This ban type should be used to restrict infringers who abuse the communication functions of PMs and the forum with offensive language or spamming.''
====Full====
This ban type restricts both map editing functions and the ability to communicate.

''This ban type should be used to restrict infringers who abuse both the map editing and communication functions.''
===Ban lengths===
The duration or ban length of a ban type should be proportionate to the violation committed. Do not use lengthy restrictions if they are not necessary; remember, restrictions are for education purposes only. The following are temporary bans and will expire once the duration has been served:
* 6 hours
* 1 day
* 7 days
* 1 month (this ban length can only be chosen when applied in conjunction with a Full ban type)

A permanent ban length, as the name suggests, is indefinite and can only be implemented in conjunction with a Full ban type. This is the severest ban and should only be used in the direst circumstances. A permanent ban can be cancelled by overriding it with a temporary ban length.

==Mandatory Requirements==

#It is compulsory for an AU to consult a third-party AU or the AU community to review cases involving <u>major decisions</u> before a ban is implemented.
#AUs are required to complete all sections of a ban form in accordance with the banning guidelines.
Exceptions to the above can be made for spammers, unauthorized clone accounts and users with notorious histories.

==Case Specific Ban Moderation==
===Copyrighted Photo Moderation===
The handling of photo copyright issues<ref name="photoban">WTM statement [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=222967#p222967 1] & [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=223147#p223147 2] on handling photo copyright issues</ref> is based on the following:
:#AUs '''must prove''' a user has violated the rules. Excuses should not be made, a photo uploader is presumed innocent in the absence of proof to back allegations.
:#A photo uploader assumes full responsibility for his actions, including responsibility to the laws of his/her country, by uploading copyrighted photos under Creative Commons license.
:#If a photo uploader claims he/she has the right to upload photos, this statement is to be considered true by default.
:#If an AU has strong evidence that a photo uploader has violated the rules (for example, the AU asked the photo copyright holder and found that consent was not given to use their photos under Creative Commons license) he/she should warn the infringer. If the infringer ignores the warning, then the Ban Moderation procedure should be adopted (i.e. a ban for a week, then for a month etc.).
:#A ban is not applicable if an AU finds similar photos on another website, but has no evidence to prove:
:#*the photo's owner was against their use
:#*the website is the legal owner
:#If an AU is unsure and/or argued a doubtful case, the ban is not qualified.
:#If a photo uploader is banned erroneously, he/she can lodge an objection in the forum by using the relevant forum topic. Bans can be lifted very quickly.

'''Key Points to Remember:'''

It's important you are '''100% certain''' about the ownership/licensing of an image. If you just found a photo in Google or on another website — this doesn't mean anything by itself. If a website uses an image it doesn't necessarily mean it is the owner/licence holder.

If you want to know about user permissions for an image, you should ask the image owner/licence holder about it. <font color=red>''If you don't ask'' ► ''you won't know'' ► ''if you don't know'' ► ''you '''can't''' do anything about it''</font>.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you see a popular image and you are sure the user doesn't have the right to use it, you can ask for proof. Again, you should ask the user first; do not remove the image(s) and do not initiate a ban without sorting out the matter first.

You can also collaborate with other AUs on issues about dubious images. For example, you may find a website which is the rightful owner/licence holder of a dubious image, but you are not sure. In cases like this, seek advice from your colleagues in the forum.

==References==
<references/>

Ban Moderation

2016-06-22T10:17:54Z

RK77: /* Copyrighted Photo Moderation */

{{Languages|Ban_Moderation}}

{{Navbox user guide}}

__TOC__

== What is Ban Moderation? ==
Ban Moderation is a corrective procedure guide that should be followed closely by Advanced Users in order to ensure an infringer is afforded exhaustive resources for rehabilitation before he/she is restricted or banned.

== When should you use Ban Moderation? ==
Before progressing with any case it is important to assess it thoroughly. As covered by the [[Banning Guidelines]], you must determine the intentions of the infringer, the nature of the infringement and you must be able to distinguish between:

# Deliberate vandalism (any deliberate action intended to corrupt information). Examples: inserting spam, porn images, deleting information which complies with Wikimapia guidelines, intentional adding of nonsense/false information to Wikimapia etc.
# Mistakes made by newcomers and/or inexperienced users due to misunderstandings about Wikimapia guidelines, tools and wiki concept. Examples: first experiments with “Add place” tool by a newcomer, drawing roads with polygons and etc.

The role of an Advanced User exemplifies the qualities of a peace-maker/keeper. You agree to promote a peace-maker/keeper personality by practising the principles of being polite, patient and perceptive. You should also keep the following points in mind:

#Punishment is not always necessary. Sometimes you can just correct the problem, and contact user with explanations.
#Assume good faith that every user is here to improve Wikimapia.
#Use common sense.
#Avoid extreme formalism and bureaucracy.
#Avoid preventive measures. A user cannot be punished if he/she has not violated the Guidelines, no matter what your experience tells you
#Do not ban without sorting out the case.
#If in doubt - discuss the case in the forum.

Wikimapia's philosophy is based on good will, so it is essential for you to keep the recommendations in mind when using Ban Moderation.

==Ban Moderation explained==
Ban Moderation comprises of four actions. They are Guidance, Warning, Temporary ban and Permanent ban. To better understand the functions of each action, they have been divided into two stages. The first three actions are grouped under the Education stage. The fourth and final Permanent ban action is grouped under the Exclusion stage.

{| border="0" cellpadding="15" cellspacing="5" align="center"
| colspan="5" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: center;" | '''Education'''
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" style="text-align: center;" | <font color="#6E6E6E"><font size=5>►</font></font>
| colspan="6" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: center;" | '''Exclusion'''
|-
| bgcolor="#31B404" style="text-align: center;"| <font color=white>'''1. Guidance'''</font>
| style="text-align: center;" | <font color="#6E6E6E"><font size=5>►</font></font>
| bgcolor="yellow" style="text-align: center;"| '''2. Warning'''
| style="text-align: center;" | <font color="#6E6E6E"><font size=5>►</font></font>
| bgcolor="orange" style="text-align: center;"| '''3. Temporary ban'''
| bgcolor="red" style="text-align: center;"| '''4. Permanent ban'''
|}

==Education==
The Education stage is a remedial process which aims to provide corrective assistance to an infringer. A few essential requirements for Education stage to be successful is for you to be friendly, patient, approachable. These qualities shall greatly benefit your communication and mediation skills.

*Infringers should be given the benefit of the doubt depending on the level of their cooperation.
*An infringer who exercises actions of good faith or has exhibited potential to benefit Wikimapia should be given ample time to reform.
*You are more likely to see positive results with a communicative infringer than one who doesn't respond to messages.
*Try to determine the circumstances of a case and ascertain whether an infringer is purposefully ignoring your messages.
*An infringer who doesn't respond to messages shouldn't be deemed uncooperative if he/she hasn't had the opportunity to open their messages.

Each case should be treated using common sense and sound judgement.

Aside from extremely rare exceptions, you are required to adhere to the conditions listed under section 1 & 2 of the Banning Guidelines when communicating and handling an infringer regardless of his/her culpability.

===Guidance===
The Guidance action should always be perceived as the only one required in the Education stage to enlighten new, inexperienced and settled users. It is customary as well as necessary to communicate with an infringer by sending them a polite notice. A polite notice is a personal message which establishes initial contact with an infringer. A polite notice should:
# make them acknowledge the error(s) they are committing, be it on the map or with another user
# show them why the error is incorrect by citing rules which have been violated
# provide solutions for them to correct the error
# advise them to avoid making the same mistake again
# encourage them to ask questions about things they do not understand
# notify them that persistent infringements may incur a warning or even a ban

If an infringer commits further infringements after Guidance, or if an initial infringement is considered a major violation, you may progress to the Warning action.

===Warning===
An infringer who repeats or commits further violations during or after the Guidance action is to be regarded as a repeat infringer. The repetition of errors or offences warrants the issue of a Warning action because the Guidance action by itself has proven inadequate. Additionally, major violations committed by first-time infringers shall also warrant a direct Warning action. Examples of behaviour that can result in a Warning action are:
*persistence in committing similar errors
*cancelling or reverting correct edits
*misconduct
*abusive behaviour
Repeat infringers who commit further infringements should be sent a warning message indicating that their repeat actions have been detected. You should repeat the mediation techniques of the Guidance action with a more persuasive approach. You should also emphasize that failure to comply with the conditions set henceforth shall not be tolerated and may ensue in a temporary or permanent ban.

Warning actions are quite delicate matters and should be conducted with extra care. This action is critical in the Education stage because the case can easily erupt into volatile situations if handled incorrectly. Remember, calm & patient communication is key.

If a repeat infringer commits further infringements after a warning, or if an initial infringement is considered a major violation, you may progress to the Temporary ban action.

===Temporary ban===
A temporary ban is an account restriction with variable limits on time and functions. An infringer's account can be imposed with a temporary ban if he/she has persisted with infringements despite being given ample warning.

==Exclusion==
The definition of Exclusion is to reject, bar or compel to leave. The Exclusion stage is necessary when an infringer fails to accept the Guidance, Warning and Temporary ban stages of the Education stage.

===Permanent ban===
The process of expelling or blocking a user is accomplished by implementing a permanent ban. Aside from extremely rare exceptions:
*a permanent ban must only be applied after the failure of the Education stage
*you cannot directly impose a permanent ban on a first-time infringer

Unlike a temporary ban, you do not have flexibility in restricting certain functions an infringer has access to for varying lengths of time. A permanent ban means all functions are restricted (see the 'Ban types & ban lengths' table below).

==Choosing the correct ban==

As explained in section 3 of the [[Banning Guidelines]], you can choose to restrict certain functions an infringer has access to for varying lengths of time during a temporary ban.

A ban comes into effect immediately if an infringer is already logged in. If an infringer is not logged in, the ban will commence once he/she logs back in.

Bans can be cancelled by overriding them with another ban.

{| class="wikitable" style="float:center;width:40%;margin-left:28%;"
|+ Ban types & ban lengths
|-
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" align="center" | '''Ban types'''
| colspan="4" align="center" bgcolor="#A7C1F2" | '''Temporary ban length'''
| rowspan="2" colspan="6" bgcolor="#FA5858" align="center" | '''Permanent ban'''
|-
| bgcolor="#82FA58" align="center"|'''6 hours'''
| bgcolor="#D0FA58" align="center"|'''1 day'''
| bgcolor="#F7D358" align="center"|'''7 days'''
| bgcolor="#FAAC58" align="center"|'''1 month'''
|-
| align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | '''Edit map'''
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
|-
| align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | '''PMs & forum posts'''
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
|-
| align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | '''Full'''
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
|}

===Ban types===
AUs should use sound judgement to determine which ban type to use in conjunction with an appropriate ban length. A ban type should be proportionate to the violation committed, do not use an inappropriate or severe ban type if it is not necessary. Remember, restrictions are for education purposes only.
====Edit map====
This ban type restricts an infringer's access to functions related to editing the map. Communication via PMs and participation in the forum is still possible. You cannot set a ban length of one month or a permanent ban with this ban type.

''This ban type should be used to restrict infringers who specifically abuse map editing functions.''
====PMs & forum posts====
This ban type restricts an infringer's ability to communicate via the personal messaging system and the forum. Map editing functions can still be accessed. You cannot set a ban length of one month or a permanent ban with this ban type.

''This ban type should be used to restrict infringers who abuse the communication functions of PMs and the forum with offensive language or spamming.''
====Full====
This ban type restricts both map editing functions and the ability to communicate.

''This ban type should be used to restrict infringers who abuse both the map editing and communication functions.''
===Ban lengths===
The duration or ban length of a ban type should be proportionate to the violation committed. Do not use lengthy restrictions if they are not necessary; remember, restrictions are for education purposes only. The following are temporary bans and will expire once the duration has been served:
* 6 hours
* 1 day
* 7 days
* 1 month (this ban length can only be chosen when applied in conjunction with a Full ban type)

A permanent ban length, as the name suggests, is indefinite and can only be implemented in conjunction with a Full ban type. This is the severest ban and should only be used in the direst circumstances. A permanent ban can be cancelled by overriding it with a temporary ban length.

==Mandatory Requirements==

#It is compulsory for an AU to consult a third-party AU or the AU community to review cases involving <u>major decisions</u> before a ban is implemented.
#AUs are required to complete all sections of a ban form in accordance with the banning guidelines.
Exceptions to the above can be made for spammers, unauthorized clone accounts and users with notorious histories.

==Case Specific Ban Moderation==
===Copyrighted Photo Moderation===
The handling of photo copyright issues<ref name="photoban">WTM statement [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=222967#p222967 1] & [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=223147#p223147 2] on handling photo copyright issues</ref> is based on the following:
:#AUs '''must prove''' a user has violated the rules. Excuses should not be made, a photo uploader is presumed innocent in the absence of proof to back allegations.
:#A photo uploader assumes full responsibility for his actions, including responsibility to the laws of his/her country, by uploading copyrighted photos under Creative Commons license.
:#If a photo uploader claims he/she has the right to upload photos, this statement is to be considered true by default.
:#If an AU has strong evidence that a photo uploader has violated the rules (for example, the AU asked the photo copyright holder and found that consent was not given to use their photos under Creative Commons license) he/she should warn the infringer. If the infringer ignores the warning, then the Ban Moderation procedure should be adopted (i.e. a ban for a week, then for a month etc.).
:#A ban is not applicable if an AU finds similar photos on another website, but has no evidence to prove:
:#*the photo's owner was against their use
:#*the website is the legal owner
:#If an AU is unsure and/or argued a doubtful case, the ban is not qualified.
:#If a photo uploader is banned erroneously, he/she can lodge an objection in the forum by using the relevant forum topic. Bans can be lifted very quickly.

'''Key Points to Remember:'''

It's important you are '''100% certain''' about the ownership/licensing of an image. If you just found a photo in Google or on another website — this doesn't mean anything by itself. If a website uses an image it doesn't necessarily mean it is the owner/licence holder.

If you want to know about user permissions for an image, you should ask the image owner/licence holder about it. <font color=red>''If you don't ask'' ► ''you won't know'' ► ''if you don't know'' ► ''you '''can't''' do anything about it''</font>.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you see a popular image and you are sure the user doesn't have the right to use it, you can ask for proof. Again, you should ask the user first; do not remove the image(s) and do not initiate a ban without sorting out the matter first.

You can also collaborate with other AUs on issues about dubious images. For example, you may find a website which is the rightful owner/licence holder of a dubious image, but you are not sure. In cases like this, seek advice from your colleagues in the forum.

==References==
<references/>

Ban Moderation

2016-06-22T10:16:33Z

RK77: /* Copyrighted Photo Moderation */

{{Languages|Ban_Moderation}}

{{Navbox user guide}}

__TOC__

== What is Ban Moderation? ==
Ban Moderation is a corrective procedure guide that should be followed closely by Advanced Users in order to ensure an infringer is afforded exhaustive resources for rehabilitation before he/she is restricted or banned.

== When should you use Ban Moderation? ==
Before progressing with any case it is important to assess it thoroughly. As covered by the [[Banning Guidelines]], you must determine the intentions of the infringer, the nature of the infringement and you must be able to distinguish between:

# Deliberate vandalism (any deliberate action intended to corrupt information). Examples: inserting spam, porn images, deleting information which complies with Wikimapia guidelines, intentional adding of nonsense/false information to Wikimapia etc.
# Mistakes made by newcomers and/or inexperienced users due to misunderstandings about Wikimapia guidelines, tools and wiki concept. Examples: first experiments with “Add place” tool by a newcomer, drawing roads with polygons and etc.

The role of an Advanced User exemplifies the qualities of a peace-maker/keeper. You agree to promote a peace-maker/keeper personality by practising the principles of being polite, patient and perceptive. You should also keep the following points in mind:

#Punishment is not always necessary. Sometimes you can just correct the problem, and contact user with explanations.
#Assume good faith that every user is here to improve Wikimapia.
#Use common sense.
#Avoid extreme formalism and bureaucracy.
#Avoid preventive measures. A user cannot be punished if he/she has not violated the Guidelines, no matter what your experience tells you
#Do not ban without sorting out the case.
#If in doubt - discuss the case in the forum.

Wikimapia's philosophy is based on good will, so it is essential for you to keep the recommendations in mind when using Ban Moderation.

==Ban Moderation explained==
Ban Moderation comprises of four actions. They are Guidance, Warning, Temporary ban and Permanent ban. To better understand the functions of each action, they have been divided into two stages. The first three actions are grouped under the Education stage. The fourth and final Permanent ban action is grouped under the Exclusion stage.

{| border="0" cellpadding="15" cellspacing="5" align="center"
| colspan="5" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: center;" | '''Education'''
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" style="text-align: center;" | <font color="#6E6E6E"><font size=5>►</font></font>
| colspan="6" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: center;" | '''Exclusion'''
|-
| bgcolor="#31B404" style="text-align: center;"| <font color=white>'''1. Guidance'''</font>
| style="text-align: center;" | <font color="#6E6E6E"><font size=5>►</font></font>
| bgcolor="yellow" style="text-align: center;"| '''2. Warning'''
| style="text-align: center;" | <font color="#6E6E6E"><font size=5>►</font></font>
| bgcolor="orange" style="text-align: center;"| '''3. Temporary ban'''
| bgcolor="red" style="text-align: center;"| '''4. Permanent ban'''
|}

==Education==
The Education stage is a remedial process which aims to provide corrective assistance to an infringer. A few essential requirements for Education stage to be successful is for you to be friendly, patient, approachable. These qualities shall greatly benefit your communication and mediation skills.

*Infringers should be given the benefit of the doubt depending on the level of their cooperation.
*An infringer who exercises actions of good faith or has exhibited potential to benefit Wikimapia should be given ample time to reform.
*You are more likely to see positive results with a communicative infringer than one who doesn't respond to messages.
*Try to determine the circumstances of a case and ascertain whether an infringer is purposefully ignoring your messages.
*An infringer who doesn't respond to messages shouldn't be deemed uncooperative if he/she hasn't had the opportunity to open their messages.

Each case should be treated using common sense and sound judgement.

Aside from extremely rare exceptions, you are required to adhere to the conditions listed under section 1 & 2 of the Banning Guidelines when communicating and handling an infringer regardless of his/her culpability.

===Guidance===
The Guidance action should always be perceived as the only one required in the Education stage to enlighten new, inexperienced and settled users. It is customary as well as necessary to communicate with an infringer by sending them a polite notice. A polite notice is a personal message which establishes initial contact with an infringer. A polite notice should:
# make them acknowledge the error(s) they are committing, be it on the map or with another user
# show them why the error is incorrect by citing rules which have been violated
# provide solutions for them to correct the error
# advise them to avoid making the same mistake again
# encourage them to ask questions about things they do not understand
# notify them that persistent infringements may incur a warning or even a ban

If an infringer commits further infringements after Guidance, or if an initial infringement is considered a major violation, you may progress to the Warning action.

===Warning===
An infringer who repeats or commits further violations during or after the Guidance action is to be regarded as a repeat infringer. The repetition of errors or offences warrants the issue of a Warning action because the Guidance action by itself has proven inadequate. Additionally, major violations committed by first-time infringers shall also warrant a direct Warning action. Examples of behaviour that can result in a Warning action are:
*persistence in committing similar errors
*cancelling or reverting correct edits
*misconduct
*abusive behaviour
Repeat infringers who commit further infringements should be sent a warning message indicating that their repeat actions have been detected. You should repeat the mediation techniques of the Guidance action with a more persuasive approach. You should also emphasize that failure to comply with the conditions set henceforth shall not be tolerated and may ensue in a temporary or permanent ban.

Warning actions are quite delicate matters and should be conducted with extra care. This action is critical in the Education stage because the case can easily erupt into volatile situations if handled incorrectly. Remember, calm & patient communication is key.

If a repeat infringer commits further infringements after a warning, or if an initial infringement is considered a major violation, you may progress to the Temporary ban action.

===Temporary ban===
A temporary ban is an account restriction with variable limits on time and functions. An infringer's account can be imposed with a temporary ban if he/she has persisted with infringements despite being given ample warning.

==Exclusion==
The definition of Exclusion is to reject, bar or compel to leave. The Exclusion stage is necessary when an infringer fails to accept the Guidance, Warning and Temporary ban stages of the Education stage.

===Permanent ban===
The process of expelling or blocking a user is accomplished by implementing a permanent ban. Aside from extremely rare exceptions:
*a permanent ban must only be applied after the failure of the Education stage
*you cannot directly impose a permanent ban on a first-time infringer

Unlike a temporary ban, you do not have flexibility in restricting certain functions an infringer has access to for varying lengths of time. A permanent ban means all functions are restricted (see the 'Ban types & ban lengths' table below).

==Choosing the correct ban==

As explained in section 3 of the [[Banning Guidelines]], you can choose to restrict certain functions an infringer has access to for varying lengths of time during a temporary ban.

A ban comes into effect immediately if an infringer is already logged in. If an infringer is not logged in, the ban will commence once he/she logs back in.

Bans can be cancelled by overriding them with another ban.

{| class="wikitable" style="float:center;width:40%;margin-left:28%;"
|+ Ban types & ban lengths
|-
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" align="center" | '''Ban types'''
| colspan="4" align="center" bgcolor="#A7C1F2" | '''Temporary ban length'''
| rowspan="2" colspan="6" bgcolor="#FA5858" align="center" | '''Permanent ban'''
|-
| bgcolor="#82FA58" align="center"|'''6 hours'''
| bgcolor="#D0FA58" align="center"|'''1 day'''
| bgcolor="#F7D358" align="center"|'''7 days'''
| bgcolor="#FAAC58" align="center"|'''1 month'''
|-
| align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | '''Edit map'''
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
|-
| align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | '''PMs & forum posts'''
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
|-
| align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | '''Full'''
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
|}

===Ban types===
AUs should use sound judgement to determine which ban type to use in conjunction with an appropriate ban length. A ban type should be proportionate to the violation committed, do not use an inappropriate or severe ban type if it is not necessary. Remember, restrictions are for education purposes only.
====Edit map====
This ban type restricts an infringer's access to functions related to editing the map. Communication via PMs and participation in the forum is still possible. You cannot set a ban length of one month or a permanent ban with this ban type.

''This ban type should be used to restrict infringers who specifically abuse map editing functions.''
====PMs & forum posts====
This ban type restricts an infringer's ability to communicate via the personal messaging system and the forum. Map editing functions can still be accessed. You cannot set a ban length of one month or a permanent ban with this ban type.

''This ban type should be used to restrict infringers who abuse the communication functions of PMs and the forum with offensive language or spamming.''
====Full====
This ban type restricts both map editing functions and the ability to communicate.

''This ban type should be used to restrict infringers who abuse both the map editing and communication functions.''
===Ban lengths===
The duration or ban length of a ban type should be proportionate to the violation committed. Do not use lengthy restrictions if they are not necessary; remember, restrictions are for education purposes only. The following are temporary bans and will expire once the duration has been served:
* 6 hours
* 1 day
* 7 days
* 1 month (this ban length can only be chosen when applied in conjunction with a Full ban type)

A permanent ban length, as the name suggests, is indefinite and can only be implemented in conjunction with a Full ban type. This is the severest ban and should only be used in the direst circumstances. A permanent ban can be cancelled by overriding it with a temporary ban length.

==Mandatory Requirements==

#It is compulsory for an AU to consult a third-party AU or the AU community to review cases involving <u>major decisions</u> before a ban is implemented.
#AUs are required to complete all sections of a ban form in accordance with the banning guidelines.
Exceptions to the above can be made for spammers, unauthorized clone accounts and users with notorious histories.

==Case Specific Ban Moderation==
===Copyrighted Photo Moderation===
The handling of photo copyright issues<ref name="photoban">WTM statement [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=222967#p222967 1] & [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=223147#p223147 2] on handling photo copyright issues]</ref> is based on the following:
:#AUs '''must prove''' a user has violated the rules. Excuses should not be made, a photo uploader is presumed innocent in the absence of proof to back allegations.
:#A photo uploader assumes full responsibility for his actions, including responsibility to the laws of his/her country, by uploading copyrighted photos under Creative Commons license.
:#If a photo uploader claims he/she has the right to upload photos, this statement is to be considered true by default.
:#If an AU has strong evidence that a photo uploader has violated the rules (for example, the AU asked the photo copyright holder and found that consent was not given to use their photos under Creative Commons license) he/she should warn the infringer. If the infringer ignores the warning, then the Ban Moderation procedure should be adopted (i.e. a ban for a week, then for a month etc.).
:#A ban is not applicable if an AU finds similar photos on another website, but has no evidence to prove:
:#*the photo's owner was against their use
:#*the website is the legal owner
:#If an AU is unsure and/or argued a doubtful case, the ban is not qualified.
:#If a photo uploader is banned erroneously, he/she can lodge an objection in the forum by using the relevant forum topic. Bans can be lifted very quickly.

'''Key Points to Remember:'''

It's important you are '''100% certain''' about the ownership/licensing of an image. If you just found a photo in Google or on another website — this doesn't mean anything by itself. If a website uses an image it doesn't necessarily mean it is the owner/licence holder.

If you want to know about user permissions for an image, you should ask the image owner/licence holder about it. <font color=red>''If you don't ask'' ► ''you won't know'' ► ''if you don't know'' ► ''you '''can't''' do anything about it''</font>.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you see a popular image and you are sure the user doesn't have the right to use it, you can ask for proof. Again, you should ask the user first; do not remove the image(s) and do not initiate a ban without sorting out the matter first.

You can also collaborate with other AUs on issues about dubious images. For example, you may find a website which is the rightful owner/licence holder of a dubious image, but you are not sure. In cases like this, seek advice from your colleagues in the forum.

==References==
<references/>

Help/FAQ

2015-08-06T16:24:34Z

RK77: /* My place tag has disappeared! */

{{Languages|Help/FAQ}}
{{Navbox user guide}}
Welcome to FAQ!

If you are a new or inexperienced user, we acknowledge it will take you time to understand the rules and to use Wikimapia's features properly. You may have many questions which need answering or you might need a pointer just to help you get back on track.

We therefore present the FAQ so that it can address your queries as well as covering the essential basics required to make your experience in Wikimapia a well-informed, compliant and pleasant one.
{{TOC limit|3}}
=Basic Philosophy=

===What is Wikimapia for?===
Wikimapia aimed to mark all geographical objects in the world and provide a useful description for them, so that anyone can share his knowledge and freely explore the world.
===Who is Wikimapia for?===
Anyone who is interested in exploring the world or like to share his or her knowledge with everyone who uses Wikimapia.

===What is the basic ideology of Wikimapia?===
To make yourself aware of Wikimapia basic ideology we recommend you to click [[About_Wikimapia| here]].

===What are the guidelines for using content from Wikimapia?===
According to Wikimapia [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ License] you may use Wikimapia content as you like (for sharing, recasting, transforming or adapting in any form recognizably derived from the original for any use). We also encourage you to build your work upon Wikimapia data and require its further distribution under the same or similar license to this one.

===Is it WikiMapia or Wikimapia?===
This website is usually more referred to as '''Wikimapia'''.

===How can I help?===
There many ways to contribute to Wikimapia. [[Adding/editing places]] is already a great help. You can also help translating the interface into your language, report about bugs in [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ reports list] or become an [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Community#Special_roles advanced user (moderator)] to help other users.

===Am I allowed freedom of expression if it is contrary to Wikimapia's philosophy?===
Wikimapia, being a Wiki, allows freedom of expression through its flexible philosophy. You are within your rights to harbour personal beliefs which are contrary to the philosophy; however, you should be aware actions which contravene the philosophy are not acceptable. By using Wikimapia's services you explicitly agree to abide by its policies, of which the philosophy is a binding principle. Wilful or persistent violations of Wikimapia's policies may result in account restriction or termination.

=Help=

=== How can I become a member? ===

To become a member simply select 'Login/Register' from the Wikimapia menu and follow the instructions. You will need to choose a unique username, provide a valid email address and submit a password.

Once you have chosen a password, make sure you keep it safe and secret.

===How can I get help using Wikimapia?===
First of all you should read Wikimapia Docs and [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Guidelines] carefully. If you still can’t get the answer to your question send a message to an [[Community#Advanced_Users|Advanced User]] or you can also ask for help on the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum].

===Who is an admin?===
Admins are the members of the [[Community#Wikimapia_Team| Wikimapia team]].

===How can I get help from admin?===
First, make sure that a moderator or an advanced user (AU) can not help you. Then send admins a message or email on contact@wikimapia.org

=Wikipedia content=

===What are the guidelines for using content from Wikipedia?===
Articles quality on Wikipedia fit Wikimapia demands. So you can certainly use Wikipedia while describing a place or give a link to Wikipedia article.
===Cutting and pasting an entire Wikipedia article into a Wikimapia description box is a great idea, right?===
Giving a link to the article is more than enough, there is no need to repeat things twice.

=Languages (Object Language Pages)=

===How can I add a missing language to a tag?===
[http://wikimapia.org/docs/Adding_places#Language Adding languages] is easy. Simply select 'Menu' > 'Add another language' in a place window, or you can select 'edit info in other language >>' in a place edit window. Choose your desired language from the list and proceed to add information as usual in the chosen language.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|GAOCM_72wHc}}</center>

===I found a place described in a language I do not know, but I want to know what was written. What can I do?===
You can try and translate it with Google Translate or any available dictionary.
===Can I add information in my local language in a different language page?===
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.
===Someone has added a place in my country and written it in a foreign language. Can I delete it?===
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.
===Do I have to add the local language in a tag even though I have added the information in another language?===
No you do not have to add the local language; the information you add in any language must be correct. However, if you are comfortable with the local language, it is recommended (not compulsory) you provide the information in that language too!
===Someone added a tag in a foreign language in my country but did not add the local language. Is this wrong?===
No, the inclusion of foreign languages and omission of the local language is not wrong as long as the information is correct and submitted in the correct language page. We recommend users include the local language if they are confident, but they are not obliged to do so.
===Can I add the same Wikipedia link to multiple language pages of an object?===
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 in the description section.
===When a place is written in several languages, but not mine, how do you determine which one to show me?===
There is a list of most popular languages. If there are several descriptions of one place on different languages the system automatically determines the most popular language among those which are available for that specific place.
===Someone wrote a good description in a place but it's in the wrong language page. What should I do with this?===
You should move the description to the correct language page. You can also translate the good description into your language, if you can.
===Can I remove a place's description in a particular language without deleting the entire place?===
Yes.
===What languages should I translate my place tag into?===
Into whatever you speak from the language list that opens when hover over two-letter country code at the top menu and clicking 'more languages'.
===The place I'm describing has different names in different languages. Which name should I use in my language?===
The proper one for you language. You should find the official name of the place in your language by way of a reputable, fact-based or official source and use it. If a place has an alternative/unofficial name that is commonly used by locals, you can note it in description or in parenthesis/brackets '()' after the official name. If a place does not have an official name at all, you can use its informal name as the main title in your language.

===I can see a number of different strange language codes at the bottom right of the object window, but how can I tell what they are?===
Those codes are [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO ISO] abbreviations for languages. If you hover a cursor over them and wait a bit you’ll see the whole language name.
===I have added a description in a new language for an existing place object, why hasn't it appeared in my list of created places?===
Only the initial object creation is counted as a created object statistic. Subsequent contributions will be logged as edit statistics.

=Languages (Interface)=

===I don't understand English. What can I do?===
Wikimapia is a multi-lingual website and supports 101 languages. Though the major discussions are held in English (i.e., on forum), you still can choose your interface language from the list and enjoy Wikimapia.
===How can I see Wikimapia (or mark places) in my own language?===
You need to change the interface language to your language by hovering over two-letter country code at the top menu then clicking 'more languages' and selecting your language.
===Why are some titles and tooltips in a different language?===
This means that there is no translation of these titles or tooltips in your language yet. You can translate them into your language if you like.
===How do I change the interface language?===
To change the interface language to your language, hover over two-letter country code at the top menu, click 'more languages' and select your language.
===How is the default language for my created places determined?===
When open a place tag the system will offer you to see the description on your interface language. If there is no description on your interface language then you'll see the tag on English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Finnish, Norwegian, Russian. If there is no description on any of these languages, then you'll see the description on available language.
===I'm using a non-English language interface in Wikimapia, but some words and phrases are in English. What can be done?===
You can translate them.
===Can I find out how many users use a certain language interface?===
There is no stats on such a case.
===When I look at the available languages, my language isn't there. What can be done about this?===
In this case you should contact Wikimapia Team. They will either add your language to the language list, or explain to you why it can't be done.
===How do I change the language on the map layer?===
You can change the language of your interface at the top menu and the map layer language will change automatically.

=Translations=

===How can I help translate the user interface into my language?===
You can go to [http://wikimapia.org/translate/ translation page] and become an editor. Please note, only users with user level 3 and higher (3+) can make translation edits.

===How can I find out the translation status of a certain language?===
You can find it on [http://wikimapia.org/translate/ translation page].

===I'm using a non-English language interface in Wikimapia, but some words and phrases are in English. What can be done?===
You can translate them to the language of your interface.

= Satellite Images =

===Why is the picture of my town/village so bad?===

Because the satellite imagery provided by Google in this area, is bad. We have no impact on it, unfortunately.

===Why can't I zoom in more in a certain area?===
Because the satellite imagery provider has no higher resolution pictures of this area.

===Can you update the map in my location because it is too blurry/low resolution quality?===
No, unfortunately we cannot, as satellite images are provided by Google. This means that we have no idea when Google will update the images. you can monitor the updated images on Google sites, however their help page says that this happens once in "approximately one to three years".
===How can I report an error with Google satellite imagery?===
Click on the 'Report a map error' button in the bottom right of the map, this takes you to Google's error report pages.
===How can we find out where Google has recently changed their images?===
You can try the [http://www.gearthblog.com blog do Google Earth] (English), where there is a link to the updates of recent images.
===When will the satellite images of my area get more detail?===
See previous
===When will the satellite images of my area be brought up to date?===
See previous
===Can I find out which place tags were most recently added?===
You can use Countries watchlist that you may find in 'tools' for these purpose.
===Why have all the place tags in my area shifted 10 meters to the west?===
Sometimes when Google updates its files, they can not line them up precisely with the old pictures. Take satellite photos of a spherical Earth and match these images on a flat map is not as easy as we would like. So sometimes, there are offsets. On such a case there is 'Satellite images updates list' tool (or Map Shift). It allows to fix those shifts of the map.
===What should I do when all the place tags in a certain area have been shifted 10 metres to the west?===
See previous.
=== I found a place where when I zoomed OUT it said "no imagery"?===
this means that the provider has no higher resolution imagery there.

=Place tools=

==Adding places==

===What is a "place object"?===
In WikiMapia, a local object is the word commonly used to refer to a location marked, ie, the rectangle with the title, description, etc.. In English, the word used is "tagged" as short for "place tag." In English, "tag" can also mean the field for the keywords.
===I've heard different names used for a place object e.g. "tag", "place mark, "place" etc. What name should I use?===
It's better to name it just Place or Object.

===How do I add a place?===
Select 'add a place' and a red polygon tool will appear. Draw a [[Tools#Polygons|polygon]], then add other information :
* choose Language carefully.
* Title is the name Wikimapia shows that when we hover over the place. Write something short, but representative.
* Description. For the description, as they say, 2 or 3 lines is already good.
* Links are good, but remember to start with "http://". Links must come to the end of the description, because they are considered secondary sources of information.
* Categories
And click the 'Save'.

* Photo

===Can I add my own house?===
You are allowed to mark a house as long as it has:
*an accurate outline
*a properly assigned category
*a recognizable address. This should be demonstrated by assigning a street name (via the Roads tool) and a building number in the Address section.

It is undesirable to add a personal house <u>if</u>:
#it does not possess interesting details
#you do not recognise the potential repercussions of disclosing personal details

===A ship which is anchored or stationed in a fixed location (prepositioning) has drifted slightly from its original position. Can I still mark it?===
Yes you can provided the ship maintains a fixed position near to the original location. For existing objects, if the map updates to indicate an anchored/prepositioned ship has drifted, you should update the change by redrawing the object's outline.
===Can I mark transmission towers/electricity pylons?===
Yes you can, transmission towers/electricity pylons are valid objects and can be marked. Please give them an accurate outline and the appropriate category.

===Which map provider should I use to mark objects?===

You can use any map source provided they are not incorrect nor illegal.

Since its inception in 2006, Wikimapia has always used Google Maps to plot its data layer as it was the only source available for five years. Presently, Wikimapia regards Google Maps imagery the best source in most cases.

Google Maps' satellite view is the default and the most widely used map view to mark objects in Wikimapia. We highly recommended that you use Google Satellite 'old places' view ('Satellite + old places' in Beta and 'Google satellite' with 'old places' checked in New Wikimapia) to ensure you don't duplicate the addition of an already marked object.

Finally, reality governs over all map sources. For example, if a building is demolished in real life, it should be marked as such even though the map may show it to still exist as a building.

===Which places should I tag?===
* Any non-movable place that exists at this particular moment in time.
** Planes, submarines, circuses and other movable objects may be added if they are <u>still</u> for at least a week.
** Permanently <u>still</u> or <u>stationed</u> ships which are moored or anchored can be marked even if they have drifted from an original position.
* A place must have at the very least a properly constructed outline.
* Settlement place tags such as cities, towns, villages and neighborhoods must have a properly assigned category.
* Historical/disappeared places. These '''must''' have the 'historical layer / disappeared object' category assigned to them.
* Newly constructed buildings, which are not visible on the satellite image. Use a different map provider with the latest images to verify the outline. If the newly constructed place is not visible on any map, try your best to mark the outline accurately.

Remember, reality governs over satellite images and map sources. If you can see and visit a place not visible on a map, you can still mark it.

===Which places should I not tag?===
Please think carefully before adding a place tag, there are certain things that are forbidden. Place tags that meet the following deletion criteria should not be added:

* An outline that does not mark any identifiable place.
* A historical/disappeared place <u>without</u> the 'historical layer / disappeared object' category.
* A planned building or road that has not entered the construction phase.
* Movable objects that are still for <u>less than a week</u>.
* A place tag that marks temporary or intangible events such as battles etc.
* A place tag that is a copy of another place tag.
* A personal/private residence that does not contain an address or useful information.


===What information should I provide in a place tag?===
You should provide any information that you find useful and valuable, if only it does not violate [[About_Wikimapia#Policies |Wikimapia guidelines]].

===What information should I not provide in a place tag?===
You should not provide any information that violates [[About_Wikimapia#Policies |Wikimapia guidelines]].

===How big should my place tag be?===
For the description 2 or 3 lines is already good. If you wrote a short title, then you can provide some more information here. If you are just adding the local Starbucks, then you could consider leaving the description blank ("everyone" knows what is a Starbucks, especially if you add the correct category in the box below the description), but put yourself in place of someone else in the world. and provide them with some information. Do not copy and paste a large section of text from other web pages, but instead, just provide the link. If you're describing an airport, for example, you must not copy and paste the entire Wikipedia article, including all airlines and all the cities that have flights there. Nobody will read it, but it certainly will make things difficult for people to look for Nairobi and find it mentioned in the description of the Amsterdam Airport.

===Can I add roads, railroads, rivers or even ferry routes with the place tool?===
'''No you should not''', you should use the linear tools to draw on the map. This is found under the '''Edit map''' drop down menu list, which is found at the top-left of the screen.
[[File:Edit map .jpg|200px|thumb|left|The Edit map drop down menu list]]

===I found something on the satellite image that I want to know what it is. Should I mark the place, and call it "What is this"?===
No you should not, if you do not know the place then you '''should not''' mark it.

===Should I tag a place that does not show up in the satellite image because it has just been built?===
Yes! Once the image is updated, the site will be there.
===Should we mark places that may be dangerous to visit?===
You can mark dangerous place as any other. You can also caution other users in description that this place is dangerous to visit.

===How do I use the categories section in a place object?===
Click [[User_interface#Categories|here]] for answers.

===I added some place tags 2 days ago, but only registered today. How do I get credit for the other place tags?===
Sorry, but there is no way. And after you add many others, you will not miss those credits.
===My place tag has disappeared!===
''See also: [[editing_places#Undeleting.2FPlace_restoration|Undeleting/Place restoration]]''

It might have been deleted. To see if it has click if so its best to click "Extras" then "Deleted Places" from your "username" menu drop down list. The map will switch to a view showing all deleted places; if your place has been deleted it can be viewed here.
[[File:Map type menu.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Your username > Extras > Deleted places]]

===Can I edit place tags created by other users? Can other users edit my place tags? If so, do I need to inform/ask permission before doing so?===
You can edit and needs no prompting to any user as well as they do not need to ask permission from you. But add good things and not change one point for a comma to stay with his name on the marker.
===How do I edit a description?===
Move your mouse over the desired location, click the left button in the upper left corner hover over the menu and then click Edit this page. After all done click the save button.
===When places change, ie. they move or discontinue business, is it best to indicate that or delete the place tag?===
Please see [[Help/FAQ#If_a_business.2C_shop.2C_store_etc.2C_moves_or_is_shut_down.2C_should_I_delete_the_defunct_place_object.3F |here]]

===I can't see the name of the last editor at the bottom of the place window?===
The name of the last editor can be seen in the history of the tag.

===In Old Wikimapia, why can't I see a user's name at the bottom of the window in some place objects?===
They were made by guests or unregistered user (UU).

===I found several place tags marking the same place. What do I do?===
Ask for the removal of the most most informative site (or recent and leave the oldest), thus respecting the establishment of the previous location.
A tip: put on the map '''Satellite + old places''' (to avoid a site already created is recreated again).

===Tall buildings in a city sometimes seem to be leaning sideways. How should I mark those locations?===
All buildings should be outlined at their base (ground level), regardless of whether their images appear to be leaning. When the images are from directly or nearly directly overhead, the roof edges may be used to approximate the ground level footprint if they have the same dimensions.

Tall buildings and structures like radio towers appear to "lean" because of the way they have been [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_Photography photographed] from the air. For further clarification, please read [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Adding/editing_places#Polygons this].

===Can I add places which do not exist any more?===
You can, but <u>only</u> if you:
*know the precise dimensions
*add the historical layer/disappeared place category
If the above requirements are lacking, you should not add non-existent places.

===Is there an easier way to find an area on the map which needs improving?===
To see what area needs improving you can use [[status grid]]. If you are interested in specific map area (ie., cause you are familiar with the area and can improve it better) we recommend you to add a [[Tools#Watchlist |watchlist]], so you can monitor the activity (new places, changes, deletions, etc) and know whether any new place needs to be improved.

===I found some places near the north/south pole! What is going on?===
Most are the result of vandals. Nevertheless, there is no valid markings indicating settlements and scientific stations.

===I don't know what to write in object description. Can I copy the title in description?===
No, because title information should remain in the title section. If you cannot provide a few descriptive words about the object then you may add its informal or unofficial name, if there is one.

===Should I mark tunnels and bridges with the polygon tool or the linear tools?===

Tunnels and bridges should only be marked with the polygon tool. Tunnels and bridges serve as specially constructed passageways for roads, railroads, footpaths, waterways etc. They are independent of linear features and will often have different names.

'''Tips for tunnels'''

#When marking a tunnel which cannot be seen due to its hidden or subterranean nature, be sure to mark it as accurately as you can with the polygon tool.
#Assign the tunnel with the [tunnel] and [invisible] category. The [invisible] category will render the tunnel invisible and is necessary to avoid visual overlapping if it passes under other places.
#The portion or segments of the linear feature which passes through the tunnel should be rendered with a minus or lower elevation level via the properties option.

<gallery caption="Tunnel gallery" widths="300px" heights="200px" perrow="4">
File:Polygon Tunnel.jpg|Invisible polygon visible via hovering cursor
File:Segment Tunnel.jpg|Tunnel segment of linear feature selected for lower elevation
File:Lower Elevation.jpg| Selecting lower elevation
File:Linear Tunnel.jpg|Polygon invisible, linear feature rendered with lower elevation indicated by transparent section
</gallery>

==Semi-Protection==

===The tag info tells me that the place is 'semi-protected'. What does that mean?===
Some tags are often vandalized and needs protection, this can only be done by [[Advanced Users]]. Registered users and unregistered users can not edit tags at all.

===When should I semi-protect an article?===
If a site has been the victim of vandalism the best place to ask for protection is this forum [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=164 thread]. Only advanced users can put on protective items (tags).

==Polygons==

===Why can't I add more points to a polygon?===
There are limitations on the total number of polygon dots you can add depending on your user level:

*'''Level 0 users''': 200 dots
*'''Level 1-8 users''': 500 dots
*'''Advanced users''': 2,500 dots

===Why can't I create big polygons and why do I get the message: "Too big polygon"?===
There are limitations on the polygon size you can make depending on your [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Community#User_levels User Level.]

===Can I revert a polygon to the state before it was vandalized?===
Yes you can. You can do this by applying the correct polygon state of a previous revision as current.
===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.
===I don't understand guideline 1.2. "A place must have at least a properly constructed outline"?===
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.
===I tried to add new points to a polygon, but I failed. What is the reason? (150 points limitation)===
Regular users can draw up to 500 dots per polygon. When adding new dots to a polygon you should stick to the same limit, which means that total number of dots (first+added) should not overdraw 500 dots.
===Due to the polygon limit can I add several polygons and use them as "jigsaw pieces" (terrain patches) to construct a larger object?===
No. A polygon should mark an object (named or unnamed) with its own identifiable outline. Using smaller fictitious objects to construct a larger object because of a polygon limitation is not permissible. The practice of "jigsaw piecing" or "terrain patching" does not comply with Wikimapia Guidelines clause 1.2. Furthermore, the deletion of such places becomes necessary as per the deletion clauses 3.1 and 3.2 of the Wikimapia Guidelines.
However, smaller interlocking and tessellating polygons can be marked if they represent recognizable places in their own right.

===I added a polygon for a place but my edit count stayed the same. Why?===
When you add a polygon to a place this reflects in line 'Polygons added to places without a polygon' in profile 'Stats', not in edit count.

===Can I use polygons as arrows or waymarkers to indicate the route or direction of a place?===
No. This is because arrows and waymarkers aren't real places with definable outlines. Polygons should not be manipulated to indicate anything other than the outline of a place.

===How do I rotate a polygon?===
*'''1''': Select menu resize outline.
*'''2''': Right click on a point and select rotate.
*'''3''': Rotate until polygon is in desired position.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|AuEvbaa8AvE}}</center>

==Comments==

===Am I free to make any comment?===
You are free to add comments as long as they are kept clean (no profane or obscene language), and are not directed at another user in a negative manner.

''Also see: [[editing_places#Comments | Comments]] and [[Comment Guidelines]]''

===How do I delete a bad comment?===
Only [[Advanced Users]] and users who are level 5+ can delete comments. If you find a bad comment you think should be deleted you can report it [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1258 Here].

<center>{{#ev:youtube|AYQQIBlua9s}}</center>

===Why are the authors of some comments shown as blue links, but others are just black?===
Guests usernames are black, registered users have blue username links, which direct to their profile pages.

==Photos==

===How do I add photos?===
Open place description, hover over ‘menu’ at the top and click ‘add/manage photos’. Here you can upload new photos and delete old ones. '''Remember''': photos that violate [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| photo policies]] or just do not refer to the place will be deleted.

===How do I know when a photo was taken?===
You can only know who and when uploaded it (it is written below the photo). You may ask a user, who uploaded a photo, when it was taken, but we can not guarantee that he will answer for sure.

===Can I make notes about a photograph?===
No, unfortunately this feature is not available yet. You can only give it a name, when uploading it, and leave a comment with your notes below the photo.

===Which photos should be deleted?===
You should delete those photos that violate [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| photo policies]] or just do not refer to the place.

As you can upload only 7 photos for every object it is also permitted and even encouraged to delete photos of bad quality if only you can replace them with better quality photos.

===How do I delete a bad photo?===
Click on the tag where you have found the bad photo, hover the cursor over '''menu''' at the top and then click on '''add/manage photos'''. In the tab where you see '''Current photos''' hover the cursor over the bad photo, then a '''Delete''' button should appear underneath the photo, click on it and the bad photo will get deleted. It is to be noted, that this is the same place where you can upload a new photo.

===How can I tell which place tags contain photos?===
You can not. But you can filter all places by ‘places '''without''' photos’ category and see which places do not have photos. Therefore all places without red marks contain photos.

===Can I add a video of a place?===
Yes, you can provide a link from youtube.com in place description, it will be shown with a YouTube embedded player and a preview.

===Under what conditions can I use the "free" images from Wikimedia Commons?===
Click [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Licensing here] for answers.

===Can I add photos to linear objects: to streets, rivers, railways?===
Yes.
===If I edit or remove copyright, attribution and watermarks from copyrighted photos, can I still use them?===
Absolutely not! Images where copyright information has been defaced or removed is unlawful. The submission of such images is prohibited.
===Can I use images taken from Google Street View and other similar street view services?===
Images from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competition_of_Google_Street_View street view services] such as Google Street View, Yandex etc. can only be used if you have satisfied their copyright policies for redistribution and Wikimapia's own policies for [[Photos | hosting ]] such images. Non-compliant images used in Wikimapia should be updated with the necessary attribution details or removed.

==Deletion==

===How do I delete a place?===
Places can be deleted by selecting 'Delete place' under 'Menu' in the object's window. Please be aware that you may only delete a place as per the deletion reasons (under 3. Deleting tags) of the [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Guidelines].

<center>{{#ev:youtube|vKk8Z7k0CXU}}</center>

===What actions are acceptable, or even encouraged, when deleting place tags?===
Before deleting an object, read the [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| Wikimapia Policies]] carefully to make sure you are doing everything right. If you have any doubts about deleting a place you can discuss it on the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum] or ask an [[ Community#Advanced_Users | Advanced User]] for advice.

===I found some places that should be deleted, but I can't delete them since I am only a regular user (RU). What should I do?===
If you can’t delete an object, it might be under an AU protection. You should contact an AU, explain you reasons and ask for help.

===How long does it take for a "deleted" place to actually disappear entirely?===
After you made a request to delete an object the system will inform you in what time the place will be deleted on the place page. Usually it takes five days (if removed by a regular user) and couple of hours (if removed by an AU). Between deletion request and actual disappearance of the object, a user can cancel the deletion by clicking on ‘cancel’ button.

===How do I know if one of my places has been deleted?===
You can check your Stats tab in your profile window. Your created places which are deleted will be shown via the counter next to <tt>'''Deleted from them:'''</tt>
===Do deleted places still show up on my list of created places?===
Yes. If someone deleted your places they still will be written in ‘Places and streets created’ line (and ‘Deleted from them’ line as well), but they will be marked as deleted and you won’t get experience point for them.

===How many places can I delete per day/week?===
It depends on your user level. On the first user level you can delete three places in one hour only. UL 2 - ten objects in ~16 minutes, UL3 - twenty objects in ~13 minutes, UL4 - thirty in 5 minutes, UL5+ - eighty in 2 minutes, AUs can delete 200 objects in 90 seconds.

===I found two tags which mark the same place, which one should be kept and which one should be deleted?===
Double-check them to see if they are in fact duplicates. Similarities with titles or polygon sizes does not necessarily mean they are duplicates, one tag may mark one part of the place while another may mark a different part of the same place e.g. a building and its external property or two different objects on the same property.

If you have double-checked the duplicates and concluded they are copies marking the same place, then the oldest tag should be kept (edited and improved if necessary) and the newer tag deleted if all other factors are equal. "if all other factors are equal" means evaluating both tags against each other and determining if the balance of their "weight" or "value" is more or less level. Factors to be considered are:

* creation by registered user or "guest"
* duplication circumstances? (was duplication innocent or intentional?)
* polygon existence
* polygon accuracy/complexity
* description quality
* number of photos (and their relevance & quality)
* number of languages added to the titles and descriptions and the "quality" of those descriptions
* inclusion of child objects if tag is a parent building
* number of relevant comments
* use of address
* use of relevant categories
* building checkbox checked if tag is a building
* use of Wikipedia articles

The decision to judge one tag against another one is not straightforward. Always try to assume good faith and use common-sense to assess the circumstances as this often helps to reach the right decision. If you're still unsure, please seek advice by creating a topic in the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=3 Correction support forum].

===If a business, shop, store etc, moves or is shut down, should I delete the defunct place object?===
If the building <u>still</u> exists, and it hasn't been demolished, it should '''not''' be deleted. We recommend you update the place object's article by describing its present function. It is essential you update its title, description, address and category to reflect the change.
===Can I undelete a non-compliant place object and re-purpose/convert it into an acceptable one?===
The practice of salvaging a deleted place object and reassigning its identity is forbidden <u>'''if'''</u> the newer object is:
*situated at a different location from the original
*has a completely different function to the original

All objects must be marked with their own outlines and are treated as individual objects. For example, the place object for a jetty (which has rotted away) cannot be converted into a lake or boat house - it must be deleted (<u>unless</u> the jetty is rebuilt). The lake and boat house must be marked separately with their own place object identities.

Recycling obsolete objects and reusing them may seem desirable but ultimately defeats the object of populating Wikimapia's map and database with unique places and overall place count respectively. The exceptions to this rule are:
*an <u>existing</u> place can be re-purposed within one day of its creation if a user has marked it erroneously
*a deleted place whose deletion reason is invalid can be restored and edited to reflect its current status

The wilful and persistent act of undeleting place objects and recycling them into compliant objects is forbidden. In addition, the premeditated act of abusing the aforementioned exceptions is also forbidden.

===In China many place tags are marked ?????(cn). Should I delete them?===
No, you should not delete them. Seeing such symbols simply means that your computer does not support Chinese symbols.

===Why do deleted objects still show up in Google search results?===
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 [http://support.google.com/websearch/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=164734&ctx=cb&src=cb&cbid=-1lfw27a3ux1tz here].



=Linear Tools=

===Can I add extinct or proposed linear works?===
No. You can only add linear features which exist in reality and (in the case of transport linear features) must be functional as a complete thoroughfare or route for pedestrian and/or vehicular conveyance.

===Can I mark tunnels and bridges with the linear tools?===
No. See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Help/FAQ#Should_I_mark_tunnels_and_bridges_with_the_polygon_tool_or_the_linear_tools.3F this]

==Roads==

===I cannot add roads===
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 or edit previously created objects. 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 [[Community#User_levels| 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 [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=4 here] and a bug report [http://wikimapia.org/special_pages/user_reports/?action=list&type=0 here].

===Should I add multiple road segments to mark individual lanes in a road?===
Only if a physical divider is present between those lanes. Otherwise use segment options to set lanes number.

===Can I mark parking lots, airport taxiways and runways with the road tool?===
No you should not, the road tool is specifically designed to mark road types.

===What road type should I use to mark a road?===
Depending on the type of the road (dirt road, courtyard road, street/low traffic, road/high traffic, highway).

===Am I allowed to enter the zip/post code in the title field along with the road name?===
You should really not, however you may include the zip/post codes in the description field.

==Railroads==
This tool allow you to map the railway segments onto the map page. To have more information about the use of this tool, please see [[Tools#Railroads|Railroads]] section

==Rivers==
===Can I add a polygon for a river whose sides are too complex for the riverside feature?===
No. You cannot add polygons for a river since the river tool is designed for this purpose and only it should be used for linear water bodies. Instead, the riverside feature should be shaped accurately as possible to cover the expanse of the complex river.

The only instance where you may add a polygon is for intersections (confluences) or the point where a river drains into a larger water body such as a lake. Be sure to use the correct category(s) for water bodies marked with a polygon.
===Can I add multiple river lines for one river?===
No. You can only add one river line per river. The only instance where you can use more than one river line is if you are marking an intersection or confluence from an existing river line.

==Ferry==

===Can I use the ferry tool to mark rivers and vice versa?===
'''No'''. This tool is only for the mapping of genuine ferry routes. To map river you must use the river tool.
==Edit Summary==

===What is the edit summary section I can see in the edit window of all tags?===

See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Tools#Edit_Summary here].

===Can I make a comment which has nothing to do with an edit?===

No. You can only make edit summaries.

=Interface=

==Wikimapia Screen==

===How do I use all those things on the Wikimapia screen?===
Click [[User_interface#About_the_Wikimapia_Main_Screen| here]] for answers.

===When I look at place's description page, there is a line near the top that says, for example, "World/xxxxx/yyyyy/zzzzz". What is this telling me?===

This is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadcrumb_%28navigation%29 breadcrumb] line or "world string". It shows a list of places according to their administrative levels. '''Please be aware''' this list may '''not''' show the native administrative levels of the place object, so it should only be referred to as an approximation of places near to the place object. Errors cannot be corrected.

[[File:Breadcrumb line.png|center|thumb|The breadcrumb line may '''not''' be accurate|550px]]

===The breadcrumb navigation is wrong/not showing the correct place name?===
See above.

===What is 'Hotel booking' in the menu under my username?===
‘Hotel booking’ is a useful tool for tourists. If you are planning to visit any specific place in short time, you can find it on the map and click on ‘Hotel booking’ under your username. Afterwards you will see all hotels marked with special icons. This allows you to choose and book a hotel depending on its geographical position. Click on any hotel and see its page on booking.com.

===What is Distance Measure and what can I do with it?===
It is a tool which allows to measure the distance between two points. To do this you need to mark on the map both points or a detailed route from one point to another and the system will calculate its length. Afterwards you may send the link of what you see on the map to your friend by sending URL of the page on the top of your browser.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|0yRgQnVyhxE}}</center>

===What are those buttons underneath the menu bar?===
Those are [[Tools#Adding_place| Add place]], Distance measure (see previous) and [[User_interface#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels| Zoom]].

===What are all those options under the 'Map type' menu?===
Those are different map types that you can choose depending on what you are searching for.

===What are all those options under the 'Categories' menu?===
Those are categories that system offers you on default. If you are searching for a category that is not in the list, you need to type it in ‘Search categories’ bar or find it in ‘Categories hierarchy’ in tools.

===Why is the tooltip (when I hover over a place) not always the same as its title?===
Actually, they should be the same. If they are not, please, [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ report] about it.

===What do the red dots under the names of places mean?===
Red dot under an object name means that the object is a city.

===What are the icons in some places and what do they mean?===
These are category icons, they are shown even if you do not using category filter. If you want to know their meaning open ‘Rendering of categories’ in ‘tools’ section.

==User Profile/Account==

===Why should I register?===
While you are an unregistered user of Wikimapia you can use a limited amount of tools and options only. Since you are registered you can gain experience points, advance your user level and get access to new tools. Besides, only registered users can post on forum.

===Do you have any advice for new members?===
Yes, you can read them [[Quick_start#Advice_for_new_users| here]].

===It says in my profile that I created 106 places. But I can only count 82. What happened to the other places I've created?===
Apparently they were deleted, so you can find them in ‘Deleted from them’ line.

===Can I see how many places I have deleted?===
In stats section in your profile you can see the list of all your actions including ‘Places requested to be deleted’ and ‘Place deletion requests cancelled’.

===How do I mark my own location? Why should I?===
To mark your location find ‘Choose your location’ at the top of your profile page. Then choose your location by positioning the map and placing the marker. Location may be approximate for privacy. Your location will be visible to other users, so they could figure out where are you from.

===How do I delete a message someone sent me?===
Unfortunately you cannot delete a message, it will stay permanently in your inbox.

===Is there any way I can change my user name? I hate this one!===
This is not an easy task. You really should have thought of this before registering! If you really have a good reason, you must send an e-mail administrators in WikiMapia@gmail.com. They may be able to help you. Otherwise, you have two options: 1) Learn to live with it, or 2) abandon the account and start a new, re-registering.
===Someone has stolen my Wikimapia account and password. What can I do?===
Send e-mail to administrators in WikiMapia@gmail.com. Ask to have your password reset. Remember that the thief may have changed your e-mail, so be prepared to give evidence that you really are the original owner of the account. And be ready to apologize for who the thief might have offended
===I don't want to be part of Wikimapia any more. How do I delete my account?===
Unfortunately you cannot delete your account, alternatively you may want to change your password to something you will not be able to remember easily or you can stop visiting Wikimapia altogether which is even more easier.

==Place Search==

===How do I search for something?===
Type the name of the place you're looking for in the search box in the Wikimapia Menu Bar at the top of your screen, and press the <tt>'''Search'''</tt> button. A list results matching your query shall be returned in the sidebar. You can also tailor your searches by location or coordinates by choosing the respective tabs underneath the search box in the sidebar.
===How can I use Wikimapia to search for hotels on my travels?===
There are three ways to search for hotels:
*Type the name of a hotel or simply type "hotel" in the search box and click the button with the search icon
*Type "hotel" in the category search box and select "hotel" in the dropdown suggestion list
*Under your username, select "Extras" and then "Hotel booking"

==Categories==

===What are Categories?===
Category filter is a tool that allows you to search for places of one type (ie. bars, hospitals, etc) by their category.

===How do I search for something?===
You just need to hover over ‘Categories’ on the top menu and either choose the category you are looking for (if its shown) or search it in ‘Search categories’ bar. Then you’ll see that all the places on the map that fit your category will we have red marks. To quit a category search click ‘cancel’ on the bottom of the map.

===How can I find, for example, theaters in one city?===
See previous
===What categories should I use if the place object's function changes?===
Always use the category which best describes the primary function of the place object. For example, where the following occurs:

* A house is bought by a banking company and turned into a bank
* A shop moves into an air raid shelter
* An old mansion is converted into a museum

You would do the following:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Previous place object function !! New place object function !! Previous category (to be removed)!! New category
|-
| <center>House</center> || <center>Bank</center> || <center>[house]</center> || <center>[bank]</center>
|-
| <center>Air raid shelter</center> || <center>Shop</center> || <center>[air raid shelter]</center> || <center>[shop / store]</center>
|-
| <center>Old mansion</center> || <center>Museum</center> || <center>[manor / mansion / villa]</center> || <center>[museum]</center>
|}

===Can I use a special category to alter a place object visually?===
See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/User_interface#Important_notes here].

= User Tools =

==Watchlists==

===How do I create a watchlist?===
To create a watchlist go to [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/ Tools] click on watchlist then click add, outline the area you wish to watch, enter a name and click save. You can navigate back to see your watchlist's this way.

===Is there a limit to the number of watchlist's I can create?===
No, there is not limit to the number of watchlist's you can create.

=Community=

==Forum==

===When can I join in the forum discussions?===
As soon as you are registered.
===Why am I not able to post into the forum?===
Every regular user can post into the forum. If you can not then you are either an unregistered user or you were banned on forum for [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=7521 guidelines of Wikimapia forum] violation.

===Should I ask a question anywhere in the forum, or should I start a new topic? ===
If there is already a topic that refers to your question, you can post your question there. You should start a new thread only if there is no topic alike. Remember: Off-topic posts may be deleted by moderators.
===How can I make sure that someone sees my posting in the forum? (should I post it in all sections?) ===
There is no way to '''guarantee''' that someone will certainly see your posting, but new postings usually appear on the top of the forum page, so users '''might''' see them.
===I posted a message in the forum, but I have changed my mind. Can/should I delete it? ===
You can delete your message only during a short period of time after posting. In other situation you can not delete your messages, only [[Community#Forum_moderators| forum moderators]] have such power. So you can contact one of them and explain the reason why your message needs to be deleted.

===I added a photo to my profile, but my forum posting still shows "no foto"? ===
Wait for a while. It may take some time.
===I remember seeing something discussed in the forum last week, but now I can't find it. Is it possible to find it again? ===
On such a case there is a search bar at the top right corner of the forum page.

===Why do forum messages always run off the right side of my screen?===
The forum is designed for a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher. If yours is set to less than this, the forum display will be wider than your screen.

===How can I make a text bold, italicize or underline it?===
You will have to use square brackets [][/]

*for bold: [b]text[/b]
*to italicize: [i]text[/i]
*to underline: [u]text[/u]

===How to embed images?===
to embed image: [img]url goes here[/img]

==Other Users==

===How do I find out where another user lives===
If a user marked his\her location you may figure out where is he\she from. Otherwise, you need to ask directly to the user, but be ready for a disappointment, since many users prefer to keep your privacy.

===How can I contact another user?===
Find it (a) in the forum or on a map of users, or the link somewhere that he (a) has described or discussed. Click on your username. This will open the user profile that you want to contact. Click "send message to this user", type your message in the text box and click the "send message". The message you sent is shown above a new text box empty. That's it: do not click the button "send message" again. If you have already sent a message to this user, you name it (a) will be on your list of contacts: open your profile, click on "Messages", find the desired user name and proceed from there.
===How do I contact a user if I only know his username?===
You can find him/her by rank. Find 'Users rank' in a 'tools' section in your profile. In the window that opens, there is a search field 'Search username'. Enter the user name and click 'search'. Note that the name must exactly match the user (no matter, however, if the letters are uppercase or lowercase). If you have trouble finding it, you can ask for help from other users in the forum. Maybe some of us may find the desired user.

===How can I find out the email address linked to a user account?===
You can not. This information is private. You will not find any e-mail here. The only way is to ask the user, by sending him a message.
===I have a disagreement with another user. What should I do?===
Bring the items to the forum. We will mediate the "ceasefire" between you and another user.
===Someone keeps editing my places!===
If you have a dispute, please notify the fellow user and moderators in the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php Wikimapia Forum]. They'll try to resolve issues, but only if parties are willing to discuss their sides of the issue accurate and fairly.

===What is a sockpuppet?===
English Wikipedia page says: "sockpuppet is an online identity used in order to deceive the other members of a virtual community. In its initial use, a "sockpuppet" was a false identity through which a member of a community on the Internet manifests itself while pretending that it does not, as does a puppeteer manipulating a puppet. In WikiMapia, a "sockpuppet" is someone who has a second account.

===Is it acceptable to have a sockpuppet?===
For most users, no. However, there are users who have higher levels "sockpuppets" for experiments. They are useful in this regard.

==User Levels==

===What is the difference between user levels?===
The higher user level you are the more tools and options are available for you.

===What are the advantages & responsibilities of being an advanced user?===
Receiving Advanced User Status will grant you access to following tools and privileges:
#Ban tool
#Protection
#Deletion/restoration of comments
#Faster object deletion
#Up to 2.500 points per polygon
#The ability to vote on AU's promotion

Being an Advanced User means you need to look after the map. For example, coordinate and encourage users, help new users, arrange debates, keep track of changes on the map, i. e. editing or deleting objects and comments, set temporary protection on objects in case of edit wars.

===How do I become an advanced user?===

Any user with level 5 or + may become advanced users and his/her candidacy (it will be offered automatically) will be put to vote. If current Advanced Users decide that a person has demonstrated him/herself as a competent editor and can help Wikimapia by taking additional responsibilities and powers he/she will be invited in Advanced Users group.

===Will a high rank qualify me to become an advanced user?===
A high rank itself can not make you an advanced user. Though the more you contribute to Wikimapia the higher is you rank, so the closer the moment that you may be offered to become an advanced user..
===How many places do I have to mark to become an advanced user?===
All these questions have the same answer: There is no magic number you need to achieve because the promotion AU is a manual process done by administrators, and this is not automatic, regardless of what numbers you have.

===How many good votes do I need to become an advanced user?===
See previous
===How long should one be a regular user to become an advanced user?===
See previous
===Why is my account marked as limited/banned?===
If you were banned you’ll get a notification message, that explains the reasons and proofs of your ban. In addition, you’ll see a red window on the right of your profile page that notifies you about the reasons and details of limitation.

===How can I tell what user level a user is?===
In profile of every user there is a number of his user level.

===Can a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sockpuppet_%28Internet%29 sockpuppet] (clone) account apply for AU status?===
No, it cannot. Only a personal account (one account per individual) can apply for AU status if it is eligible for application. This is not applicable to separate accounts belonging to different individuals who live in the same household or use the same IP address.

===Can advanced user test accounts apply for AU status?===
It is strictly forbidden for Advanced user duplicate accounts (openly declared for test purposes) to apply for promotion.

==Vandalism==

===What is vandalism?===
Deliberate actions aimed to corrupt information.
Vandalism can take many forms. For example: removing correct, useful information from place tags, or adding false or offensive information. Deleting correct and useful tags, moving tags away from their correct locations, adding offensive photos, adding/re-shaping polygons so that they depict nonsensical/obscene shapes and replacing a place tag's description with one in a different language (instead of adding the new language), '''deliberately''' creating duplicate place tags, all constitute vandalism. Disrupting the forum is also considered vandalism.

===My place tag has been vandalised. What should I do?===

Post a message with the details in the section [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=f802b804ce555a2827b8ac22ae804645 User behaviour and vandalism] Forum WikiMapia. We're here to help.

===How can I revert the tag to the state before it was vandalised?===
Find ‘History’ in ’menu’ in place tag, find the revision that you think is a vandalism and click ‘Undo this revision’.

===How do restore a vandalized description to what it used to be?===
See previous

===Is is possible to protect articles that are vandalized often?===

Yes. Advanced User can "semiprotect" a place. If you want a place to be semi-protected, then send a request in the section [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=f802b804ce555a2827b8ac22ae804645 Correction support] forum.

==Banning==

===What is a ban?===
A limitation caused by disregarding, violation or misinterpretation of the rules.

===If I am banned and believe that I do not deserve it, What can I do?===
Restrictions and banning are applicable to users who infringe Wikimapia's policies. Read [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| the policies]] and make sure that you didn't violate any of them. If not, contact an AU and explain your reasons. AUs have the power to ban and unblock users, so he/she might help you.

===How can I report a bad user so that he/she is banned quickly?===
You should contact an AU and explain your reasons. AUs have the power to ban users, so he/she might help you.

==Voting==

===Why should I vote for a user?===
You should vote for a user if you want to provide a positive feedback about his/her contributions to Wikimapia, to encourage a user.
===How do I vote for a user?===
If you have 2+ user level you can vote for other users. Click on a user profile page, click on ‘votes about user’ and you’ll see a green voting form above a list of users who have already voted for a user.

===When can I start to vote for people?===
As soon as you are 2+ level
===Is there a reason I can't vote for users?===
No, there is no such a reason. You can freely vote for a user if you want.
===Is it proper to ask for votes?===
No. Voting for someone means you want to provide a positive feedback about users contributions to Wikimapia. So asking for votes is poor behavior.
===How can I get more votes?===
The more valuable places and useful information you add the more people would like to vote for you
===Someone gave me a good vote. Should I do the same for her/him?===
If you find that user deserving a good vote for his efforts on Wikimapia. If not - do not vote for a user only just to thank him for his good vote for u.
===How do I remove an unwanted vote?===
You may delete an unwanted vote if open the list of users, who voted for you, in your profile.

===Someone said I voted too frequently. Is there a limit?===
No there is no such a limit. However it is considered bad etiquette to give votes to others just to receive more yourself, only vote for user if you feel they do good work.

===Should I give a good vote to a user who is No.1 in the ranking system?===
No this is not necessary. The ranking system calculates a user's rank based on the quantity of his/her contributions. The ranking system does not calculate quality and therefore it is undesirable and illogical to give votes based on the assumption 'quantity equals quality' because it is impossible to determine quality without meticulous scrutiny. You may use your votes freely, but be aware that voting without due consideration or simply abusing the voting system shall affect your reputation and credibility.

Tip: Always judge the merits of a user's work, not the frequency.

=Error Messages=

==="You have reached the limit for this action. You need to wait for seconds"===

[[File:Error_Message_Type_1_Final.png]]

There is a limit on similar actions that a user can do within a certain period of time (i.e. a newly registered user can only delete three places in an hour). Please consult [[Community#User_levels| User Levels]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=1 Error Message Page]

==="You can not use this feature because you are banned (see details)"===

[[File:Error Message Type 2.png]]

This message means that you have been banned and are restricted from performing or accessing the selected feature.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=2 Error Message Page]

==="To use this function please login or create an account===

[[File:Error Message Type 3.png]]

You must create a Wikimapia account or login to your existing account to use the selected function.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=3 Error Message Page]

==="Your experience level is too low to use this function"===

[[File:Error Message Type 4.png]]

Your experience level is too low to use the selected function. Please consult [[Community#User_levels| User Levels]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=4 Error Message Page]

==="You are not allowed to use this function"===

[[File:Error Message Type 5.png]]

You are not allowed to use the selected function. This could be due to various reasons such as your user level, account status or the required special role. Please consult [[Community#User_levels| User Levels]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=5 Error Message Page]

==="To use this function please activate your account. Check your mailbox for activation e-mail. If you didn't receive activation message, please check that your email is correct and request another activation message from your profile settings."===

[[File:Error Message Type 6.png]]

To use the selected function you must activate your Wikimapia account (this is required for most Wikimapia functions). Check your mailbox for activation e-mail. If you didn't receive activation message, please check that your email is correct and request another activation message from your profile settings

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=6 Error Message Page]

==="Sorry, this object is temporary protected in response to an ongoing high risk of vandalism."===

[[File:Error Message Type 7.png]]

The object that you are trying to edit has been temporarily protected by an Advanced User. Please see [[Tools#Protection| Protection]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=7 Error Message Page]

==="Too big/long polygon"===
There are limitations on the total number of polygon dots you can add depending on your user level:

*'''Level 0 users''': 200 dots, ~31.64 km²
*'''Level 1-8 users''': 500 dots, ~244.14 km²
*'''Advanced users''': 2,500 dots, ~996,006 km²

==="You must remove the child objects before deleting the object"===
This message means you can not delete an object as there are child objects that refer to it. You need to delete them first.

==="Wikimapia has just updated! Please reload the page or press shift + ctrl R in order to apply fixes and enjoy new features"===

This message means that Admins have just made some changes in Wikimapia, so you need to reload the page to see the updated version of Wikimapia.

==="External link. You are about to leave Wikimapia.org and visit ''(Website Name)''. This link was added by users and Wikimapia takes no responsibility for any of its contents."===

[[File:External Link Page.png]]

[http://wikimapia.org/external_link?url= Error Message Page]

=External=

===Can I see Wikimapia places on Google Earth?===
Yes. You can download Wikimapia layer on Google Earth.

===Can I place part of the map on my own web page?===

Yes! Find the screen you want to place on your page. Place your mouse over "WikiMapia" in the upper left corner and select "Map on your page" A popup window will appear with the corners of a rectangle. Just push the corners of the rectangle to resize the box and then copy the html code that is shown and paste it into your page.

===Can I use Wikimapia with a GPS device?===
No, unfortunately this feature is not available yet.

===What browser do you recommend to use with Wikimapia?===

Any modern one, Google Chrome, Firefox 3.6+, IE9+, Opera, Safari.

===How do I make a jpeg or bmp shot of specific part of the map?===
First, check the licence of satellite photos provider, then capture the screen and transfer the picture into whatever format you need.

===I want to send a Wikimapia page to a friend. How do I do that?===
If you want to send a link to a specific area of Wikimapia map use URL of the page on the top of your browser.
===I clicked a Wikimapia link that someone gave me. Why am I seeing all place descriptions in Spanish now?===

The person who sent you the link used Spanish as their language. Place your mouse over "WikiMapia" and select "Change language". Select the language you want.

===How can I print the map with the names of the locations (without using another application to overlay the points and names)?===

The best you can do is capture the screen and print it.

=Advertising=

===Can I advertise a place in Wikimapia?===
See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/About_Wikimapia#Advertising here]
===I own a business. Can I tag it?===
Yes, you can tag it. You can give factual information: company name, address, what you do or sell, how long has the company, a link to its website, that sort of thing. You should not include promotional material ("the best in town", "good prices", prices in general ...), that would '''be considered propaganda'''. On the other hand, you can say: "See my website for availability and prices."
===What is the policy on advertising land for sale?===
The advertising of land for sale is not allowed under any circumstances. This means it is forbidden to advertise using Wikimapia's map tools, description and comments sections of place/linear objects, the Forum, the Blog or any other intellectual property belonging to Wikimapia.

However, Wikimapia allows advertising through its [http://wikimapia.org/ads Ad] service. Please be aware that it is subject to [http://wikimapia.org/ads/help/advertising_requirements conditions].

{{Back to Main Page}}

Help/FAQ

2015-08-06T16:22:47Z

RK77: /* My place tag has disappeared! */ Increased image size

{{Languages|Help/FAQ}}
{{Navbox user guide}}
Welcome to FAQ!

If you are a new or inexperienced user, we acknowledge it will take you time to understand the rules and to use Wikimapia's features properly. You may have many questions which need answering or you might need a pointer just to help you get back on track.

We therefore present the FAQ so that it can address your queries as well as covering the essential basics required to make your experience in Wikimapia a well-informed, compliant and pleasant one.
{{TOC limit|3}}
=Basic Philosophy=

===What is Wikimapia for?===
Wikimapia aimed to mark all geographical objects in the world and provide a useful description for them, so that anyone can share his knowledge and freely explore the world.
===Who is Wikimapia for?===
Anyone who is interested in exploring the world or like to share his or her knowledge with everyone who uses Wikimapia.

===What is the basic ideology of Wikimapia?===
To make yourself aware of Wikimapia basic ideology we recommend you to click [[About_Wikimapia| here]].

===What are the guidelines for using content from Wikimapia?===
According to Wikimapia [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ License] you may use Wikimapia content as you like (for sharing, recasting, transforming or adapting in any form recognizably derived from the original for any use). We also encourage you to build your work upon Wikimapia data and require its further distribution under the same or similar license to this one.

===Is it WikiMapia or Wikimapia?===
This website is usually more referred to as '''Wikimapia'''.

===How can I help?===
There many ways to contribute to Wikimapia. [[Adding/editing places]] is already a great help. You can also help translating the interface into your language, report about bugs in [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ reports list] or become an [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Community#Special_roles advanced user (moderator)] to help other users.

===Am I allowed freedom of expression if it is contrary to Wikimapia's philosophy?===
Wikimapia, being a Wiki, allows freedom of expression through its flexible philosophy. You are within your rights to harbour personal beliefs which are contrary to the philosophy; however, you should be aware actions which contravene the philosophy are not acceptable. By using Wikimapia's services you explicitly agree to abide by its policies, of which the philosophy is a binding principle. Wilful or persistent violations of Wikimapia's policies may result in account restriction or termination.

=Help=

=== How can I become a member? ===

To become a member simply select 'Login/Register' from the Wikimapia menu and follow the instructions. You will need to choose a unique username, provide a valid email address and submit a password.

Once you have chosen a password, make sure you keep it safe and secret.

===How can I get help using Wikimapia?===
First of all you should read Wikimapia Docs and [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Guidelines] carefully. If you still can’t get the answer to your question send a message to an [[Community#Advanced_Users|Advanced User]] or you can also ask for help on the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum].

===Who is an admin?===
Admins are the members of the [[Community#Wikimapia_Team| Wikimapia team]].

===How can I get help from admin?===
First, make sure that a moderator or an advanced user (AU) can not help you. Then send admins a message or email on contact@wikimapia.org

=Wikipedia content=

===What are the guidelines for using content from Wikipedia?===
Articles quality on Wikipedia fit Wikimapia demands. So you can certainly use Wikipedia while describing a place or give a link to Wikipedia article.
===Cutting and pasting an entire Wikipedia article into a Wikimapia description box is a great idea, right?===
Giving a link to the article is more than enough, there is no need to repeat things twice.

=Languages (Object Language Pages)=

===How can I add a missing language to a tag?===
[http://wikimapia.org/docs/Adding_places#Language Adding languages] is easy. Simply select 'Menu' > 'Add another language' in a place window, or you can select 'edit info in other language >>' in a place edit window. Choose your desired language from the list and proceed to add information as usual in the chosen language.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|GAOCM_72wHc}}</center>

===I found a place described in a language I do not know, but I want to know what was written. What can I do?===
You can try and translate it with Google Translate or any available dictionary.
===Can I add information in my local language in a different language page?===
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.
===Someone has added a place in my country and written it in a foreign language. Can I delete it?===
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.
===Do I have to add the local language in a tag even though I have added the information in another language?===
No you do not have to add the local language; the information you add in any language must be correct. However, if you are comfortable with the local language, it is recommended (not compulsory) you provide the information in that language too!
===Someone added a tag in a foreign language in my country but did not add the local language. Is this wrong?===
No, the inclusion of foreign languages and omission of the local language is not wrong as long as the information is correct and submitted in the correct language page. We recommend users include the local language if they are confident, but they are not obliged to do so.
===Can I add the same Wikipedia link to multiple language pages of an object?===
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 in the description section.
===When a place is written in several languages, but not mine, how do you determine which one to show me?===
There is a list of most popular languages. If there are several descriptions of one place on different languages the system automatically determines the most popular language among those which are available for that specific place.
===Someone wrote a good description in a place but it's in the wrong language page. What should I do with this?===
You should move the description to the correct language page. You can also translate the good description into your language, if you can.
===Can I remove a place's description in a particular language without deleting the entire place?===
Yes.
===What languages should I translate my place tag into?===
Into whatever you speak from the language list that opens when hover over two-letter country code at the top menu and clicking 'more languages'.
===The place I'm describing has different names in different languages. Which name should I use in my language?===
The proper one for you language. You should find the official name of the place in your language by way of a reputable, fact-based or official source and use it. If a place has an alternative/unofficial name that is commonly used by locals, you can note it in description or in parenthesis/brackets '()' after the official name. If a place does not have an official name at all, you can use its informal name as the main title in your language.

===I can see a number of different strange language codes at the bottom right of the object window, but how can I tell what they are?===
Those codes are [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO ISO] abbreviations for languages. If you hover a cursor over them and wait a bit you’ll see the whole language name.
===I have added a description in a new language for an existing place object, why hasn't it appeared in my list of created places?===
Only the initial object creation is counted as a created object statistic. Subsequent contributions will be logged as edit statistics.

=Languages (Interface)=

===I don't understand English. What can I do?===
Wikimapia is a multi-lingual website and supports 101 languages. Though the major discussions are held in English (i.e., on forum), you still can choose your interface language from the list and enjoy Wikimapia.
===How can I see Wikimapia (or mark places) in my own language?===
You need to change the interface language to your language by hovering over two-letter country code at the top menu then clicking 'more languages' and selecting your language.
===Why are some titles and tooltips in a different language?===
This means that there is no translation of these titles or tooltips in your language yet. You can translate them into your language if you like.
===How do I change the interface language?===
To change the interface language to your language, hover over two-letter country code at the top menu, click 'more languages' and select your language.
===How is the default language for my created places determined?===
When open a place tag the system will offer you to see the description on your interface language. If there is no description on your interface language then you'll see the tag on English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Finnish, Norwegian, Russian. If there is no description on any of these languages, then you'll see the description on available language.
===I'm using a non-English language interface in Wikimapia, but some words and phrases are in English. What can be done?===
You can translate them.
===Can I find out how many users use a certain language interface?===
There is no stats on such a case.
===When I look at the available languages, my language isn't there. What can be done about this?===
In this case you should contact Wikimapia Team. They will either add your language to the language list, or explain to you why it can't be done.
===How do I change the language on the map layer?===
You can change the language of your interface at the top menu and the map layer language will change automatically.

=Translations=

===How can I help translate the user interface into my language?===
You can go to [http://wikimapia.org/translate/ translation page] and become an editor. Please note, only users with user level 3 and higher (3+) can make translation edits.

===How can I find out the translation status of a certain language?===
You can find it on [http://wikimapia.org/translate/ translation page].

===I'm using a non-English language interface in Wikimapia, but some words and phrases are in English. What can be done?===
You can translate them to the language of your interface.

= Satellite Images =

===Why is the picture of my town/village so bad?===

Because the satellite imagery provided by Google in this area, is bad. We have no impact on it, unfortunately.

===Why can't I zoom in more in a certain area?===
Because the satellite imagery provider has no higher resolution pictures of this area.

===Can you update the map in my location because it is too blurry/low resolution quality?===
No, unfortunately we cannot, as satellite images are provided by Google. This means that we have no idea when Google will update the images. you can monitor the updated images on Google sites, however their help page says that this happens once in "approximately one to three years".
===How can I report an error with Google satellite imagery?===
Click on the 'Report a map error' button in the bottom right of the map, this takes you to Google's error report pages.
===How can we find out where Google has recently changed their images?===
You can try the [http://www.gearthblog.com blog do Google Earth] (English), where there is a link to the updates of recent images.
===When will the satellite images of my area get more detail?===
See previous
===When will the satellite images of my area be brought up to date?===
See previous
===Can I find out which place tags were most recently added?===
You can use Countries watchlist that you may find in 'tools' for these purpose.
===Why have all the place tags in my area shifted 10 meters to the west?===
Sometimes when Google updates its files, they can not line them up precisely with the old pictures. Take satellite photos of a spherical Earth and match these images on a flat map is not as easy as we would like. So sometimes, there are offsets. On such a case there is 'Satellite images updates list' tool (or Map Shift). It allows to fix those shifts of the map.
===What should I do when all the place tags in a certain area have been shifted 10 metres to the west?===
See previous.
=== I found a place where when I zoomed OUT it said "no imagery"?===
this means that the provider has no higher resolution imagery there.

=Place tools=

==Adding places==

===What is a "place object"?===
In WikiMapia, a local object is the word commonly used to refer to a location marked, ie, the rectangle with the title, description, etc.. In English, the word used is "tagged" as short for "place tag." In English, "tag" can also mean the field for the keywords.
===I've heard different names used for a place object e.g. "tag", "place mark, "place" etc. What name should I use?===
It's better to name it just Place or Object.

===How do I add a place?===
Select 'add a place' and a red polygon tool will appear. Draw a [[Tools#Polygons|polygon]], then add other information :
* choose Language carefully.
* Title is the name Wikimapia shows that when we hover over the place. Write something short, but representative.
* Description. For the description, as they say, 2 or 3 lines is already good.
* Links are good, but remember to start with "http://". Links must come to the end of the description, because they are considered secondary sources of information.
* Categories
And click the 'Save'.

* Photo

===Can I add my own house?===
You are allowed to mark a house as long as it has:
*an accurate outline
*a properly assigned category
*a recognizable address. This should be demonstrated by assigning a street name (via the Roads tool) and a building number in the Address section.

It is undesirable to add a personal house <u>if</u>:
#it does not possess interesting details
#you do not recognise the potential repercussions of disclosing personal details

===A ship which is anchored or stationed in a fixed location (prepositioning) has drifted slightly from its original position. Can I still mark it?===
Yes you can provided the ship maintains a fixed position near to the original location. For existing objects, if the map updates to indicate an anchored/prepositioned ship has drifted, you should update the change by redrawing the object's outline.
===Can I mark transmission towers/electricity pylons?===
Yes you can, transmission towers/electricity pylons are valid objects and can be marked. Please give them an accurate outline and the appropriate category.

===Which map provider should I use to mark objects?===

You can use any map source provided they are not incorrect nor illegal.

Since its inception in 2006, Wikimapia has always used Google Maps to plot its data layer as it was the only source available for five years. Presently, Wikimapia regards Google Maps imagery the best source in most cases.

Google Maps' satellite view is the default and the most widely used map view to mark objects in Wikimapia. We highly recommended that you use Google Satellite 'old places' view ('Satellite + old places' in Beta and 'Google satellite' with 'old places' checked in New Wikimapia) to ensure you don't duplicate the addition of an already marked object.

Finally, reality governs over all map sources. For example, if a building is demolished in real life, it should be marked as such even though the map may show it to still exist as a building.

===Which places should I tag?===
* Any non-movable place that exists at this particular moment in time.
** Planes, submarines, circuses and other movable objects may be added if they are <u>still</u> for at least a week.
** Permanently <u>still</u> or <u>stationed</u> ships which are moored or anchored can be marked even if they have drifted from an original position.
* A place must have at the very least a properly constructed outline.
* Settlement place tags such as cities, towns, villages and neighborhoods must have a properly assigned category.
* Historical/disappeared places. These '''must''' have the 'historical layer / disappeared object' category assigned to them.
* Newly constructed buildings, which are not visible on the satellite image. Use a different map provider with the latest images to verify the outline. If the newly constructed place is not visible on any map, try your best to mark the outline accurately.

Remember, reality governs over satellite images and map sources. If you can see and visit a place not visible on a map, you can still mark it.

===Which places should I not tag?===
Please think carefully before adding a place tag, there are certain things that are forbidden. Place tags that meet the following deletion criteria should not be added:

* An outline that does not mark any identifiable place.
* A historical/disappeared place <u>without</u> the 'historical layer / disappeared object' category.
* A planned building or road that has not entered the construction phase.
* Movable objects that are still for <u>less than a week</u>.
* A place tag that marks temporary or intangible events such as battles etc.
* A place tag that is a copy of another place tag.
* A personal/private residence that does not contain an address or useful information.


===What information should I provide in a place tag?===
You should provide any information that you find useful and valuable, if only it does not violate [[About_Wikimapia#Policies |Wikimapia guidelines]].

===What information should I not provide in a place tag?===
You should not provide any information that violates [[About_Wikimapia#Policies |Wikimapia guidelines]].

===How big should my place tag be?===
For the description 2 or 3 lines is already good. If you wrote a short title, then you can provide some more information here. If you are just adding the local Starbucks, then you could consider leaving the description blank ("everyone" knows what is a Starbucks, especially if you add the correct category in the box below the description), but put yourself in place of someone else in the world. and provide them with some information. Do not copy and paste a large section of text from other web pages, but instead, just provide the link. If you're describing an airport, for example, you must not copy and paste the entire Wikipedia article, including all airlines and all the cities that have flights there. Nobody will read it, but it certainly will make things difficult for people to look for Nairobi and find it mentioned in the description of the Amsterdam Airport.

===Can I add roads, railroads, rivers or even ferry routes with the place tool?===
'''No you should not''', you should use the linear tools to draw on the map. This is found under the '''Edit map''' drop down menu list, which is found at the top-left of the screen.
[[File:Edit map .jpg|200px|thumb|left|The Edit map drop down menu list]]

===I found something on the satellite image that I want to know what it is. Should I mark the place, and call it "What is this"?===
No you should not, if you do not know the place then you '''should not''' mark it.

===Should I tag a place that does not show up in the satellite image because it has just been built?===
Yes! Once the image is updated, the site will be there.
===Should we mark places that may be dangerous to visit?===
You can mark dangerous place as any other. You can also caution other users in description that this place is dangerous to visit.

===How do I use the categories section in a place object?===
Click [[User_interface#Categories|here]] for answers.

===I added some place tags 2 days ago, but only registered today. How do I get credit for the other place tags?===
Sorry, but there is no way. And after you add many others, you will not miss those credits.
===My place tag has disappeared!===
''See also: [[editing_places#Undeleting.2FPlace_restoration|Undeleting/Place restoration]]''

It might have been deleted. To see if it has click if so its best to click "Extras" then "Deleted Places" from your "username" menu drop down list. The map will switch to a view showing all deleted places; if your place has been deleted it can be viewed here.
[[File:Map type menu.jpg|300px|thumb|left|The Map type menu list, where the 'Deleted places' layer is highlighted.]]

===Can I edit place tags created by other users? Can other users edit my place tags? If so, do I need to inform/ask permission before doing so?===
You can edit and needs no prompting to any user as well as they do not need to ask permission from you. But add good things and not change one point for a comma to stay with his name on the marker.
===How do I edit a description?===
Move your mouse over the desired location, click the left button in the upper left corner hover over the menu and then click Edit this page. After all done click the save button.
===When places change, ie. they move or discontinue business, is it best to indicate that or delete the place tag?===
Please see [[Help/FAQ#If_a_business.2C_shop.2C_store_etc.2C_moves_or_is_shut_down.2C_should_I_delete_the_defunct_place_object.3F |here]]

===I can't see the name of the last editor at the bottom of the place window?===
The name of the last editor can be seen in the history of the tag.

===In Old Wikimapia, why can't I see a user's name at the bottom of the window in some place objects?===
They were made by guests or unregistered user (UU).

===I found several place tags marking the same place. What do I do?===
Ask for the removal of the most most informative site (or recent and leave the oldest), thus respecting the establishment of the previous location.
A tip: put on the map '''Satellite + old places''' (to avoid a site already created is recreated again).

===Tall buildings in a city sometimes seem to be leaning sideways. How should I mark those locations?===
All buildings should be outlined at their base (ground level), regardless of whether their images appear to be leaning. When the images are from directly or nearly directly overhead, the roof edges may be used to approximate the ground level footprint if they have the same dimensions.

Tall buildings and structures like radio towers appear to "lean" because of the way they have been [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_Photography photographed] from the air. For further clarification, please read [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Adding/editing_places#Polygons this].

===Can I add places which do not exist any more?===
You can, but <u>only</u> if you:
*know the precise dimensions
*add the historical layer/disappeared place category
If the above requirements are lacking, you should not add non-existent places.

===Is there an easier way to find an area on the map which needs improving?===
To see what area needs improving you can use [[status grid]]. If you are interested in specific map area (ie., cause you are familiar with the area and can improve it better) we recommend you to add a [[Tools#Watchlist |watchlist]], so you can monitor the activity (new places, changes, deletions, etc) and know whether any new place needs to be improved.

===I found some places near the north/south pole! What is going on?===
Most are the result of vandals. Nevertheless, there is no valid markings indicating settlements and scientific stations.

===I don't know what to write in object description. Can I copy the title in description?===
No, because title information should remain in the title section. If you cannot provide a few descriptive words about the object then you may add its informal or unofficial name, if there is one.

===Should I mark tunnels and bridges with the polygon tool or the linear tools?===

Tunnels and bridges should only be marked with the polygon tool. Tunnels and bridges serve as specially constructed passageways for roads, railroads, footpaths, waterways etc. They are independent of linear features and will often have different names.

'''Tips for tunnels'''

#When marking a tunnel which cannot be seen due to its hidden or subterranean nature, be sure to mark it as accurately as you can with the polygon tool.
#Assign the tunnel with the [tunnel] and [invisible] category. The [invisible] category will render the tunnel invisible and is necessary to avoid visual overlapping if it passes under other places.
#The portion or segments of the linear feature which passes through the tunnel should be rendered with a minus or lower elevation level via the properties option.

<gallery caption="Tunnel gallery" widths="300px" heights="200px" perrow="4">
File:Polygon Tunnel.jpg|Invisible polygon visible via hovering cursor
File:Segment Tunnel.jpg|Tunnel segment of linear feature selected for lower elevation
File:Lower Elevation.jpg| Selecting lower elevation
File:Linear Tunnel.jpg|Polygon invisible, linear feature rendered with lower elevation indicated by transparent section
</gallery>

==Semi-Protection==

===The tag info tells me that the place is 'semi-protected'. What does that mean?===
Some tags are often vandalized and needs protection, this can only be done by [[Advanced Users]]. Registered users and unregistered users can not edit tags at all.

===When should I semi-protect an article?===
If a site has been the victim of vandalism the best place to ask for protection is this forum [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=164 thread]. Only advanced users can put on protective items (tags).

==Polygons==

===Why can't I add more points to a polygon?===
There are limitations on the total number of polygon dots you can add depending on your user level:

*'''Level 0 users''': 200 dots
*'''Level 1-8 users''': 500 dots
*'''Advanced users''': 2,500 dots

===Why can't I create big polygons and why do I get the message: "Too big polygon"?===
There are limitations on the polygon size you can make depending on your [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Community#User_levels User Level.]

===Can I revert a polygon to the state before it was vandalized?===
Yes you can. You can do this by applying the correct polygon state of a previous revision as current.
===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.
===I don't understand guideline 1.2. "A place must have at least a properly constructed outline"?===
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.
===I tried to add new points to a polygon, but I failed. What is the reason? (150 points limitation)===
Regular users can draw up to 500 dots per polygon. When adding new dots to a polygon you should stick to the same limit, which means that total number of dots (first+added) should not overdraw 500 dots.
===Due to the polygon limit can I add several polygons and use them as "jigsaw pieces" (terrain patches) to construct a larger object?===
No. A polygon should mark an object (named or unnamed) with its own identifiable outline. Using smaller fictitious objects to construct a larger object because of a polygon limitation is not permissible. The practice of "jigsaw piecing" or "terrain patching" does not comply with Wikimapia Guidelines clause 1.2. Furthermore, the deletion of such places becomes necessary as per the deletion clauses 3.1 and 3.2 of the Wikimapia Guidelines.
However, smaller interlocking and tessellating polygons can be marked if they represent recognizable places in their own right.

===I added a polygon for a place but my edit count stayed the same. Why?===
When you add a polygon to a place this reflects in line 'Polygons added to places without a polygon' in profile 'Stats', not in edit count.

===Can I use polygons as arrows or waymarkers to indicate the route or direction of a place?===
No. This is because arrows and waymarkers aren't real places with definable outlines. Polygons should not be manipulated to indicate anything other than the outline of a place.

===How do I rotate a polygon?===
*'''1''': Select menu resize outline.
*'''2''': Right click on a point and select rotate.
*'''3''': Rotate until polygon is in desired position.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|AuEvbaa8AvE}}</center>

==Comments==

===Am I free to make any comment?===
You are free to add comments as long as they are kept clean (no profane or obscene language), and are not directed at another user in a negative manner.

''Also see: [[editing_places#Comments | Comments]] and [[Comment Guidelines]]''

===How do I delete a bad comment?===
Only [[Advanced Users]] and users who are level 5+ can delete comments. If you find a bad comment you think should be deleted you can report it [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1258 Here].

<center>{{#ev:youtube|AYQQIBlua9s}}</center>

===Why are the authors of some comments shown as blue links, but others are just black?===
Guests usernames are black, registered users have blue username links, which direct to their profile pages.

==Photos==

===How do I add photos?===
Open place description, hover over ‘menu’ at the top and click ‘add/manage photos’. Here you can upload new photos and delete old ones. '''Remember''': photos that violate [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| photo policies]] or just do not refer to the place will be deleted.

===How do I know when a photo was taken?===
You can only know who and when uploaded it (it is written below the photo). You may ask a user, who uploaded a photo, when it was taken, but we can not guarantee that he will answer for sure.

===Can I make notes about a photograph?===
No, unfortunately this feature is not available yet. You can only give it a name, when uploading it, and leave a comment with your notes below the photo.

===Which photos should be deleted?===
You should delete those photos that violate [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| photo policies]] or just do not refer to the place.

As you can upload only 7 photos for every object it is also permitted and even encouraged to delete photos of bad quality if only you can replace them with better quality photos.

===How do I delete a bad photo?===
Click on the tag where you have found the bad photo, hover the cursor over '''menu''' at the top and then click on '''add/manage photos'''. In the tab where you see '''Current photos''' hover the cursor over the bad photo, then a '''Delete''' button should appear underneath the photo, click on it and the bad photo will get deleted. It is to be noted, that this is the same place where you can upload a new photo.

===How can I tell which place tags contain photos?===
You can not. But you can filter all places by ‘places '''without''' photos’ category and see which places do not have photos. Therefore all places without red marks contain photos.

===Can I add a video of a place?===
Yes, you can provide a link from youtube.com in place description, it will be shown with a YouTube embedded player and a preview.

===Under what conditions can I use the "free" images from Wikimedia Commons?===
Click [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Licensing here] for answers.

===Can I add photos to linear objects: to streets, rivers, railways?===
Yes.
===If I edit or remove copyright, attribution and watermarks from copyrighted photos, can I still use them?===
Absolutely not! Images where copyright information has been defaced or removed is unlawful. The submission of such images is prohibited.
===Can I use images taken from Google Street View and other similar street view services?===
Images from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competition_of_Google_Street_View street view services] such as Google Street View, Yandex etc. can only be used if you have satisfied their copyright policies for redistribution and Wikimapia's own policies for [[Photos | hosting ]] such images. Non-compliant images used in Wikimapia should be updated with the necessary attribution details or removed.

==Deletion==

===How do I delete a place?===
Places can be deleted by selecting 'Delete place' under 'Menu' in the object's window. Please be aware that you may only delete a place as per the deletion reasons (under 3. Deleting tags) of the [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Guidelines].

<center>{{#ev:youtube|vKk8Z7k0CXU}}</center>

===What actions are acceptable, or even encouraged, when deleting place tags?===
Before deleting an object, read the [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| Wikimapia Policies]] carefully to make sure you are doing everything right. If you have any doubts about deleting a place you can discuss it on the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum] or ask an [[ Community#Advanced_Users | Advanced User]] for advice.

===I found some places that should be deleted, but I can't delete them since I am only a regular user (RU). What should I do?===
If you can’t delete an object, it might be under an AU protection. You should contact an AU, explain you reasons and ask for help.

===How long does it take for a "deleted" place to actually disappear entirely?===
After you made a request to delete an object the system will inform you in what time the place will be deleted on the place page. Usually it takes five days (if removed by a regular user) and couple of hours (if removed by an AU). Between deletion request and actual disappearance of the object, a user can cancel the deletion by clicking on ‘cancel’ button.

===How do I know if one of my places has been deleted?===
You can check your Stats tab in your profile window. Your created places which are deleted will be shown via the counter next to <tt>'''Deleted from them:'''</tt>
===Do deleted places still show up on my list of created places?===
Yes. If someone deleted your places they still will be written in ‘Places and streets created’ line (and ‘Deleted from them’ line as well), but they will be marked as deleted and you won’t get experience point for them.

===How many places can I delete per day/week?===
It depends on your user level. On the first user level you can delete three places in one hour only. UL 2 - ten objects in ~16 minutes, UL3 - twenty objects in ~13 minutes, UL4 - thirty in 5 minutes, UL5+ - eighty in 2 minutes, AUs can delete 200 objects in 90 seconds.

===I found two tags which mark the same place, which one should be kept and which one should be deleted?===
Double-check them to see if they are in fact duplicates. Similarities with titles or polygon sizes does not necessarily mean they are duplicates, one tag may mark one part of the place while another may mark a different part of the same place e.g. a building and its external property or two different objects on the same property.

If you have double-checked the duplicates and concluded they are copies marking the same place, then the oldest tag should be kept (edited and improved if necessary) and the newer tag deleted if all other factors are equal. "if all other factors are equal" means evaluating both tags against each other and determining if the balance of their "weight" or "value" is more or less level. Factors to be considered are:

* creation by registered user or "guest"
* duplication circumstances? (was duplication innocent or intentional?)
* polygon existence
* polygon accuracy/complexity
* description quality
* number of photos (and their relevance & quality)
* number of languages added to the titles and descriptions and the "quality" of those descriptions
* inclusion of child objects if tag is a parent building
* number of relevant comments
* use of address
* use of relevant categories
* building checkbox checked if tag is a building
* use of Wikipedia articles

The decision to judge one tag against another one is not straightforward. Always try to assume good faith and use common-sense to assess the circumstances as this often helps to reach the right decision. If you're still unsure, please seek advice by creating a topic in the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=3 Correction support forum].

===If a business, shop, store etc, moves or is shut down, should I delete the defunct place object?===
If the building <u>still</u> exists, and it hasn't been demolished, it should '''not''' be deleted. We recommend you update the place object's article by describing its present function. It is essential you update its title, description, address and category to reflect the change.
===Can I undelete a non-compliant place object and re-purpose/convert it into an acceptable one?===
The practice of salvaging a deleted place object and reassigning its identity is forbidden <u>'''if'''</u> the newer object is:
*situated at a different location from the original
*has a completely different function to the original

All objects must be marked with their own outlines and are treated as individual objects. For example, the place object for a jetty (which has rotted away) cannot be converted into a lake or boat house - it must be deleted (<u>unless</u> the jetty is rebuilt). The lake and boat house must be marked separately with their own place object identities.

Recycling obsolete objects and reusing them may seem desirable but ultimately defeats the object of populating Wikimapia's map and database with unique places and overall place count respectively. The exceptions to this rule are:
*an <u>existing</u> place can be re-purposed within one day of its creation if a user has marked it erroneously
*a deleted place whose deletion reason is invalid can be restored and edited to reflect its current status

The wilful and persistent act of undeleting place objects and recycling them into compliant objects is forbidden. In addition, the premeditated act of abusing the aforementioned exceptions is also forbidden.

===In China many place tags are marked ?????(cn). Should I delete them?===
No, you should not delete them. Seeing such symbols simply means that your computer does not support Chinese symbols.

===Why do deleted objects still show up in Google search results?===
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 [http://support.google.com/websearch/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=164734&ctx=cb&src=cb&cbid=-1lfw27a3ux1tz here].



=Linear Tools=

===Can I add extinct or proposed linear works?===
No. You can only add linear features which exist in reality and (in the case of transport linear features) must be functional as a complete thoroughfare or route for pedestrian and/or vehicular conveyance.

===Can I mark tunnels and bridges with the linear tools?===
No. See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Help/FAQ#Should_I_mark_tunnels_and_bridges_with_the_polygon_tool_or_the_linear_tools.3F this]

==Roads==

===I cannot add roads===
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 or edit previously created objects. 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 [[Community#User_levels| 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 [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=4 here] and a bug report [http://wikimapia.org/special_pages/user_reports/?action=list&type=0 here].

===Should I add multiple road segments to mark individual lanes in a road?===
Only if a physical divider is present between those lanes. Otherwise use segment options to set lanes number.

===Can I mark parking lots, airport taxiways and runways with the road tool?===
No you should not, the road tool is specifically designed to mark road types.

===What road type should I use to mark a road?===
Depending on the type of the road (dirt road, courtyard road, street/low traffic, road/high traffic, highway).

===Am I allowed to enter the zip/post code in the title field along with the road name?===
You should really not, however you may include the zip/post codes in the description field.

==Railroads==
This tool allow you to map the railway segments onto the map page. To have more information about the use of this tool, please see [[Tools#Railroads|Railroads]] section

==Rivers==
===Can I add a polygon for a river whose sides are too complex for the riverside feature?===
No. You cannot add polygons for a river since the river tool is designed for this purpose and only it should be used for linear water bodies. Instead, the riverside feature should be shaped accurately as possible to cover the expanse of the complex river.

The only instance where you may add a polygon is for intersections (confluences) or the point where a river drains into a larger water body such as a lake. Be sure to use the correct category(s) for water bodies marked with a polygon.
===Can I add multiple river lines for one river?===
No. You can only add one river line per river. The only instance where you can use more than one river line is if you are marking an intersection or confluence from an existing river line.

==Ferry==

===Can I use the ferry tool to mark rivers and vice versa?===
'''No'''. This tool is only for the mapping of genuine ferry routes. To map river you must use the river tool.
==Edit Summary==

===What is the edit summary section I can see in the edit window of all tags?===

See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Tools#Edit_Summary here].

===Can I make a comment which has nothing to do with an edit?===

No. You can only make edit summaries.

=Interface=

==Wikimapia Screen==

===How do I use all those things on the Wikimapia screen?===
Click [[User_interface#About_the_Wikimapia_Main_Screen| here]] for answers.

===When I look at place's description page, there is a line near the top that says, for example, "World/xxxxx/yyyyy/zzzzz". What is this telling me?===

This is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadcrumb_%28navigation%29 breadcrumb] line or "world string". It shows a list of places according to their administrative levels. '''Please be aware''' this list may '''not''' show the native administrative levels of the place object, so it should only be referred to as an approximation of places near to the place object. Errors cannot be corrected.

[[File:Breadcrumb line.png|center|thumb|The breadcrumb line may '''not''' be accurate|550px]]

===The breadcrumb navigation is wrong/not showing the correct place name?===
See above.

===What is 'Hotel booking' in the menu under my username?===
‘Hotel booking’ is a useful tool for tourists. If you are planning to visit any specific place in short time, you can find it on the map and click on ‘Hotel booking’ under your username. Afterwards you will see all hotels marked with special icons. This allows you to choose and book a hotel depending on its geographical position. Click on any hotel and see its page on booking.com.

===What is Distance Measure and what can I do with it?===
It is a tool which allows to measure the distance between two points. To do this you need to mark on the map both points or a detailed route from one point to another and the system will calculate its length. Afterwards you may send the link of what you see on the map to your friend by sending URL of the page on the top of your browser.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|0yRgQnVyhxE}}</center>

===What are those buttons underneath the menu bar?===
Those are [[Tools#Adding_place| Add place]], Distance measure (see previous) and [[User_interface#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels| Zoom]].

===What are all those options under the 'Map type' menu?===
Those are different map types that you can choose depending on what you are searching for.

===What are all those options under the 'Categories' menu?===
Those are categories that system offers you on default. If you are searching for a category that is not in the list, you need to type it in ‘Search categories’ bar or find it in ‘Categories hierarchy’ in tools.

===Why is the tooltip (when I hover over a place) not always the same as its title?===
Actually, they should be the same. If they are not, please, [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ report] about it.

===What do the red dots under the names of places mean?===
Red dot under an object name means that the object is a city.

===What are the icons in some places and what do they mean?===
These are category icons, they are shown even if you do not using category filter. If you want to know their meaning open ‘Rendering of categories’ in ‘tools’ section.

==User Profile/Account==

===Why should I register?===
While you are an unregistered user of Wikimapia you can use a limited amount of tools and options only. Since you are registered you can gain experience points, advance your user level and get access to new tools. Besides, only registered users can post on forum.

===Do you have any advice for new members?===
Yes, you can read them [[Quick_start#Advice_for_new_users| here]].

===It says in my profile that I created 106 places. But I can only count 82. What happened to the other places I've created?===
Apparently they were deleted, so you can find them in ‘Deleted from them’ line.

===Can I see how many places I have deleted?===
In stats section in your profile you can see the list of all your actions including ‘Places requested to be deleted’ and ‘Place deletion requests cancelled’.

===How do I mark my own location? Why should I?===
To mark your location find ‘Choose your location’ at the top of your profile page. Then choose your location by positioning the map and placing the marker. Location may be approximate for privacy. Your location will be visible to other users, so they could figure out where are you from.

===How do I delete a message someone sent me?===
Unfortunately you cannot delete a message, it will stay permanently in your inbox.

===Is there any way I can change my user name? I hate this one!===
This is not an easy task. You really should have thought of this before registering! If you really have a good reason, you must send an e-mail administrators in WikiMapia@gmail.com. They may be able to help you. Otherwise, you have two options: 1) Learn to live with it, or 2) abandon the account and start a new, re-registering.
===Someone has stolen my Wikimapia account and password. What can I do?===
Send e-mail to administrators in WikiMapia@gmail.com. Ask to have your password reset. Remember that the thief may have changed your e-mail, so be prepared to give evidence that you really are the original owner of the account. And be ready to apologize for who the thief might have offended
===I don't want to be part of Wikimapia any more. How do I delete my account?===
Unfortunately you cannot delete your account, alternatively you may want to change your password to something you will not be able to remember easily or you can stop visiting Wikimapia altogether which is even more easier.

==Place Search==

===How do I search for something?===
Type the name of the place you're looking for in the search box in the Wikimapia Menu Bar at the top of your screen, and press the <tt>'''Search'''</tt> button. A list results matching your query shall be returned in the sidebar. You can also tailor your searches by location or coordinates by choosing the respective tabs underneath the search box in the sidebar.
===How can I use Wikimapia to search for hotels on my travels?===
There are three ways to search for hotels:
*Type the name of a hotel or simply type "hotel" in the search box and click the button with the search icon
*Type "hotel" in the category search box and select "hotel" in the dropdown suggestion list
*Under your username, select "Extras" and then "Hotel booking"

==Categories==

===What are Categories?===
Category filter is a tool that allows you to search for places of one type (ie. bars, hospitals, etc) by their category.

===How do I search for something?===
You just need to hover over ‘Categories’ on the top menu and either choose the category you are looking for (if its shown) or search it in ‘Search categories’ bar. Then you’ll see that all the places on the map that fit your category will we have red marks. To quit a category search click ‘cancel’ on the bottom of the map.

===How can I find, for example, theaters in one city?===
See previous
===What categories should I use if the place object's function changes?===
Always use the category which best describes the primary function of the place object. For example, where the following occurs:

* A house is bought by a banking company and turned into a bank
* A shop moves into an air raid shelter
* An old mansion is converted into a museum

You would do the following:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Previous place object function !! New place object function !! Previous category (to be removed)!! New category
|-
| <center>House</center> || <center>Bank</center> || <center>[house]</center> || <center>[bank]</center>
|-
| <center>Air raid shelter</center> || <center>Shop</center> || <center>[air raid shelter]</center> || <center>[shop / store]</center>
|-
| <center>Old mansion</center> || <center>Museum</center> || <center>[manor / mansion / villa]</center> || <center>[museum]</center>
|}

===Can I use a special category to alter a place object visually?===
See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/User_interface#Important_notes here].

= User Tools =

==Watchlists==

===How do I create a watchlist?===
To create a watchlist go to [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/ Tools] click on watchlist then click add, outline the area you wish to watch, enter a name and click save. You can navigate back to see your watchlist's this way.

===Is there a limit to the number of watchlist's I can create?===
No, there is not limit to the number of watchlist's you can create.

=Community=

==Forum==

===When can I join in the forum discussions?===
As soon as you are registered.
===Why am I not able to post into the forum?===
Every regular user can post into the forum. If you can not then you are either an unregistered user or you were banned on forum for [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=7521 guidelines of Wikimapia forum] violation.

===Should I ask a question anywhere in the forum, or should I start a new topic? ===
If there is already a topic that refers to your question, you can post your question there. You should start a new thread only if there is no topic alike. Remember: Off-topic posts may be deleted by moderators.
===How can I make sure that someone sees my posting in the forum? (should I post it in all sections?) ===
There is no way to '''guarantee''' that someone will certainly see your posting, but new postings usually appear on the top of the forum page, so users '''might''' see them.
===I posted a message in the forum, but I have changed my mind. Can/should I delete it? ===
You can delete your message only during a short period of time after posting. In other situation you can not delete your messages, only [[Community#Forum_moderators| forum moderators]] have such power. So you can contact one of them and explain the reason why your message needs to be deleted.

===I added a photo to my profile, but my forum posting still shows "no foto"? ===
Wait for a while. It may take some time.
===I remember seeing something discussed in the forum last week, but now I can't find it. Is it possible to find it again? ===
On such a case there is a search bar at the top right corner of the forum page.

===Why do forum messages always run off the right side of my screen?===
The forum is designed for a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher. If yours is set to less than this, the forum display will be wider than your screen.

===How can I make a text bold, italicize or underline it?===
You will have to use square brackets [][/]

*for bold: [b]text[/b]
*to italicize: [i]text[/i]
*to underline: [u]text[/u]

===How to embed images?===
to embed image: [img]url goes here[/img]

==Other Users==

===How do I find out where another user lives===
If a user marked his\her location you may figure out where is he\she from. Otherwise, you need to ask directly to the user, but be ready for a disappointment, since many users prefer to keep your privacy.

===How can I contact another user?===
Find it (a) in the forum or on a map of users, or the link somewhere that he (a) has described or discussed. Click on your username. This will open the user profile that you want to contact. Click "send message to this user", type your message in the text box and click the "send message". The message you sent is shown above a new text box empty. That's it: do not click the button "send message" again. If you have already sent a message to this user, you name it (a) will be on your list of contacts: open your profile, click on "Messages", find the desired user name and proceed from there.
===How do I contact a user if I only know his username?===
You can find him/her by rank. Find 'Users rank' in a 'tools' section in your profile. In the window that opens, there is a search field 'Search username'. Enter the user name and click 'search'. Note that the name must exactly match the user (no matter, however, if the letters are uppercase or lowercase). If you have trouble finding it, you can ask for help from other users in the forum. Maybe some of us may find the desired user.

===How can I find out the email address linked to a user account?===
You can not. This information is private. You will not find any e-mail here. The only way is to ask the user, by sending him a message.
===I have a disagreement with another user. What should I do?===
Bring the items to the forum. We will mediate the "ceasefire" between you and another user.
===Someone keeps editing my places!===
If you have a dispute, please notify the fellow user and moderators in the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php Wikimapia Forum]. They'll try to resolve issues, but only if parties are willing to discuss their sides of the issue accurate and fairly.

===What is a sockpuppet?===
English Wikipedia page says: "sockpuppet is an online identity used in order to deceive the other members of a virtual community. In its initial use, a "sockpuppet" was a false identity through which a member of a community on the Internet manifests itself while pretending that it does not, as does a puppeteer manipulating a puppet. In WikiMapia, a "sockpuppet" is someone who has a second account.

===Is it acceptable to have a sockpuppet?===
For most users, no. However, there are users who have higher levels "sockpuppets" for experiments. They are useful in this regard.

==User Levels==

===What is the difference between user levels?===
The higher user level you are the more tools and options are available for you.

===What are the advantages & responsibilities of being an advanced user?===
Receiving Advanced User Status will grant you access to following tools and privileges:
#Ban tool
#Protection
#Deletion/restoration of comments
#Faster object deletion
#Up to 2.500 points per polygon
#The ability to vote on AU's promotion

Being an Advanced User means you need to look after the map. For example, coordinate and encourage users, help new users, arrange debates, keep track of changes on the map, i. e. editing or deleting objects and comments, set temporary protection on objects in case of edit wars.

===How do I become an advanced user?===

Any user with level 5 or + may become advanced users and his/her candidacy (it will be offered automatically) will be put to vote. If current Advanced Users decide that a person has demonstrated him/herself as a competent editor and can help Wikimapia by taking additional responsibilities and powers he/she will be invited in Advanced Users group.

===Will a high rank qualify me to become an advanced user?===
A high rank itself can not make you an advanced user. Though the more you contribute to Wikimapia the higher is you rank, so the closer the moment that you may be offered to become an advanced user..
===How many places do I have to mark to become an advanced user?===
All these questions have the same answer: There is no magic number you need to achieve because the promotion AU is a manual process done by administrators, and this is not automatic, regardless of what numbers you have.

===How many good votes do I need to become an advanced user?===
See previous
===How long should one be a regular user to become an advanced user?===
See previous
===Why is my account marked as limited/banned?===
If you were banned you’ll get a notification message, that explains the reasons and proofs of your ban. In addition, you’ll see a red window on the right of your profile page that notifies you about the reasons and details of limitation.

===How can I tell what user level a user is?===
In profile of every user there is a number of his user level.

===Can a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sockpuppet_%28Internet%29 sockpuppet] (clone) account apply for AU status?===
No, it cannot. Only a personal account (one account per individual) can apply for AU status if it is eligible for application. This is not applicable to separate accounts belonging to different individuals who live in the same household or use the same IP address.

===Can advanced user test accounts apply for AU status?===
It is strictly forbidden for Advanced user duplicate accounts (openly declared for test purposes) to apply for promotion.

==Vandalism==

===What is vandalism?===
Deliberate actions aimed to corrupt information.
Vandalism can take many forms. For example: removing correct, useful information from place tags, or adding false or offensive information. Deleting correct and useful tags, moving tags away from their correct locations, adding offensive photos, adding/re-shaping polygons so that they depict nonsensical/obscene shapes and replacing a place tag's description with one in a different language (instead of adding the new language), '''deliberately''' creating duplicate place tags, all constitute vandalism. Disrupting the forum is also considered vandalism.

===My place tag has been vandalised. What should I do?===

Post a message with the details in the section [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=f802b804ce555a2827b8ac22ae804645 User behaviour and vandalism] Forum WikiMapia. We're here to help.

===How can I revert the tag to the state before it was vandalised?===
Find ‘History’ in ’menu’ in place tag, find the revision that you think is a vandalism and click ‘Undo this revision’.

===How do restore a vandalized description to what it used to be?===
See previous

===Is is possible to protect articles that are vandalized often?===

Yes. Advanced User can "semiprotect" a place. If you want a place to be semi-protected, then send a request in the section [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=f802b804ce555a2827b8ac22ae804645 Correction support] forum.

==Banning==

===What is a ban?===
A limitation caused by disregarding, violation or misinterpretation of the rules.

===If I am banned and believe that I do not deserve it, What can I do?===
Restrictions and banning are applicable to users who infringe Wikimapia's policies. Read [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| the policies]] and make sure that you didn't violate any of them. If not, contact an AU and explain your reasons. AUs have the power to ban and unblock users, so he/she might help you.

===How can I report a bad user so that he/she is banned quickly?===
You should contact an AU and explain your reasons. AUs have the power to ban users, so he/she might help you.

==Voting==

===Why should I vote for a user?===
You should vote for a user if you want to provide a positive feedback about his/her contributions to Wikimapia, to encourage a user.
===How do I vote for a user?===
If you have 2+ user level you can vote for other users. Click on a user profile page, click on ‘votes about user’ and you’ll see a green voting form above a list of users who have already voted for a user.

===When can I start to vote for people?===
As soon as you are 2+ level
===Is there a reason I can't vote for users?===
No, there is no such a reason. You can freely vote for a user if you want.
===Is it proper to ask for votes?===
No. Voting for someone means you want to provide a positive feedback about users contributions to Wikimapia. So asking for votes is poor behavior.
===How can I get more votes?===
The more valuable places and useful information you add the more people would like to vote for you
===Someone gave me a good vote. Should I do the same for her/him?===
If you find that user deserving a good vote for his efforts on Wikimapia. If not - do not vote for a user only just to thank him for his good vote for u.
===How do I remove an unwanted vote?===
You may delete an unwanted vote if open the list of users, who voted for you, in your profile.

===Someone said I voted too frequently. Is there a limit?===
No there is no such a limit. However it is considered bad etiquette to give votes to others just to receive more yourself, only vote for user if you feel they do good work.

===Should I give a good vote to a user who is No.1 in the ranking system?===
No this is not necessary. The ranking system calculates a user's rank based on the quantity of his/her contributions. The ranking system does not calculate quality and therefore it is undesirable and illogical to give votes based on the assumption 'quantity equals quality' because it is impossible to determine quality without meticulous scrutiny. You may use your votes freely, but be aware that voting without due consideration or simply abusing the voting system shall affect your reputation and credibility.

Tip: Always judge the merits of a user's work, not the frequency.

=Error Messages=

==="You have reached the limit for this action. You need to wait for seconds"===

[[File:Error_Message_Type_1_Final.png]]

There is a limit on similar actions that a user can do within a certain period of time (i.e. a newly registered user can only delete three places in an hour). Please consult [[Community#User_levels| User Levels]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=1 Error Message Page]

==="You can not use this feature because you are banned (see details)"===

[[File:Error Message Type 2.png]]

This message means that you have been banned and are restricted from performing or accessing the selected feature.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=2 Error Message Page]

==="To use this function please login or create an account===

[[File:Error Message Type 3.png]]

You must create a Wikimapia account or login to your existing account to use the selected function.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=3 Error Message Page]

==="Your experience level is too low to use this function"===

[[File:Error Message Type 4.png]]

Your experience level is too low to use the selected function. Please consult [[Community#User_levels| User Levels]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=4 Error Message Page]

==="You are not allowed to use this function"===

[[File:Error Message Type 5.png]]

You are not allowed to use the selected function. This could be due to various reasons such as your user level, account status or the required special role. Please consult [[Community#User_levels| User Levels]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=5 Error Message Page]

==="To use this function please activate your account. Check your mailbox for activation e-mail. If you didn't receive activation message, please check that your email is correct and request another activation message from your profile settings."===

[[File:Error Message Type 6.png]]

To use the selected function you must activate your Wikimapia account (this is required for most Wikimapia functions). Check your mailbox for activation e-mail. If you didn't receive activation message, please check that your email is correct and request another activation message from your profile settings

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=6 Error Message Page]

==="Sorry, this object is temporary protected in response to an ongoing high risk of vandalism."===

[[File:Error Message Type 7.png]]

The object that you are trying to edit has been temporarily protected by an Advanced User. Please see [[Tools#Protection| Protection]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=7 Error Message Page]

==="Too big/long polygon"===
There are limitations on the total number of polygon dots you can add depending on your user level:

*'''Level 0 users''': 200 dots, ~31.64 km²
*'''Level 1-8 users''': 500 dots, ~244.14 km²
*'''Advanced users''': 2,500 dots, ~996,006 km²

==="You must remove the child objects before deleting the object"===
This message means you can not delete an object as there are child objects that refer to it. You need to delete them first.

==="Wikimapia has just updated! Please reload the page or press shift + ctrl R in order to apply fixes and enjoy new features"===

This message means that Admins have just made some changes in Wikimapia, so you need to reload the page to see the updated version of Wikimapia.

==="External link. You are about to leave Wikimapia.org and visit ''(Website Name)''. This link was added by users and Wikimapia takes no responsibility for any of its contents."===

[[File:External Link Page.png]]

[http://wikimapia.org/external_link?url= Error Message Page]

=External=

===Can I see Wikimapia places on Google Earth?===
Yes. You can download Wikimapia layer on Google Earth.

===Can I place part of the map on my own web page?===

Yes! Find the screen you want to place on your page. Place your mouse over "WikiMapia" in the upper left corner and select "Map on your page" A popup window will appear with the corners of a rectangle. Just push the corners of the rectangle to resize the box and then copy the html code that is shown and paste it into your page.

===Can I use Wikimapia with a GPS device?===
No, unfortunately this feature is not available yet.

===What browser do you recommend to use with Wikimapia?===

Any modern one, Google Chrome, Firefox 3.6+, IE9+, Opera, Safari.

===How do I make a jpeg or bmp shot of specific part of the map?===
First, check the licence of satellite photos provider, then capture the screen and transfer the picture into whatever format you need.

===I want to send a Wikimapia page to a friend. How do I do that?===
If you want to send a link to a specific area of Wikimapia map use URL of the page on the top of your browser.
===I clicked a Wikimapia link that someone gave me. Why am I seeing all place descriptions in Spanish now?===

The person who sent you the link used Spanish as their language. Place your mouse over "WikiMapia" and select "Change language". Select the language you want.

===How can I print the map with the names of the locations (without using another application to overlay the points and names)?===

The best you can do is capture the screen and print it.

=Advertising=

===Can I advertise a place in Wikimapia?===
See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/About_Wikimapia#Advertising here]
===I own a business. Can I tag it?===
Yes, you can tag it. You can give factual information: company name, address, what you do or sell, how long has the company, a link to its website, that sort of thing. You should not include promotional material ("the best in town", "good prices", prices in general ...), that would '''be considered propaganda'''. On the other hand, you can say: "See my website for availability and prices."
===What is the policy on advertising land for sale?===
The advertising of land for sale is not allowed under any circumstances. This means it is forbidden to advertise using Wikimapia's map tools, description and comments sections of place/linear objects, the Forum, the Blog or any other intellectual property belonging to Wikimapia.

However, Wikimapia allows advertising through its [http://wikimapia.org/ads Ad] service. Please be aware that it is subject to [http://wikimapia.org/ads/help/advertising_requirements conditions].

{{Back to Main Page}}

File:Map type menu.jpg

2015-08-06T16:21:07Z

RK77: uploaded a new version of "File:Map type menu.jpg"

Help/FAQ

2015-08-06T16:20:21Z

RK77: /* My place tag disappeared! */Updated for recent layout

{{Languages|Help/FAQ}}
{{Navbox user guide}}
Welcome to FAQ!

If you are a new or inexperienced user, we acknowledge it will take you time to understand the rules and to use Wikimapia's features properly. You may have many questions which need answering or you might need a pointer just to help you get back on track.

We therefore present the FAQ so that it can address your queries as well as covering the essential basics required to make your experience in Wikimapia a well-informed, compliant and pleasant one.
{{TOC limit|3}}
=Basic Philosophy=

===What is Wikimapia for?===
Wikimapia aimed to mark all geographical objects in the world and provide a useful description for them, so that anyone can share his knowledge and freely explore the world.
===Who is Wikimapia for?===
Anyone who is interested in exploring the world or like to share his or her knowledge with everyone who uses Wikimapia.

===What is the basic ideology of Wikimapia?===
To make yourself aware of Wikimapia basic ideology we recommend you to click [[About_Wikimapia| here]].

===What are the guidelines for using content from Wikimapia?===
According to Wikimapia [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ License] you may use Wikimapia content as you like (for sharing, recasting, transforming or adapting in any form recognizably derived from the original for any use). We also encourage you to build your work upon Wikimapia data and require its further distribution under the same or similar license to this one.

===Is it WikiMapia or Wikimapia?===
This website is usually more referred to as '''Wikimapia'''.

===How can I help?===
There many ways to contribute to Wikimapia. [[Adding/editing places]] is already a great help. You can also help translating the interface into your language, report about bugs in [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ reports list] or become an [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Community#Special_roles advanced user (moderator)] to help other users.

===Am I allowed freedom of expression if it is contrary to Wikimapia's philosophy?===
Wikimapia, being a Wiki, allows freedom of expression through its flexible philosophy. You are within your rights to harbour personal beliefs which are contrary to the philosophy; however, you should be aware actions which contravene the philosophy are not acceptable. By using Wikimapia's services you explicitly agree to abide by its policies, of which the philosophy is a binding principle. Wilful or persistent violations of Wikimapia's policies may result in account restriction or termination.

=Help=

=== How can I become a member? ===

To become a member simply select 'Login/Register' from the Wikimapia menu and follow the instructions. You will need to choose a unique username, provide a valid email address and submit a password.

Once you have chosen a password, make sure you keep it safe and secret.

===How can I get help using Wikimapia?===
First of all you should read Wikimapia Docs and [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Guidelines] carefully. If you still can’t get the answer to your question send a message to an [[Community#Advanced_Users|Advanced User]] or you can also ask for help on the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum].

===Who is an admin?===
Admins are the members of the [[Community#Wikimapia_Team| Wikimapia team]].

===How can I get help from admin?===
First, make sure that a moderator or an advanced user (AU) can not help you. Then send admins a message or email on contact@wikimapia.org

=Wikipedia content=

===What are the guidelines for using content from Wikipedia?===
Articles quality on Wikipedia fit Wikimapia demands. So you can certainly use Wikipedia while describing a place or give a link to Wikipedia article.
===Cutting and pasting an entire Wikipedia article into a Wikimapia description box is a great idea, right?===
Giving a link to the article is more than enough, there is no need to repeat things twice.

=Languages (Object Language Pages)=

===How can I add a missing language to a tag?===
[http://wikimapia.org/docs/Adding_places#Language Adding languages] is easy. Simply select 'Menu' > 'Add another language' in a place window, or you can select 'edit info in other language >>' in a place edit window. Choose your desired language from the list and proceed to add information as usual in the chosen language.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|GAOCM_72wHc}}</center>

===I found a place described in a language I do not know, but I want to know what was written. What can I do?===
You can try and translate it with Google Translate or any available dictionary.
===Can I add information in my local language in a different language page?===
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.
===Someone has added a place in my country and written it in a foreign language. Can I delete it?===
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.
===Do I have to add the local language in a tag even though I have added the information in another language?===
No you do not have to add the local language; the information you add in any language must be correct. However, if you are comfortable with the local language, it is recommended (not compulsory) you provide the information in that language too!
===Someone added a tag in a foreign language in my country but did not add the local language. Is this wrong?===
No, the inclusion of foreign languages and omission of the local language is not wrong as long as the information is correct and submitted in the correct language page. We recommend users include the local language if they are confident, but they are not obliged to do so.
===Can I add the same Wikipedia link to multiple language pages of an object?===
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 in the description section.
===When a place is written in several languages, but not mine, how do you determine which one to show me?===
There is a list of most popular languages. If there are several descriptions of one place on different languages the system automatically determines the most popular language among those which are available for that specific place.
===Someone wrote a good description in a place but it's in the wrong language page. What should I do with this?===
You should move the description to the correct language page. You can also translate the good description into your language, if you can.
===Can I remove a place's description in a particular language without deleting the entire place?===
Yes.
===What languages should I translate my place tag into?===
Into whatever you speak from the language list that opens when hover over two-letter country code at the top menu and clicking 'more languages'.
===The place I'm describing has different names in different languages. Which name should I use in my language?===
The proper one for you language. You should find the official name of the place in your language by way of a reputable, fact-based or official source and use it. If a place has an alternative/unofficial name that is commonly used by locals, you can note it in description or in parenthesis/brackets '()' after the official name. If a place does not have an official name at all, you can use its informal name as the main title in your language.

===I can see a number of different strange language codes at the bottom right of the object window, but how can I tell what they are?===
Those codes are [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO ISO] abbreviations for languages. If you hover a cursor over them and wait a bit you’ll see the whole language name.
===I have added a description in a new language for an existing place object, why hasn't it appeared in my list of created places?===
Only the initial object creation is counted as a created object statistic. Subsequent contributions will be logged as edit statistics.

=Languages (Interface)=

===I don't understand English. What can I do?===
Wikimapia is a multi-lingual website and supports 101 languages. Though the major discussions are held in English (i.e., on forum), you still can choose your interface language from the list and enjoy Wikimapia.
===How can I see Wikimapia (or mark places) in my own language?===
You need to change the interface language to your language by hovering over two-letter country code at the top menu then clicking 'more languages' and selecting your language.
===Why are some titles and tooltips in a different language?===
This means that there is no translation of these titles or tooltips in your language yet. You can translate them into your language if you like.
===How do I change the interface language?===
To change the interface language to your language, hover over two-letter country code at the top menu, click 'more languages' and select your language.
===How is the default language for my created places determined?===
When open a place tag the system will offer you to see the description on your interface language. If there is no description on your interface language then you'll see the tag on English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Finnish, Norwegian, Russian. If there is no description on any of these languages, then you'll see the description on available language.
===I'm using a non-English language interface in Wikimapia, but some words and phrases are in English. What can be done?===
You can translate them.
===Can I find out how many users use a certain language interface?===
There is no stats on such a case.
===When I look at the available languages, my language isn't there. What can be done about this?===
In this case you should contact Wikimapia Team. They will either add your language to the language list, or explain to you why it can't be done.
===How do I change the language on the map layer?===
You can change the language of your interface at the top menu and the map layer language will change automatically.

=Translations=

===How can I help translate the user interface into my language?===
You can go to [http://wikimapia.org/translate/ translation page] and become an editor. Please note, only users with user level 3 and higher (3+) can make translation edits.

===How can I find out the translation status of a certain language?===
You can find it on [http://wikimapia.org/translate/ translation page].

===I'm using a non-English language interface in Wikimapia, but some words and phrases are in English. What can be done?===
You can translate them to the language of your interface.

= Satellite Images =

===Why is the picture of my town/village so bad?===

Because the satellite imagery provided by Google in this area, is bad. We have no impact on it, unfortunately.

===Why can't I zoom in more in a certain area?===
Because the satellite imagery provider has no higher resolution pictures of this area.

===Can you update the map in my location because it is too blurry/low resolution quality?===
No, unfortunately we cannot, as satellite images are provided by Google. This means that we have no idea when Google will update the images. you can monitor the updated images on Google sites, however their help page says that this happens once in "approximately one to three years".
===How can I report an error with Google satellite imagery?===
Click on the 'Report a map error' button in the bottom right of the map, this takes you to Google's error report pages.
===How can we find out where Google has recently changed their images?===
You can try the [http://www.gearthblog.com blog do Google Earth] (English), where there is a link to the updates of recent images.
===When will the satellite images of my area get more detail?===
See previous
===When will the satellite images of my area be brought up to date?===
See previous
===Can I find out which place tags were most recently added?===
You can use Countries watchlist that you may find in 'tools' for these purpose.
===Why have all the place tags in my area shifted 10 meters to the west?===
Sometimes when Google updates its files, they can not line them up precisely with the old pictures. Take satellite photos of a spherical Earth and match these images on a flat map is not as easy as we would like. So sometimes, there are offsets. On such a case there is 'Satellite images updates list' tool (or Map Shift). It allows to fix those shifts of the map.
===What should I do when all the place tags in a certain area have been shifted 10 metres to the west?===
See previous.
=== I found a place where when I zoomed OUT it said "no imagery"?===
this means that the provider has no higher resolution imagery there.

=Place tools=

==Adding places==

===What is a "place object"?===
In WikiMapia, a local object is the word commonly used to refer to a location marked, ie, the rectangle with the title, description, etc.. In English, the word used is "tagged" as short for "place tag." In English, "tag" can also mean the field for the keywords.
===I've heard different names used for a place object e.g. "tag", "place mark, "place" etc. What name should I use?===
It's better to name it just Place or Object.

===How do I add a place?===
Select 'add a place' and a red polygon tool will appear. Draw a [[Tools#Polygons|polygon]], then add other information :
* choose Language carefully.
* Title is the name Wikimapia shows that when we hover over the place. Write something short, but representative.
* Description. For the description, as they say, 2 or 3 lines is already good.
* Links are good, but remember to start with "http://". Links must come to the end of the description, because they are considered secondary sources of information.
* Categories
And click the 'Save'.

* Photo

===Can I add my own house?===
You are allowed to mark a house as long as it has:
*an accurate outline
*a properly assigned category
*a recognizable address. This should be demonstrated by assigning a street name (via the Roads tool) and a building number in the Address section.

It is undesirable to add a personal house <u>if</u>:
#it does not possess interesting details
#you do not recognise the potential repercussions of disclosing personal details

===A ship which is anchored or stationed in a fixed location (prepositioning) has drifted slightly from its original position. Can I still mark it?===
Yes you can provided the ship maintains a fixed position near to the original location. For existing objects, if the map updates to indicate an anchored/prepositioned ship has drifted, you should update the change by redrawing the object's outline.
===Can I mark transmission towers/electricity pylons?===
Yes you can, transmission towers/electricity pylons are valid objects and can be marked. Please give them an accurate outline and the appropriate category.

===Which map provider should I use to mark objects?===

You can use any map source provided they are not incorrect nor illegal.

Since its inception in 2006, Wikimapia has always used Google Maps to plot its data layer as it was the only source available for five years. Presently, Wikimapia regards Google Maps imagery the best source in most cases.

Google Maps' satellite view is the default and the most widely used map view to mark objects in Wikimapia. We highly recommended that you use Google Satellite 'old places' view ('Satellite + old places' in Beta and 'Google satellite' with 'old places' checked in New Wikimapia) to ensure you don't duplicate the addition of an already marked object.

Finally, reality governs over all map sources. For example, if a building is demolished in real life, it should be marked as such even though the map may show it to still exist as a building.

===Which places should I tag?===
* Any non-movable place that exists at this particular moment in time.
** Planes, submarines, circuses and other movable objects may be added if they are <u>still</u> for at least a week.
** Permanently <u>still</u> or <u>stationed</u> ships which are moored or anchored can be marked even if they have drifted from an original position.
* A place must have at the very least a properly constructed outline.
* Settlement place tags such as cities, towns, villages and neighborhoods must have a properly assigned category.
* Historical/disappeared places. These '''must''' have the 'historical layer / disappeared object' category assigned to them.
* Newly constructed buildings, which are not visible on the satellite image. Use a different map provider with the latest images to verify the outline. If the newly constructed place is not visible on any map, try your best to mark the outline accurately.

Remember, reality governs over satellite images and map sources. If you can see and visit a place not visible on a map, you can still mark it.

===Which places should I not tag?===
Please think carefully before adding a place tag, there are certain things that are forbidden. Place tags that meet the following deletion criteria should not be added:

* An outline that does not mark any identifiable place.
* A historical/disappeared place <u>without</u> the 'historical layer / disappeared object' category.
* A planned building or road that has not entered the construction phase.
* Movable objects that are still for <u>less than a week</u>.
* A place tag that marks temporary or intangible events such as battles etc.
* A place tag that is a copy of another place tag.
* A personal/private residence that does not contain an address or useful information.


===What information should I provide in a place tag?===
You should provide any information that you find useful and valuable, if only it does not violate [[About_Wikimapia#Policies |Wikimapia guidelines]].

===What information should I not provide in a place tag?===
You should not provide any information that violates [[About_Wikimapia#Policies |Wikimapia guidelines]].

===How big should my place tag be?===
For the description 2 or 3 lines is already good. If you wrote a short title, then you can provide some more information here. If you are just adding the local Starbucks, then you could consider leaving the description blank ("everyone" knows what is a Starbucks, especially if you add the correct category in the box below the description), but put yourself in place of someone else in the world. and provide them with some information. Do not copy and paste a large section of text from other web pages, but instead, just provide the link. If you're describing an airport, for example, you must not copy and paste the entire Wikipedia article, including all airlines and all the cities that have flights there. Nobody will read it, but it certainly will make things difficult for people to look for Nairobi and find it mentioned in the description of the Amsterdam Airport.

===Can I add roads, railroads, rivers or even ferry routes with the place tool?===
'''No you should not''', you should use the linear tools to draw on the map. This is found under the '''Edit map''' drop down menu list, which is found at the top-left of the screen.
[[File:Edit map .jpg|200px|thumb|left|The Edit map drop down menu list]]

===I found something on the satellite image that I want to know what it is. Should I mark the place, and call it "What is this"?===
No you should not, if you do not know the place then you '''should not''' mark it.

===Should I tag a place that does not show up in the satellite image because it has just been built?===
Yes! Once the image is updated, the site will be there.
===Should we mark places that may be dangerous to visit?===
You can mark dangerous place as any other. You can also caution other users in description that this place is dangerous to visit.

===How do I use the categories section in a place object?===
Click [[User_interface#Categories|here]] for answers.

===I added some place tags 2 days ago, but only registered today. How do I get credit for the other place tags?===
Sorry, but there is no way. And after you add many others, you will not miss those credits.
===My place tag has disappeared!===
''See also: [[editing_places#Undeleting.2FPlace_restoration|Undeleting/Place restoration]]''

It might have been deleted. To see if it has click if so its best to click "Extras" then "Deleted Places" from your "username" menu drop down list. The map will switch to a view showing all deleted places; if your place has been deleted it can be viewed here.
[[File:Map type menu.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The Map type menu list, where the 'Deleted places' layer is highlighted.]]

===Can I edit place tags created by other users? Can other users edit my place tags? If so, do I need to inform/ask permission before doing so?===
You can edit and needs no prompting to any user as well as they do not need to ask permission from you. But add good things and not change one point for a comma to stay with his name on the marker.
===How do I edit a description?===
Move your mouse over the desired location, click the left button in the upper left corner hover over the menu and then click Edit this page. After all done click the save button.
===When places change, ie. they move or discontinue business, is it best to indicate that or delete the place tag?===
Please see [[Help/FAQ#If_a_business.2C_shop.2C_store_etc.2C_moves_or_is_shut_down.2C_should_I_delete_the_defunct_place_object.3F |here]]

===I can't see the name of the last editor at the bottom of the place window?===
The name of the last editor can be seen in the history of the tag.

===In Old Wikimapia, why can't I see a user's name at the bottom of the window in some place objects?===
They were made by guests or unregistered user (UU).

===I found several place tags marking the same place. What do I do?===
Ask for the removal of the most most informative site (or recent and leave the oldest), thus respecting the establishment of the previous location.
A tip: put on the map '''Satellite + old places''' (to avoid a site already created is recreated again).

===Tall buildings in a city sometimes seem to be leaning sideways. How should I mark those locations?===
All buildings should be outlined at their base (ground level), regardless of whether their images appear to be leaning. When the images are from directly or nearly directly overhead, the roof edges may be used to approximate the ground level footprint if they have the same dimensions.

Tall buildings and structures like radio towers appear to "lean" because of the way they have been [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_Photography photographed] from the air. For further clarification, please read [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Adding/editing_places#Polygons this].

===Can I add places which do not exist any more?===
You can, but <u>only</u> if you:
*know the precise dimensions
*add the historical layer/disappeared place category
If the above requirements are lacking, you should not add non-existent places.

===Is there an easier way to find an area on the map which needs improving?===
To see what area needs improving you can use [[status grid]]. If you are interested in specific map area (ie., cause you are familiar with the area and can improve it better) we recommend you to add a [[Tools#Watchlist |watchlist]], so you can monitor the activity (new places, changes, deletions, etc) and know whether any new place needs to be improved.

===I found some places near the north/south pole! What is going on?===
Most are the result of vandals. Nevertheless, there is no valid markings indicating settlements and scientific stations.

===I don't know what to write in object description. Can I copy the title in description?===
No, because title information should remain in the title section. If you cannot provide a few descriptive words about the object then you may add its informal or unofficial name, if there is one.

===Should I mark tunnels and bridges with the polygon tool or the linear tools?===

Tunnels and bridges should only be marked with the polygon tool. Tunnels and bridges serve as specially constructed passageways for roads, railroads, footpaths, waterways etc. They are independent of linear features and will often have different names.

'''Tips for tunnels'''

#When marking a tunnel which cannot be seen due to its hidden or subterranean nature, be sure to mark it as accurately as you can with the polygon tool.
#Assign the tunnel with the [tunnel] and [invisible] category. The [invisible] category will render the tunnel invisible and is necessary to avoid visual overlapping if it passes under other places.
#The portion or segments of the linear feature which passes through the tunnel should be rendered with a minus or lower elevation level via the properties option.

<gallery caption="Tunnel gallery" widths="300px" heights="200px" perrow="4">
File:Polygon Tunnel.jpg|Invisible polygon visible via hovering cursor
File:Segment Tunnel.jpg|Tunnel segment of linear feature selected for lower elevation
File:Lower Elevation.jpg| Selecting lower elevation
File:Linear Tunnel.jpg|Polygon invisible, linear feature rendered with lower elevation indicated by transparent section
</gallery>

==Semi-Protection==

===The tag info tells me that the place is 'semi-protected'. What does that mean?===
Some tags are often vandalized and needs protection, this can only be done by [[Advanced Users]]. Registered users and unregistered users can not edit tags at all.

===When should I semi-protect an article?===
If a site has been the victim of vandalism the best place to ask for protection is this forum [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=164 thread]. Only advanced users can put on protective items (tags).

==Polygons==

===Why can't I add more points to a polygon?===
There are limitations on the total number of polygon dots you can add depending on your user level:

*'''Level 0 users''': 200 dots
*'''Level 1-8 users''': 500 dots
*'''Advanced users''': 2,500 dots

===Why can't I create big polygons and why do I get the message: "Too big polygon"?===
There are limitations on the polygon size you can make depending on your [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Community#User_levels User Level.]

===Can I revert a polygon to the state before it was vandalized?===
Yes you can. You can do this by applying the correct polygon state of a previous revision as current.
===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.
===I don't understand guideline 1.2. "A place must have at least a properly constructed outline"?===
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.
===I tried to add new points to a polygon, but I failed. What is the reason? (150 points limitation)===
Regular users can draw up to 500 dots per polygon. When adding new dots to a polygon you should stick to the same limit, which means that total number of dots (first+added) should not overdraw 500 dots.
===Due to the polygon limit can I add several polygons and use them as "jigsaw pieces" (terrain patches) to construct a larger object?===
No. A polygon should mark an object (named or unnamed) with its own identifiable outline. Using smaller fictitious objects to construct a larger object because of a polygon limitation is not permissible. The practice of "jigsaw piecing" or "terrain patching" does not comply with Wikimapia Guidelines clause 1.2. Furthermore, the deletion of such places becomes necessary as per the deletion clauses 3.1 and 3.2 of the Wikimapia Guidelines.
However, smaller interlocking and tessellating polygons can be marked if they represent recognizable places in their own right.

===I added a polygon for a place but my edit count stayed the same. Why?===
When you add a polygon to a place this reflects in line 'Polygons added to places without a polygon' in profile 'Stats', not in edit count.

===Can I use polygons as arrows or waymarkers to indicate the route or direction of a place?===
No. This is because arrows and waymarkers aren't real places with definable outlines. Polygons should not be manipulated to indicate anything other than the outline of a place.

===How do I rotate a polygon?===
*'''1''': Select menu resize outline.
*'''2''': Right click on a point and select rotate.
*'''3''': Rotate until polygon is in desired position.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|AuEvbaa8AvE}}</center>

==Comments==

===Am I free to make any comment?===
You are free to add comments as long as they are kept clean (no profane or obscene language), and are not directed at another user in a negative manner.

''Also see: [[editing_places#Comments | Comments]] and [[Comment Guidelines]]''

===How do I delete a bad comment?===
Only [[Advanced Users]] and users who are level 5+ can delete comments. If you find a bad comment you think should be deleted you can report it [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1258 Here].

<center>{{#ev:youtube|AYQQIBlua9s}}</center>

===Why are the authors of some comments shown as blue links, but others are just black?===
Guests usernames are black, registered users have blue username links, which direct to their profile pages.

==Photos==

===How do I add photos?===
Open place description, hover over ‘menu’ at the top and click ‘add/manage photos’. Here you can upload new photos and delete old ones. '''Remember''': photos that violate [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| photo policies]] or just do not refer to the place will be deleted.

===How do I know when a photo was taken?===
You can only know who and when uploaded it (it is written below the photo). You may ask a user, who uploaded a photo, when it was taken, but we can not guarantee that he will answer for sure.

===Can I make notes about a photograph?===
No, unfortunately this feature is not available yet. You can only give it a name, when uploading it, and leave a comment with your notes below the photo.

===Which photos should be deleted?===
You should delete those photos that violate [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| photo policies]] or just do not refer to the place.

As you can upload only 7 photos for every object it is also permitted and even encouraged to delete photos of bad quality if only you can replace them with better quality photos.

===How do I delete a bad photo?===
Click on the tag where you have found the bad photo, hover the cursor over '''menu''' at the top and then click on '''add/manage photos'''. In the tab where you see '''Current photos''' hover the cursor over the bad photo, then a '''Delete''' button should appear underneath the photo, click on it and the bad photo will get deleted. It is to be noted, that this is the same place where you can upload a new photo.

===How can I tell which place tags contain photos?===
You can not. But you can filter all places by ‘places '''without''' photos’ category and see which places do not have photos. Therefore all places without red marks contain photos.

===Can I add a video of a place?===
Yes, you can provide a link from youtube.com in place description, it will be shown with a YouTube embedded player and a preview.

===Under what conditions can I use the "free" images from Wikimedia Commons?===
Click [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Licensing here] for answers.

===Can I add photos to linear objects: to streets, rivers, railways?===
Yes.
===If I edit or remove copyright, attribution and watermarks from copyrighted photos, can I still use them?===
Absolutely not! Images where copyright information has been defaced or removed is unlawful. The submission of such images is prohibited.
===Can I use images taken from Google Street View and other similar street view services?===
Images from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competition_of_Google_Street_View street view services] such as Google Street View, Yandex etc. can only be used if you have satisfied their copyright policies for redistribution and Wikimapia's own policies for [[Photos | hosting ]] such images. Non-compliant images used in Wikimapia should be updated with the necessary attribution details or removed.

==Deletion==

===How do I delete a place?===
Places can be deleted by selecting 'Delete place' under 'Menu' in the object's window. Please be aware that you may only delete a place as per the deletion reasons (under 3. Deleting tags) of the [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Guidelines].

<center>{{#ev:youtube|vKk8Z7k0CXU}}</center>

===What actions are acceptable, or even encouraged, when deleting place tags?===
Before deleting an object, read the [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| Wikimapia Policies]] carefully to make sure you are doing everything right. If you have any doubts about deleting a place you can discuss it on the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum] or ask an [[ Community#Advanced_Users | Advanced User]] for advice.

===I found some places that should be deleted, but I can't delete them since I am only a regular user (RU). What should I do?===
If you can’t delete an object, it might be under an AU protection. You should contact an AU, explain you reasons and ask for help.

===How long does it take for a "deleted" place to actually disappear entirely?===
After you made a request to delete an object the system will inform you in what time the place will be deleted on the place page. Usually it takes five days (if removed by a regular user) and couple of hours (if removed by an AU). Between deletion request and actual disappearance of the object, a user can cancel the deletion by clicking on ‘cancel’ button.

===How do I know if one of my places has been deleted?===
You can check your Stats tab in your profile window. Your created places which are deleted will be shown via the counter next to <tt>'''Deleted from them:'''</tt>
===Do deleted places still show up on my list of created places?===
Yes. If someone deleted your places they still will be written in ‘Places and streets created’ line (and ‘Deleted from them’ line as well), but they will be marked as deleted and you won’t get experience point for them.

===How many places can I delete per day/week?===
It depends on your user level. On the first user level you can delete three places in one hour only. UL 2 - ten objects in ~16 minutes, UL3 - twenty objects in ~13 minutes, UL4 - thirty in 5 minutes, UL5+ - eighty in 2 minutes, AUs can delete 200 objects in 90 seconds.

===I found two tags which mark the same place, which one should be kept and which one should be deleted?===
Double-check them to see if they are in fact duplicates. Similarities with titles or polygon sizes does not necessarily mean they are duplicates, one tag may mark one part of the place while another may mark a different part of the same place e.g. a building and its external property or two different objects on the same property.

If you have double-checked the duplicates and concluded they are copies marking the same place, then the oldest tag should be kept (edited and improved if necessary) and the newer tag deleted if all other factors are equal. "if all other factors are equal" means evaluating both tags against each other and determining if the balance of their "weight" or "value" is more or less level. Factors to be considered are:

* creation by registered user or "guest"
* duplication circumstances? (was duplication innocent or intentional?)
* polygon existence
* polygon accuracy/complexity
* description quality
* number of photos (and their relevance & quality)
* number of languages added to the titles and descriptions and the "quality" of those descriptions
* inclusion of child objects if tag is a parent building
* number of relevant comments
* use of address
* use of relevant categories
* building checkbox checked if tag is a building
* use of Wikipedia articles

The decision to judge one tag against another one is not straightforward. Always try to assume good faith and use common-sense to assess the circumstances as this often helps to reach the right decision. If you're still unsure, please seek advice by creating a topic in the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=3 Correction support forum].

===If a business, shop, store etc, moves or is shut down, should I delete the defunct place object?===
If the building <u>still</u> exists, and it hasn't been demolished, it should '''not''' be deleted. We recommend you update the place object's article by describing its present function. It is essential you update its title, description, address and category to reflect the change.
===Can I undelete a non-compliant place object and re-purpose/convert it into an acceptable one?===
The practice of salvaging a deleted place object and reassigning its identity is forbidden <u>'''if'''</u> the newer object is:
*situated at a different location from the original
*has a completely different function to the original

All objects must be marked with their own outlines and are treated as individual objects. For example, the place object for a jetty (which has rotted away) cannot be converted into a lake or boat house - it must be deleted (<u>unless</u> the jetty is rebuilt). The lake and boat house must be marked separately with their own place object identities.

Recycling obsolete objects and reusing them may seem desirable but ultimately defeats the object of populating Wikimapia's map and database with unique places and overall place count respectively. The exceptions to this rule are:
*an <u>existing</u> place can be re-purposed within one day of its creation if a user has marked it erroneously
*a deleted place whose deletion reason is invalid can be restored and edited to reflect its current status

The wilful and persistent act of undeleting place objects and recycling them into compliant objects is forbidden. In addition, the premeditated act of abusing the aforementioned exceptions is also forbidden.

===In China many place tags are marked ?????(cn). Should I delete them?===
No, you should not delete them. Seeing such symbols simply means that your computer does not support Chinese symbols.

===Why do deleted objects still show up in Google search results?===
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 [http://support.google.com/websearch/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=164734&ctx=cb&src=cb&cbid=-1lfw27a3ux1tz here].



=Linear Tools=

===Can I add extinct or proposed linear works?===
No. You can only add linear features which exist in reality and (in the case of transport linear features) must be functional as a complete thoroughfare or route for pedestrian and/or vehicular conveyance.

===Can I mark tunnels and bridges with the linear tools?===
No. See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Help/FAQ#Should_I_mark_tunnels_and_bridges_with_the_polygon_tool_or_the_linear_tools.3F this]

==Roads==

===I cannot add roads===
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 or edit previously created objects. 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 [[Community#User_levels| 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 [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=4 here] and a bug report [http://wikimapia.org/special_pages/user_reports/?action=list&type=0 here].

===Should I add multiple road segments to mark individual lanes in a road?===
Only if a physical divider is present between those lanes. Otherwise use segment options to set lanes number.

===Can I mark parking lots, airport taxiways and runways with the road tool?===
No you should not, the road tool is specifically designed to mark road types.

===What road type should I use to mark a road?===
Depending on the type of the road (dirt road, courtyard road, street/low traffic, road/high traffic, highway).

===Am I allowed to enter the zip/post code in the title field along with the road name?===
You should really not, however you may include the zip/post codes in the description field.

==Railroads==
This tool allow you to map the railway segments onto the map page. To have more information about the use of this tool, please see [[Tools#Railroads|Railroads]] section

==Rivers==
===Can I add a polygon for a river whose sides are too complex for the riverside feature?===
No. You cannot add polygons for a river since the river tool is designed for this purpose and only it should be used for linear water bodies. Instead, the riverside feature should be shaped accurately as possible to cover the expanse of the complex river.

The only instance where you may add a polygon is for intersections (confluences) or the point where a river drains into a larger water body such as a lake. Be sure to use the correct category(s) for water bodies marked with a polygon.
===Can I add multiple river lines for one river?===
No. You can only add one river line per river. The only instance where you can use more than one river line is if you are marking an intersection or confluence from an existing river line.

==Ferry==

===Can I use the ferry tool to mark rivers and vice versa?===
'''No'''. This tool is only for the mapping of genuine ferry routes. To map river you must use the river tool.
==Edit Summary==

===What is the edit summary section I can see in the edit window of all tags?===

See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/Tools#Edit_Summary here].

===Can I make a comment which has nothing to do with an edit?===

No. You can only make edit summaries.

=Interface=

==Wikimapia Screen==

===How do I use all those things on the Wikimapia screen?===
Click [[User_interface#About_the_Wikimapia_Main_Screen| here]] for answers.

===When I look at place's description page, there is a line near the top that says, for example, "World/xxxxx/yyyyy/zzzzz". What is this telling me?===

This is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadcrumb_%28navigation%29 breadcrumb] line or "world string". It shows a list of places according to their administrative levels. '''Please be aware''' this list may '''not''' show the native administrative levels of the place object, so it should only be referred to as an approximation of places near to the place object. Errors cannot be corrected.

[[File:Breadcrumb line.png|center|thumb|The breadcrumb line may '''not''' be accurate|550px]]

===The breadcrumb navigation is wrong/not showing the correct place name?===
See above.

===What is 'Hotel booking' in the menu under my username?===
‘Hotel booking’ is a useful tool for tourists. If you are planning to visit any specific place in short time, you can find it on the map and click on ‘Hotel booking’ under your username. Afterwards you will see all hotels marked with special icons. This allows you to choose and book a hotel depending on its geographical position. Click on any hotel and see its page on booking.com.

===What is Distance Measure and what can I do with it?===
It is a tool which allows to measure the distance between two points. To do this you need to mark on the map both points or a detailed route from one point to another and the system will calculate its length. Afterwards you may send the link of what you see on the map to your friend by sending URL of the page on the top of your browser.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|0yRgQnVyhxE}}</center>

===What are those buttons underneath the menu bar?===
Those are [[Tools#Adding_place| Add place]], Distance measure (see previous) and [[User_interface#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels| Zoom]].

===What are all those options under the 'Map type' menu?===
Those are different map types that you can choose depending on what you are searching for.

===What are all those options under the 'Categories' menu?===
Those are categories that system offers you on default. If you are searching for a category that is not in the list, you need to type it in ‘Search categories’ bar or find it in ‘Categories hierarchy’ in tools.

===Why is the tooltip (when I hover over a place) not always the same as its title?===
Actually, they should be the same. If they are not, please, [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ report] about it.

===What do the red dots under the names of places mean?===
Red dot under an object name means that the object is a city.

===What are the icons in some places and what do they mean?===
These are category icons, they are shown even if you do not using category filter. If you want to know their meaning open ‘Rendering of categories’ in ‘tools’ section.

==User Profile/Account==

===Why should I register?===
While you are an unregistered user of Wikimapia you can use a limited amount of tools and options only. Since you are registered you can gain experience points, advance your user level and get access to new tools. Besides, only registered users can post on forum.

===Do you have any advice for new members?===
Yes, you can read them [[Quick_start#Advice_for_new_users| here]].

===It says in my profile that I created 106 places. But I can only count 82. What happened to the other places I've created?===
Apparently they were deleted, so you can find them in ‘Deleted from them’ line.

===Can I see how many places I have deleted?===
In stats section in your profile you can see the list of all your actions including ‘Places requested to be deleted’ and ‘Place deletion requests cancelled’.

===How do I mark my own location? Why should I?===
To mark your location find ‘Choose your location’ at the top of your profile page. Then choose your location by positioning the map and placing the marker. Location may be approximate for privacy. Your location will be visible to other users, so they could figure out where are you from.

===How do I delete a message someone sent me?===
Unfortunately you cannot delete a message, it will stay permanently in your inbox.

===Is there any way I can change my user name? I hate this one!===
This is not an easy task. You really should have thought of this before registering! If you really have a good reason, you must send an e-mail administrators in WikiMapia@gmail.com. They may be able to help you. Otherwise, you have two options: 1) Learn to live with it, or 2) abandon the account and start a new, re-registering.
===Someone has stolen my Wikimapia account and password. What can I do?===
Send e-mail to administrators in WikiMapia@gmail.com. Ask to have your password reset. Remember that the thief may have changed your e-mail, so be prepared to give evidence that you really are the original owner of the account. And be ready to apologize for who the thief might have offended
===I don't want to be part of Wikimapia any more. How do I delete my account?===
Unfortunately you cannot delete your account, alternatively you may want to change your password to something you will not be able to remember easily or you can stop visiting Wikimapia altogether which is even more easier.

==Place Search==

===How do I search for something?===
Type the name of the place you're looking for in the search box in the Wikimapia Menu Bar at the top of your screen, and press the <tt>'''Search'''</tt> button. A list results matching your query shall be returned in the sidebar. You can also tailor your searches by location or coordinates by choosing the respective tabs underneath the search box in the sidebar.
===How can I use Wikimapia to search for hotels on my travels?===
There are three ways to search for hotels:
*Type the name of a hotel or simply type "hotel" in the search box and click the button with the search icon
*Type "hotel" in the category search box and select "hotel" in the dropdown suggestion list
*Under your username, select "Extras" and then "Hotel booking"

==Categories==

===What are Categories?===
Category filter is a tool that allows you to search for places of one type (ie. bars, hospitals, etc) by their category.

===How do I search for something?===
You just need to hover over ‘Categories’ on the top menu and either choose the category you are looking for (if its shown) or search it in ‘Search categories’ bar. Then you’ll see that all the places on the map that fit your category will we have red marks. To quit a category search click ‘cancel’ on the bottom of the map.

===How can I find, for example, theaters in one city?===
See previous
===What categories should I use if the place object's function changes?===
Always use the category which best describes the primary function of the place object. For example, where the following occurs:

* A house is bought by a banking company and turned into a bank
* A shop moves into an air raid shelter
* An old mansion is converted into a museum

You would do the following:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Previous place object function !! New place object function !! Previous category (to be removed)!! New category
|-
| <center>House</center> || <center>Bank</center> || <center>[house]</center> || <center>[bank]</center>
|-
| <center>Air raid shelter</center> || <center>Shop</center> || <center>[air raid shelter]</center> || <center>[shop / store]</center>
|-
| <center>Old mansion</center> || <center>Museum</center> || <center>[manor / mansion / villa]</center> || <center>[museum]</center>
|}

===Can I use a special category to alter a place object visually?===
See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/User_interface#Important_notes here].

= User Tools =

==Watchlists==

===How do I create a watchlist?===
To create a watchlist go to [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/ Tools] click on watchlist then click add, outline the area you wish to watch, enter a name and click save. You can navigate back to see your watchlist's this way.

===Is there a limit to the number of watchlist's I can create?===
No, there is not limit to the number of watchlist's you can create.

=Community=

==Forum==

===When can I join in the forum discussions?===
As soon as you are registered.
===Why am I not able to post into the forum?===
Every regular user can post into the forum. If you can not then you are either an unregistered user or you were banned on forum for [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=7521 guidelines of Wikimapia forum] violation.

===Should I ask a question anywhere in the forum, or should I start a new topic? ===
If there is already a topic that refers to your question, you can post your question there. You should start a new thread only if there is no topic alike. Remember: Off-topic posts may be deleted by moderators.
===How can I make sure that someone sees my posting in the forum? (should I post it in all sections?) ===
There is no way to '''guarantee''' that someone will certainly see your posting, but new postings usually appear on the top of the forum page, so users '''might''' see them.
===I posted a message in the forum, but I have changed my mind. Can/should I delete it? ===
You can delete your message only during a short period of time after posting. In other situation you can not delete your messages, only [[Community#Forum_moderators| forum moderators]] have such power. So you can contact one of them and explain the reason why your message needs to be deleted.

===I added a photo to my profile, but my forum posting still shows "no foto"? ===
Wait for a while. It may take some time.
===I remember seeing something discussed in the forum last week, but now I can't find it. Is it possible to find it again? ===
On such a case there is a search bar at the top right corner of the forum page.

===Why do forum messages always run off the right side of my screen?===
The forum is designed for a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher. If yours is set to less than this, the forum display will be wider than your screen.

===How can I make a text bold, italicize or underline it?===
You will have to use square brackets [][/]

*for bold: [b]text[/b]
*to italicize: [i]text[/i]
*to underline: [u]text[/u]

===How to embed images?===
to embed image: [img]url goes here[/img]

==Other Users==

===How do I find out where another user lives===
If a user marked his\her location you may figure out where is he\she from. Otherwise, you need to ask directly to the user, but be ready for a disappointment, since many users prefer to keep your privacy.

===How can I contact another user?===
Find it (a) in the forum or on a map of users, or the link somewhere that he (a) has described or discussed. Click on your username. This will open the user profile that you want to contact. Click "send message to this user", type your message in the text box and click the "send message". The message you sent is shown above a new text box empty. That's it: do not click the button "send message" again. If you have already sent a message to this user, you name it (a) will be on your list of contacts: open your profile, click on "Messages", find the desired user name and proceed from there.
===How do I contact a user if I only know his username?===
You can find him/her by rank. Find 'Users rank' in a 'tools' section in your profile. In the window that opens, there is a search field 'Search username'. Enter the user name and click 'search'. Note that the name must exactly match the user (no matter, however, if the letters are uppercase or lowercase). If you have trouble finding it, you can ask for help from other users in the forum. Maybe some of us may find the desired user.

===How can I find out the email address linked to a user account?===
You can not. This information is private. You will not find any e-mail here. The only way is to ask the user, by sending him a message.
===I have a disagreement with another user. What should I do?===
Bring the items to the forum. We will mediate the "ceasefire" between you and another user.
===Someone keeps editing my places!===
If you have a dispute, please notify the fellow user and moderators in the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php Wikimapia Forum]. They'll try to resolve issues, but only if parties are willing to discuss their sides of the issue accurate and fairly.

===What is a sockpuppet?===
English Wikipedia page says: "sockpuppet is an online identity used in order to deceive the other members of a virtual community. In its initial use, a "sockpuppet" was a false identity through which a member of a community on the Internet manifests itself while pretending that it does not, as does a puppeteer manipulating a puppet. In WikiMapia, a "sockpuppet" is someone who has a second account.

===Is it acceptable to have a sockpuppet?===
For most users, no. However, there are users who have higher levels "sockpuppets" for experiments. They are useful in this regard.

==User Levels==

===What is the difference between user levels?===
The higher user level you are the more tools and options are available for you.

===What are the advantages & responsibilities of being an advanced user?===
Receiving Advanced User Status will grant you access to following tools and privileges:
#Ban tool
#Protection
#Deletion/restoration of comments
#Faster object deletion
#Up to 2.500 points per polygon
#The ability to vote on AU's promotion

Being an Advanced User means you need to look after the map. For example, coordinate and encourage users, help new users, arrange debates, keep track of changes on the map, i. e. editing or deleting objects and comments, set temporary protection on objects in case of edit wars.

===How do I become an advanced user?===

Any user with level 5 or + may become advanced users and his/her candidacy (it will be offered automatically) will be put to vote. If current Advanced Users decide that a person has demonstrated him/herself as a competent editor and can help Wikimapia by taking additional responsibilities and powers he/she will be invited in Advanced Users group.

===Will a high rank qualify me to become an advanced user?===
A high rank itself can not make you an advanced user. Though the more you contribute to Wikimapia the higher is you rank, so the closer the moment that you may be offered to become an advanced user..
===How many places do I have to mark to become an advanced user?===
All these questions have the same answer: There is no magic number you need to achieve because the promotion AU is a manual process done by administrators, and this is not automatic, regardless of what numbers you have.

===How many good votes do I need to become an advanced user?===
See previous
===How long should one be a regular user to become an advanced user?===
See previous
===Why is my account marked as limited/banned?===
If you were banned you’ll get a notification message, that explains the reasons and proofs of your ban. In addition, you’ll see a red window on the right of your profile page that notifies you about the reasons and details of limitation.

===How can I tell what user level a user is?===
In profile of every user there is a number of his user level.

===Can a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sockpuppet_%28Internet%29 sockpuppet] (clone) account apply for AU status?===
No, it cannot. Only a personal account (one account per individual) can apply for AU status if it is eligible for application. This is not applicable to separate accounts belonging to different individuals who live in the same household or use the same IP address.

===Can advanced user test accounts apply for AU status?===
It is strictly forbidden for Advanced user duplicate accounts (openly declared for test purposes) to apply for promotion.

==Vandalism==

===What is vandalism?===
Deliberate actions aimed to corrupt information.
Vandalism can take many forms. For example: removing correct, useful information from place tags, or adding false or offensive information. Deleting correct and useful tags, moving tags away from their correct locations, adding offensive photos, adding/re-shaping polygons so that they depict nonsensical/obscene shapes and replacing a place tag's description with one in a different language (instead of adding the new language), '''deliberately''' creating duplicate place tags, all constitute vandalism. Disrupting the forum is also considered vandalism.

===My place tag has been vandalised. What should I do?===

Post a message with the details in the section [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=f802b804ce555a2827b8ac22ae804645 User behaviour and vandalism] Forum WikiMapia. We're here to help.

===How can I revert the tag to the state before it was vandalised?===
Find ‘History’ in ’menu’ in place tag, find the revision that you think is a vandalism and click ‘Undo this revision’.

===How do restore a vandalized description to what it used to be?===
See previous

===Is is possible to protect articles that are vandalized often?===

Yes. Advanced User can "semiprotect" a place. If you want a place to be semi-protected, then send a request in the section [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=f802b804ce555a2827b8ac22ae804645 Correction support] forum.

==Banning==

===What is a ban?===
A limitation caused by disregarding, violation or misinterpretation of the rules.

===If I am banned and believe that I do not deserve it, What can I do?===
Restrictions and banning are applicable to users who infringe Wikimapia's policies. Read [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| the policies]] and make sure that you didn't violate any of them. If not, contact an AU and explain your reasons. AUs have the power to ban and unblock users, so he/she might help you.

===How can I report a bad user so that he/she is banned quickly?===
You should contact an AU and explain your reasons. AUs have the power to ban users, so he/she might help you.

==Voting==

===Why should I vote for a user?===
You should vote for a user if you want to provide a positive feedback about his/her contributions to Wikimapia, to encourage a user.
===How do I vote for a user?===
If you have 2+ user level you can vote for other users. Click on a user profile page, click on ‘votes about user’ and you’ll see a green voting form above a list of users who have already voted for a user.

===When can I start to vote for people?===
As soon as you are 2+ level
===Is there a reason I can't vote for users?===
No, there is no such a reason. You can freely vote for a user if you want.
===Is it proper to ask for votes?===
No. Voting for someone means you want to provide a positive feedback about users contributions to Wikimapia. So asking for votes is poor behavior.
===How can I get more votes?===
The more valuable places and useful information you add the more people would like to vote for you
===Someone gave me a good vote. Should I do the same for her/him?===
If you find that user deserving a good vote for his efforts on Wikimapia. If not - do not vote for a user only just to thank him for his good vote for u.
===How do I remove an unwanted vote?===
You may delete an unwanted vote if open the list of users, who voted for you, in your profile.

===Someone said I voted too frequently. Is there a limit?===
No there is no such a limit. However it is considered bad etiquette to give votes to others just to receive more yourself, only vote for user if you feel they do good work.

===Should I give a good vote to a user who is No.1 in the ranking system?===
No this is not necessary. The ranking system calculates a user's rank based on the quantity of his/her contributions. The ranking system does not calculate quality and therefore it is undesirable and illogical to give votes based on the assumption 'quantity equals quality' because it is impossible to determine quality without meticulous scrutiny. You may use your votes freely, but be aware that voting without due consideration or simply abusing the voting system shall affect your reputation and credibility.

Tip: Always judge the merits of a user's work, not the frequency.

=Error Messages=

==="You have reached the limit for this action. You need to wait for seconds"===

[[File:Error_Message_Type_1_Final.png]]

There is a limit on similar actions that a user can do within a certain period of time (i.e. a newly registered user can only delete three places in an hour). Please consult [[Community#User_levels| User Levels]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=1 Error Message Page]

==="You can not use this feature because you are banned (see details)"===

[[File:Error Message Type 2.png]]

This message means that you have been banned and are restricted from performing or accessing the selected feature.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=2 Error Message Page]

==="To use this function please login or create an account===

[[File:Error Message Type 3.png]]

You must create a Wikimapia account or login to your existing account to use the selected function.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=3 Error Message Page]

==="Your experience level is too low to use this function"===

[[File:Error Message Type 4.png]]

Your experience level is too low to use the selected function. Please consult [[Community#User_levels| User Levels]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=4 Error Message Page]

==="You are not allowed to use this function"===

[[File:Error Message Type 5.png]]

You are not allowed to use the selected function. This could be due to various reasons such as your user level, account status or the required special role. Please consult [[Community#User_levels| User Levels]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=5 Error Message Page]

==="To use this function please activate your account. Check your mailbox for activation e-mail. If you didn't receive activation message, please check that your email is correct and request another activation message from your profile settings."===

[[File:Error Message Type 6.png]]

To use the selected function you must activate your Wikimapia account (this is required for most Wikimapia functions). Check your mailbox for activation e-mail. If you didn't receive activation message, please check that your email is correct and request another activation message from your profile settings

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=6 Error Message Page]

==="Sorry, this object is temporary protected in response to an ongoing high risk of vandalism."===

[[File:Error Message Type 7.png]]

The object that you are trying to edit has been temporarily protected by an Advanced User. Please see [[Tools#Protection| Protection]] for more information.

[http://wikimapia.org/user/denied?type=7 Error Message Page]

==="Too big/long polygon"===
There are limitations on the total number of polygon dots you can add depending on your user level:

*'''Level 0 users''': 200 dots, ~31.64 km²
*'''Level 1-8 users''': 500 dots, ~244.14 km²
*'''Advanced users''': 2,500 dots, ~996,006 km²

==="You must remove the child objects before deleting the object"===
This message means you can not delete an object as there are child objects that refer to it. You need to delete them first.

==="Wikimapia has just updated! Please reload the page or press shift + ctrl R in order to apply fixes and enjoy new features"===

This message means that Admins have just made some changes in Wikimapia, so you need to reload the page to see the updated version of Wikimapia.

==="External link. You are about to leave Wikimapia.org and visit ''(Website Name)''. This link was added by users and Wikimapia takes no responsibility for any of its contents."===

[[File:External Link Page.png]]

[http://wikimapia.org/external_link?url= Error Message Page]

=External=

===Can I see Wikimapia places on Google Earth?===
Yes. You can download Wikimapia layer on Google Earth.

===Can I place part of the map on my own web page?===

Yes! Find the screen you want to place on your page. Place your mouse over "WikiMapia" in the upper left corner and select "Map on your page" A popup window will appear with the corners of a rectangle. Just push the corners of the rectangle to resize the box and then copy the html code that is shown and paste it into your page.

===Can I use Wikimapia with a GPS device?===
No, unfortunately this feature is not available yet.

===What browser do you recommend to use with Wikimapia?===

Any modern one, Google Chrome, Firefox 3.6+, IE9+, Opera, Safari.

===How do I make a jpeg or bmp shot of specific part of the map?===
First, check the licence of satellite photos provider, then capture the screen and transfer the picture into whatever format you need.

===I want to send a Wikimapia page to a friend. How do I do that?===
If you want to send a link to a specific area of Wikimapia map use URL of the page on the top of your browser.
===I clicked a Wikimapia link that someone gave me. Why am I seeing all place descriptions in Spanish now?===

The person who sent you the link used Spanish as their language. Place your mouse over "WikiMapia" and select "Change language". Select the language you want.

===How can I print the map with the names of the locations (without using another application to overlay the points and names)?===

The best you can do is capture the screen and print it.

=Advertising=

===Can I advertise a place in Wikimapia?===
See [http://wikimapia.org/docs/About_Wikimapia#Advertising here]
===I own a business. Can I tag it?===
Yes, you can tag it. You can give factual information: company name, address, what you do or sell, how long has the company, a link to its website, that sort of thing. You should not include promotional material ("the best in town", "good prices", prices in general ...), that would '''be considered propaganda'''. On the other hand, you can say: "See my website for availability and prices."
===What is the policy on advertising land for sale?===
The advertising of land for sale is not allowed under any circumstances. This means it is forbidden to advertise using Wikimapia's map tools, description and comments sections of place/linear objects, the Forum, the Blog or any other intellectual property belonging to Wikimapia.

However, Wikimapia allows advertising through its [http://wikimapia.org/ads Ad] service. Please be aware that it is subject to [http://wikimapia.org/ads/help/advertising_requirements conditions].

{{Back to Main Page}}

File:Edit map .jpg

2015-08-06T16:14:18Z

RK77: uploaded a new version of "File:Edit map .jpg"

Template:Faulty Tool Notice

2015-07-22T17:08:33Z

RK77: Clarified wording

<noinclude>
Use this template on pages which reference tools that are faulty/non-functional.
</noinclude>
{| align="center" style="background-color:#fbfbfb;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! bgcolor="#E80000"|
| valign="bottom"|<font size="2">The contents of this article/page refers to a tool/feature<br>which is not functioning properly at this moment in time.<br>Please visit the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum] for more information.</font>
|}

Tools

2015-07-22T16:41:41Z

RK77: Undo revision 4965 by Ocanada (talk) This tool does not work for some users, until it works for everybody, please keep the template on the page

{{Languages|Tools}}

{{Navbox user guide}}

Wikimapia gives you an opportunity not only to use its data but also to improve it. When you first decide to add or edit a place tag you start using tools. This manual is designed to help you exploring all functions that Wikimapia can offer you for changing and improving the map.

== Editing the map ==

=== Adding places ===

''Main article: [[Adding places]]''

'''Adding places''' to Wikimapia is what makes it happen; the cornerstone of a wiki that attempts to describe the entire Earth is that all places in it are based entirely on user input. Any user can contribute to Wikimapia. Below are some hints and suggestions to get you started on Wikimapia. But not all things are permitted; unwelcome and unhelpful additions will be deleted.

Adding a place is easy; just select 'Edit map' on the tool bar and then select 'Add a place' from the pull-down menu: a red polygon tool will appear. Manipulate the polygon in a manner which outlines the place you are marking accurately. Once you have finished outlining your place, a box will appear in which you can write information about the place. Choose the language of your tag, write place title, description, address, Wikipedia link, choose place category and add photos.

To mark places that are located inside larger places (e.g. shopping malls, office buildings etc.) you can use the 'parent & child' feature by clicking on 'Add place (company, shop, etc.) to this building'.

You can also make a comment about a tagged object in the 'Comments' section.

Movable objects like vehicles, circuses etc. can only be added if they are stationary for a week and at the time of submission. This provision is exclusive for permanently fixed objects like moored vessels, stationed aircraft in open-air museums and military bases; static mobile homes and inert mobile food/drink carts etc. Regular movable objects which are in constant use shouldn't be marked if they are fixed for less than a week.

===Hints and tips===
# If the maximum zoom is insufficient to accurately place the lines of your polygon then an additional, digital, zoom level is available. To obtain it, roll your mouse wheel very very slowly forward. It sometimes takes two or three attempts to get this to work.
# If you have the patience to add places (polygons) of buildings, carefully outline only the shape of the building, take care to set the "This is a building" box and then save your work. If the building plot is a large area such as a university campus, industrial estate, commercial development etc., and you want to add this as well take care this time not to tick the building box and again save your work. The advantage of doing this will become obvious when you take a look at the Wikimapia map layer, this contains only the Wikimapia data and ticked appropriately you can distinguish between buildings and the plot on which they sit in different shades.

=== Editing places ===
'''Editing Places''' is the process in which existing tags are modified. Editing places is a fundamental part of Wikimapia, since our physical world is always subject to change. However, editing should be done in a careful and responsible manner, and in accordance with Wikimapia's philosophy of [[Neutral Point of View]].

Wikimapia's aim is to provide a useful reference tool that supplies usable information for all its visitors, we therefore encourage you to make continuous improvement so that the information is up-to-date. You can add whatever information that is relevant to the place; this can be anything from correcting spelling or grammatical errors, to making wholesale changes to an otherwise bland or uninformative article.

====How to edit a place====
* When you select a tag, click on the red "Edit" label on the top-left corner.
* Choose "Edit this Page", and make your changes as necessary.
* Choose "Save" when you are done.

====Understanding the Editing Process====
If somebody has edited an article you have created or edited, do not worry! That is a normal consequence of a wiki: Anyone can edit it. A Wikimapia article can be improved, but only if there is relevant, verifiable, and useful information to add to it.

====What Is Not Permitted====
Occasionally, there may be places in Wikimapia that may be lacking information, or contain too much information! Please feel free to edit appropriately, but please leave these out of our Wikimapia titles and/or descriptions.

* Non-neutral point of view
* Vulgarity
* Slander/insult
* Invasion of privacy
* Editing wars (continually editing for the sake of ruining an article)
* Spam
* Advertising not pursuant to [http://wikimapia.org/ads Wikimapia Ads]
* False information
* Boasting/bragging
* Using Wikimapia articles as a forum for opinions and viewpoints, specifically religion and politics.

No member "owns" the tags they create; no tag is free from editing just because they created it, or because they live in the area. ''Ownership of articles is not a function of Wikimapia'', which means that if you do not intend to have your information edited, we recommend you '''not''' to submit it to Wikimapia!

=== Deleting Places ===
Some place tags in Wikimapia are not satisfactory because they do not contain useful or interesting information. Again, there are other place tags, which do not describe places or are offensive, defamatory or hurtful in nature. If you encounter place tags like these, you should always attempt to correct them first. If they cannot be corrected, and they meet the deletion criteria of the [[Wikimapia Guidelines]], they should be deleted.

To delete a place tag, select 'Menu' > 'Delete place' in the place tag's window. You will be prompted to choose a deletion reason; it is important to note that you are obligated to confirm deletion only for the reason chosen. The place tag will enter a deletion period, after which it shall be deleted. The duration of the deletion period varies and depends on your user level.

Remember, always delete a place tag if it cannot be reclaimed into something acceptable bearing in mind, though, that willful deletion of a good place tag is forbidden.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|vKk8Z7k0CXU}}</center>

==== Undeleting/Place restoration ====
If you think if a tag has been wrongfully been deleted, you can restore the tag by undeleting it. You'd first need to select 'Deleted places' option from the [[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]] menu, the Map type menu is situated at the top-left of the screen, when you click on the Map type menu a drop down list will appear. The 'Deleted places' option will appear on the tenth row, select it and deleted places will start to appear on the map in square boxes.

When you find the tag which has been deleted, click on the tag and hover the mouse arrow on the 'Menu' text and it will show a drop down menu. When you see the text 'Undelete place; click on it and it will give you the option to write a brief explanation as to why the tag was wrongfully deleted, but this is '''''optional'''''. It is recommended however to write one as to clear up any misunderstandings, then you can go ahead by pressing the 'Undelete place' button which is situated at the bottom left of the tag. It takes about 2-3 minutes for a tag to be restored on the map.

====What kinds of place tags are most often deleted?====
If none of the above considerations are relevant, how do you determine whether to delete a place tag? The vast majority of deletable place tags fall into one of the following categories:

# “My house”, “I live here” - For personal houses, the thing to remember is that local conditions are different from place to place. In the US and Canada all personal homes are to be deleted, unless they meet the full criteria in the Adding section of this User Guide. In places like India, properly sized homes that have a person's full name and/or instructions on how to find their house are not deleted. [On the other hand, we would delete a place like "Nandini's House" because we assume that there's more than one woman named Nandini in India.]
# Too big – the rectangle is MUCH too large for something that claims to be a single building, and there is no way to tell which specific building inside the rectangle is intended to be the actual described place.
# Duplicates - Two or more tags for the same place. One of them should be edited and improved (if possible) and the other(s) deleted. The newer tag is the one that should be deleted. Edit the older tag as needed to bring it up to the information level of the newer tag - then delete the newer one.
# Inappropriate language - Places with offensive or abusive language.
# Spam
# Advertisements not made through Wikimapia's [http://wikimapia.org/ads Ad] (advertisement) service.
# Political or religious content that cannot be effectively removed by editing - e.g. the whole tag is a partisan statement.

If there is any other problem with the place tag, don't hesitate to bring it up in the Forum. The forum's [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1440 Place Deletion Requests thread] is a long and ongoing thread about deletion discussions.

=== Protection ===
If a place tag has been the target of vandalism (e.g. a genuine article is repeatedly placed for unjustified deletion), you can request its protection by contacting an [[Advanced Users|Advanced User]]. You can request protection in this forum topic ([http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=164 Request for Semi-protection]) or you can contact an Advanced User directly through PM. Only advanced users can enable protection on place tags.

=== History ===
The history shows all edits made to an object since it was created. Each saved edit is known as a revision, and each revision is stored as a version number with a brief overview of the editor's name, edits made and date of edits in the history.

To access an object's history select 'Menu' > 'History' in the object's window.
=== Linear features ===

''Main article: [[Linear features]]''

Linear tools is a completely different method of marking map objects compared to the 'Add place' tool. Where the sole purpose of the 'Add place' tool lies in marking static areas with a precise outline, the purpose of the Linear tools is to mark map objects whose dimensions aren't defined by static areas but by extensive lengths. With this in mind, the tool has been specifically designed to mark roads, rivers, railway lines (railroads) and ferry routes. This is accomplished by using elastic segments, as opposed to polygons, to mark the linear nature of the mentioned map objects.

==== Roads ====
Roads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out roads by adding points. These successive points are joined (automatically as you go on marking them) by road segments.

==== Railroads ====
Railroads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out railway lines by adding points. Once you anchor a point and move the cursor, a segment will automatically extend from it. A segment can only be established when another point is fixed to a location. These segments and points should be aligned accurately with the linear image of the railroad on the map.

==== Ferry ====
What constitute a Ferry ? A scheduled public passenger/car/rail transport service that travels over water on a set regular, frequent, seasonal, return services route. At least the ends of the ferry line must be named and information about the route and sailing times must be presented. In other words, a ferry route should have a predictable route and a provable route. Links to its schedules and sailings are also to be provided where available.

This clearly rules out Touring Vessels, Cruise Ships, Ocean Liners, Cargo Vessels, ocean tramps, fishing vessels etc. And other charter vessels not engaged in the above-defined service also are not to be marked

Creating New and Editing Existing Ferry Routes:

Click on "Edit map" and then select "Ferry" in the menu. If you are viewing a coastal ferry port, you may see some ferry lines highlighted with red boxes in the style of place outlines. You can edit an existing ferry or add a new line. See the documentation for the other linear features (Example : Rivers) for more information. It is more or less akin to river markings except that ferry do not have “ferrysides”

In "Satellite" view the ferry route is depicted as a blue dashed line. In "Map" view the ferry route is shown as a light blue dashed line.

==== Rivers ====
Rivers is a linear tool wherein you can mark waterways such as rivers, canals, streams etc. The marking of rivers is done by adding points and segments. Segments form the main "body" or "line" of the linear tool, while points link segments to each other. Points also enable segments to be laid in different directions.

===Edit Summary===
The edit summary [[File:Edit Summary.jpg]] is an optional section found in the edit window of all tools (polygon & linear). It allows you to leave a brief comment about an edit you have made so that other users can see the reason behind it. If an edit summary comment has been made, it can be accessed in the history of an object.

== Watchlist ==
If you want to monitor the activity (new places, changes, deletions, ...) in one or more specific areas, you can do that with the Watchlist tool, which is available on the '''Tools''' tab on your profile page.

To add a watchlist you click the Watchlist link on your profile page and then click the background map (closing the profile page and revealing the watchlist sidebar). Click the "add" button, type a name of your choice where it says "Watchlist name", size the rectangle to cover the area you are interested in and save it. After that you can click the name you chose and it will show all recent changes in that region. "Old" changes are on a gray background, while "new" changes are on a white background. When you have finished examining the new changes you can click the "mark as viewed" button to bring the gray background all the way to the top of the list.

== Status grid ==
''Main article: [[Status grid]]''

Status grid is a powerful tool to help in monitoring and improving the map. You can find it on the Tools page, it is available for all registered users. The grid is a colorized layer over the map which collects and shows basic statistics about places for each grid cell. It should be helpful in finding badly described areas and tags. The status grid works at zoom levels between 5 and 15.

== Map shift ==
{{Faulty Tool Notice}}
''Main article: [[Satellite_images_updates_list|Satellite images updates list (Map shift)]]''

Every month or so Google updates their satellite imagery and sometimes as a result of it the outline positions of Wikimapia objects in some areas become out of sync.
Such areas need to be fixed. To avoid doing this for each object individually, we have designed a special tool, which allows simply to update the whole areas, where this problem occurs.
You may be familiar with it, it is called "Map shift" and is accessible from the user tools page in the top menu or user profile page and via direct link: http://wikimapia.org/#m=b&show=/user/tools/mapshift/.
Now we are releasing a new version of it and making it available to more users than before.

== Reports list: Bug/features ==
[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ Reports list]

Wikimapia has an issue tracker supposed to collect and process bug reports and feature requests. It is the only right way to report a problem or a bug.

== Interface translation ==
{{Faulty Tool Notice}}

''[http://wikimapia.org/translate Translation page]''

Whole Wikimapia interface is being translated by users. Users with user level 3 and higher (3+) can translate the interface phrases into another language. The tool provides the list of phrases in English (with description of what they mean and where are they used) along with possibility to translate them into your language. A history of changes is maintained to avoid vandalism.
{{Back to Main Page}}

Tools

2015-07-22T16:40:55Z

RK77: Undo revision 4966 by Ocanada (talk) This tool does not work for some users, until it works for everybody, please keep the template on the page

{{Languages|Tools}}

{{Navbox user guide}}

Wikimapia gives you an opportunity not only to use its data but also to improve it. When you first decide to add or edit a place tag you start using tools. This manual is designed to help you exploring all functions that Wikimapia can offer you for changing and improving the map.

== Editing the map ==

=== Adding places ===

''Main article: [[Adding places]]''

'''Adding places''' to Wikimapia is what makes it happen; the cornerstone of a wiki that attempts to describe the entire Earth is that all places in it are based entirely on user input. Any user can contribute to Wikimapia. Below are some hints and suggestions to get you started on Wikimapia. But not all things are permitted; unwelcome and unhelpful additions will be deleted.

Adding a place is easy; just select 'Edit map' on the tool bar and then select 'Add a place' from the pull-down menu: a red polygon tool will appear. Manipulate the polygon in a manner which outlines the place you are marking accurately. Once you have finished outlining your place, a box will appear in which you can write information about the place. Choose the language of your tag, write place title, description, address, Wikipedia link, choose place category and add photos.

To mark places that are located inside larger places (e.g. shopping malls, office buildings etc.) you can use the 'parent & child' feature by clicking on 'Add place (company, shop, etc.) to this building'.

You can also make a comment about a tagged object in the 'Comments' section.

Movable objects like vehicles, circuses etc. can only be added if they are stationary for a week and at the time of submission. This provision is exclusive for permanently fixed objects like moored vessels, stationed aircraft in open-air museums and military bases; static mobile homes and inert mobile food/drink carts etc. Regular movable objects which are in constant use shouldn't be marked if they are fixed for less than a week.

===Hints and tips===
# If the maximum zoom is insufficient to accurately place the lines of your polygon then an additional, digital, zoom level is available. To obtain it, roll your mouse wheel very very slowly forward. It sometimes takes two or three attempts to get this to work.
# If you have the patience to add places (polygons) of buildings, carefully outline only the shape of the building, take care to set the "This is a building" box and then save your work. If the building plot is a large area such as a university campus, industrial estate, commercial development etc., and you want to add this as well take care this time not to tick the building box and again save your work. The advantage of doing this will become obvious when you take a look at the Wikimapia map layer, this contains only the Wikimapia data and ticked appropriately you can distinguish between buildings and the plot on which they sit in different shades.

=== Editing places ===
'''Editing Places''' is the process in which existing tags are modified. Editing places is a fundamental part of Wikimapia, since our physical world is always subject to change. However, editing should be done in a careful and responsible manner, and in accordance with Wikimapia's philosophy of [[Neutral Point of View]].

Wikimapia's aim is to provide a useful reference tool that supplies usable information for all its visitors, we therefore encourage you to make continuous improvement so that the information is up-to-date. You can add whatever information that is relevant to the place; this can be anything from correcting spelling or grammatical errors, to making wholesale changes to an otherwise bland or uninformative article.

====How to edit a place====
* When you select a tag, click on the red "Edit" label on the top-left corner.
* Choose "Edit this Page", and make your changes as necessary.
* Choose "Save" when you are done.

====Understanding the Editing Process====
If somebody has edited an article you have created or edited, do not worry! That is a normal consequence of a wiki: Anyone can edit it. A Wikimapia article can be improved, but only if there is relevant, verifiable, and useful information to add to it.

====What Is Not Permitted====
Occasionally, there may be places in Wikimapia that may be lacking information, or contain too much information! Please feel free to edit appropriately, but please leave these out of our Wikimapia titles and/or descriptions.

* Non-neutral point of view
* Vulgarity
* Slander/insult
* Invasion of privacy
* Editing wars (continually editing for the sake of ruining an article)
* Spam
* Advertising not pursuant to [http://wikimapia.org/ads Wikimapia Ads]
* False information
* Boasting/bragging
* Using Wikimapia articles as a forum for opinions and viewpoints, specifically religion and politics.

No member "owns" the tags they create; no tag is free from editing just because they created it, or because they live in the area. ''Ownership of articles is not a function of Wikimapia'', which means that if you do not intend to have your information edited, we recommend you '''not''' to submit it to Wikimapia!

=== Deleting Places ===
Some place tags in Wikimapia are not satisfactory because they do not contain useful or interesting information. Again, there are other place tags, which do not describe places or are offensive, defamatory or hurtful in nature. If you encounter place tags like these, you should always attempt to correct them first. If they cannot be corrected, and they meet the deletion criteria of the [[Wikimapia Guidelines]], they should be deleted.

To delete a place tag, select 'Menu' > 'Delete place' in the place tag's window. You will be prompted to choose a deletion reason; it is important to note that you are obligated to confirm deletion only for the reason chosen. The place tag will enter a deletion period, after which it shall be deleted. The duration of the deletion period varies and depends on your user level.

Remember, always delete a place tag if it cannot be reclaimed into something acceptable bearing in mind, though, that willful deletion of a good place tag is forbidden.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|vKk8Z7k0CXU}}</center>

==== Undeleting/Place restoration ====
If you think if a tag has been wrongfully been deleted, you can restore the tag by undeleting it. You'd first need to select 'Deleted places' option from the [[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]] menu, the Map type menu is situated at the top-left of the screen, when you click on the Map type menu a drop down list will appear. The 'Deleted places' option will appear on the tenth row, select it and deleted places will start to appear on the map in square boxes.

When you find the tag which has been deleted, click on the tag and hover the mouse arrow on the 'Menu' text and it will show a drop down menu. When you see the text 'Undelete place; click on it and it will give you the option to write a brief explanation as to why the tag was wrongfully deleted, but this is '''''optional'''''. It is recommended however to write one as to clear up any misunderstandings, then you can go ahead by pressing the 'Undelete place' button which is situated at the bottom left of the tag. It takes about 2-3 minutes for a tag to be restored on the map.

====What kinds of place tags are most often deleted?====
If none of the above considerations are relevant, how do you determine whether to delete a place tag? The vast majority of deletable place tags fall into one of the following categories:

# “My house”, “I live here” - For personal houses, the thing to remember is that local conditions are different from place to place. In the US and Canada all personal homes are to be deleted, unless they meet the full criteria in the Adding section of this User Guide. In places like India, properly sized homes that have a person's full name and/or instructions on how to find their house are not deleted. [On the other hand, we would delete a place like "Nandini's House" because we assume that there's more than one woman named Nandini in India.]
# Too big – the rectangle is MUCH too large for something that claims to be a single building, and there is no way to tell which specific building inside the rectangle is intended to be the actual described place.
# Duplicates - Two or more tags for the same place. One of them should be edited and improved (if possible) and the other(s) deleted. The newer tag is the one that should be deleted. Edit the older tag as needed to bring it up to the information level of the newer tag - then delete the newer one.
# Inappropriate language - Places with offensive or abusive language.
# Spam
# Advertisements not made through Wikimapia's [http://wikimapia.org/ads Ad] (advertisement) service.
# Political or religious content that cannot be effectively removed by editing - e.g. the whole tag is a partisan statement.

If there is any other problem with the place tag, don't hesitate to bring it up in the Forum. The forum's [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1440 Place Deletion Requests thread] is a long and ongoing thread about deletion discussions.

=== Protection ===
If a place tag has been the target of vandalism (e.g. a genuine article is repeatedly placed for unjustified deletion), you can request its protection by contacting an [[Advanced Users|Advanced User]]. You can request protection in this forum topic ([http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=164 Request for Semi-protection]) or you can contact an Advanced User directly through PM. Only advanced users can enable protection on place tags.

=== History ===
The history shows all edits made to an object since it was created. Each saved edit is known as a revision, and each revision is stored as a version number with a brief overview of the editor's name, edits made and date of edits in the history.

To access an object's history select 'Menu' > 'History' in the object's window.
=== Linear features ===

''Main article: [[Linear features]]''

Linear tools is a completely different method of marking map objects compared to the 'Add place' tool. Where the sole purpose of the 'Add place' tool lies in marking static areas with a precise outline, the purpose of the Linear tools is to mark map objects whose dimensions aren't defined by static areas but by extensive lengths. With this in mind, the tool has been specifically designed to mark roads, rivers, railway lines (railroads) and ferry routes. This is accomplished by using elastic segments, as opposed to polygons, to mark the linear nature of the mentioned map objects.

==== Roads ====
Roads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out roads by adding points. These successive points are joined (automatically as you go on marking them) by road segments.

==== Railroads ====
Railroads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out railway lines by adding points. Once you anchor a point and move the cursor, a segment will automatically extend from it. A segment can only be established when another point is fixed to a location. These segments and points should be aligned accurately with the linear image of the railroad on the map.

==== Ferry ====
What constitute a Ferry ? A scheduled public passenger/car/rail transport service that travels over water on a set regular, frequent, seasonal, return services route. At least the ends of the ferry line must be named and information about the route and sailing times must be presented. In other words, a ferry route should have a predictable route and a provable route. Links to its schedules and sailings are also to be provided where available.

This clearly rules out Touring Vessels, Cruise Ships, Ocean Liners, Cargo Vessels, ocean tramps, fishing vessels etc. And other charter vessels not engaged in the above-defined service also are not to be marked

Creating New and Editing Existing Ferry Routes:

Click on "Edit map" and then select "Ferry" in the menu. If you are viewing a coastal ferry port, you may see some ferry lines highlighted with red boxes in the style of place outlines. You can edit an existing ferry or add a new line. See the documentation for the other linear features (Example : Rivers) for more information. It is more or less akin to river markings except that ferry do not have “ferrysides”

In "Satellite" view the ferry route is depicted as a blue dashed line. In "Map" view the ferry route is shown as a light blue dashed line.

==== Rivers ====
Rivers is a linear tool wherein you can mark waterways such as rivers, canals, streams etc. The marking of rivers is done by adding points and segments. Segments form the main "body" or "line" of the linear tool, while points link segments to each other. Points also enable segments to be laid in different directions.

===Edit Summary===
The edit summary [[File:Edit Summary.jpg]] is an optional section found in the edit window of all tools (polygon & linear). It allows you to leave a brief comment about an edit you have made so that other users can see the reason behind it. If an edit summary comment has been made, it can be accessed in the history of an object.

== Watchlist ==
If you want to monitor the activity (new places, changes, deletions, ...) in one or more specific areas, you can do that with the Watchlist tool, which is available on the '''Tools''' tab on your profile page.

To add a watchlist you click the Watchlist link on your profile page and then click the background map (closing the profile page and revealing the watchlist sidebar). Click the "add" button, type a name of your choice where it says "Watchlist name", size the rectangle to cover the area you are interested in and save it. After that you can click the name you chose and it will show all recent changes in that region. "Old" changes are on a gray background, while "new" changes are on a white background. When you have finished examining the new changes you can click the "mark as viewed" button to bring the gray background all the way to the top of the list.

== Status grid ==
''Main article: [[Status grid]]''

Status grid is a powerful tool to help in monitoring and improving the map. You can find it on the Tools page, it is available for all registered users. The grid is a colorized layer over the map which collects and shows basic statistics about places for each grid cell. It should be helpful in finding badly described areas and tags. The status grid works at zoom levels between 5 and 15.

== Map shift ==
{{Faulty Tool Notice}}
''Main article: [[Satellite_images_updates_list|Satellite images updates list (Map shift)]]''

Every month or so Google updates their satellite imagery and sometimes as a result of it the outline positions of Wikimapia objects in some areas become out of sync.
Such areas need to be fixed. To avoid doing this for each object individually, we have designed a special tool, which allows simply to update the whole areas, where this problem occurs.
You may be familiar with it, it is called "Map shift" and is accessible from the user tools page in the top menu or user profile page and via direct link: http://wikimapia.org/#m=b&show=/user/tools/mapshift/.
Now we are releasing a new version of it and making it available to more users than before.

== Reports list: Bug/features ==
[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ Reports list]

Wikimapia has an issue tracker supposed to collect and process bug reports and feature requests. It is the only right way to report a problem or a bug.

== Interface translation ==

''[http://wikimapia.org/translate Translation page]''

Whole Wikimapia interface is being translated by users. Users with user level 3 and higher (3+) can translate the interface phrases into another language. The tool provides the list of phrases in English (with description of what they mean and where are they used) along with possibility to translate them into your language. A history of changes is maintained to avoid vandalism.
{{Back to Main Page}}

Tools

2015-07-21T19:21:29Z

RK77: /* Editing places */ Text clean-up

Tools

2015-07-21T17:23:59Z

RK77: /* Interface translation */ Added FTN template

{{Languages|Tools}}

{{Navbox user guide}}

Wikimapia gives you an opportunity not only to use its data but also to improve it. When you first decide to add or edit a place tag you start using tools. This manual is designed to help you exploring all functions that Wikimapia can offer you for changing and improving the map.

== Editing the map ==

=== Adding places ===

''Main article: [[Adding places]]''

'''Adding places''' to Wikimapia is what makes it happen; the cornerstone of a wiki that attempts to describe the entire Earth is that all places in it are based entirely on user input. Any user can contribute to Wikimapia. Below are some hints and suggestions to get you started on Wikimapia. But not all things are permitted; unwelcome and unhelpful additions will be deleted.

Adding a place is easy; just select 'Edit map' on the tool bar and then select 'Add a place' from the pull-down menu: a red polygon tool will appear. Manipulate the polygon in a manner which outlines the place you are marking accurately. Once you have finished outlining your place, a box will appear in which you can write information about the place. Choose the language of your tag, write place title, description, address, Wikipedia link, choose place category and add photos.

To mark places that are located inside larger places (e.g. shopping malls, office buildings etc.) you can use the 'parent & child' feature by clicking on 'Add place (company, shop, etc.) to this building'.

You can also make a comment about a tagged object in the 'Comments' section.

Movable objects like vehicles, circuses etc. can only be added if they are stationary for a week and at the time of submission. This provision is exclusive for permanently fixed objects like moored vessels, stationed aircraft in open-air museums and military bases; static mobile homes and inert mobile food/drink carts etc. Regular movable objects which are in constant use shouldn't be marked if they are fixed for less than a week.

===Hints and tips===
# If the maximum zoom is insufficient to accurately place the lines of your polygon then an additional, digital, zoom level is available. To obtain it, roll your mouse wheel very very slowly forward. It sometimes takes two or three attempts to get this to work.
# If you have the patience to add places (polygons) of buildings, carefully outline only the shape of the building, take care to set the "This is a building" box and then save your work. If the building plot is a large area such as a university campus, industrial estate, commercial development etc., and you want to add this as well take care this time not to tick the building box and again save your work. The advantage of doing this will become obvious when you take a look at the Wikimapia map layer, this contains only the Wikimapia data and ticked appropriately you can distinguish between buildings and the plot on which they sit in different shades.

=== Editing places ===
'''Editing Places''' is the process in which existing tag|tags are modified. Editing places is a fundamental part of Wikimapia, since our physical world is always subject to change. However, editing should be done in a careful and responsible manner, and in accordance with Wikimapia's philosophy of [[Neutral Point of View]].

Wikimapia's aim is to provide a useful reference tool that supplies usable information for all its visitors, we therefore encourage you to make continuous improvement so that the information is up-to-date. You can add whatever information that is relevant to the place; this can be anything from correcting spelling or grammatical errors, to making wholesale changes to an otherwise bland or uninformative article.

====How to edit a place====
* When you select a tag, click on the red "Edit" label on the top-left corner.
* Choose "Edit this Page", and make your changes as necessary.
* Choose "Save" when you are done.

====Understanding the Editing Process====
If somebody has edited an article you have created or edited, do not worry! That is a normal consequence of a wiki: Anyone can edit it. A Wikimapia article can be improved, but only if there is relevant, verifiable, and useful information to add to it.

====What Is Not Permitted====
Occasionally, there may be places in Wikimapia that may be lacking information, or contain too much information! Please feel free to edit appropriately, but please leave these out of our Wikimapia titles and/or descriptions.

* Non-neutral point of view
* Vulgarity
* Slander/insult
* Invasion of privacy
* Editing wars (continually editing for the sake of ruining an article)
* Spam
* Advertising not pursuant to [http://wikimapia.org/ads Wikimapia Ads]
* False information
* Boasting/bragging
* Using Wikimapia articles as a forum for opinions and viewpoints, specifically religion and politics.

No member "owns" the tags they create; no tag is free from editing just because they created it, or because they live in the area. ''Ownership of articles is not a function of Wikimapia'', which means that if you do not intend to have your information edited, we recommend you '''not''' to submit it to Wikimapia!

=== Deleting Places ===
Some place tags in Wikimapia are not satisfactory because they do not contain useful or interesting information. Again, there are other place tags, which do not describe places or are offensive, defamatory or hurtful in nature. If you encounter place tags like these, you should always attempt to correct them first. If they cannot be corrected, and they meet the deletion criteria of the [[Wikimapia Guidelines]], they should be deleted.

To delete a place tag, select 'Menu' > 'Delete place' in the place tag's window. You will be prompted to choose a deletion reason; it is important to note that you are obligated to confirm deletion only for the reason chosen. The place tag will enter a deletion period, after which it shall be deleted. The duration of the deletion period varies and depends on your user level.

Remember, always delete a place tag if it cannot be reclaimed into something acceptable bearing in mind, though, that willful deletion of a good place tag is forbidden.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|vKk8Z7k0CXU}}</center>

==== Undeleting/Place restoration ====
If you think if a tag has been wrongfully been deleted, you can restore the tag by undeleting it. You'd first need to select 'Deleted places' option from the [[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]] menu, the Map type menu is situated at the top-left of the screen, when you click on the Map type menu a drop down list will appear. The 'Deleted places' option will appear on the tenth row, select it and deleted places will start to appear on the map in square boxes.

When you find the tag which has been deleted, click on the tag and hover the mouse arrow on the 'Menu' text and it will show a drop down menu. When you see the text 'Undelete place; click on it and it will give you the option to write a brief explanation as to why the tag was wrongfully deleted, but this is '''''optional'''''. It is recommended however to write one as to clear up any misunderstandings, then you can go ahead by pressing the 'Undelete place' button which is situated at the bottom left of the tag. It takes about 2-3 minutes for a tag to be restored on the map.

====What kinds of place tags are most often deleted?====
If none of the above considerations are relevant, how do you determine whether to delete a place tag? The vast majority of deletable place tags fall into one of the following categories:

# “My house”, “I live here” - For personal houses, the thing to remember is that local conditions are different from place to place. In the US and Canada all personal homes are to be deleted, unless they meet the full criteria in the Adding section of this User Guide. In places like India, properly sized homes that have a person's full name and/or instructions on how to find their house are not deleted. [On the other hand, we would delete a place like "Nandini's House" because we assume that there's more than one woman named Nandini in India.]
# Too big – the rectangle is MUCH too large for something that claims to be a single building, and there is no way to tell which specific building inside the rectangle is intended to be the actual described place.
# Duplicates - Two or more tags for the same place. One of them should be edited and improved (if possible) and the other(s) deleted. The newer tag is the one that should be deleted. Edit the older tag as needed to bring it up to the information level of the newer tag - then delete the newer one.
# Inappropriate language - Places with offensive or abusive language.
# Spam
# Advertisements not made through Wikimapia's [http://wikimapia.org/ads Ad] (advertisement) service.
# Political or religious content that cannot be effectively removed by editing - e.g. the whole tag is a partisan statement.

If there is any other problem with the place tag, don't hesitate to bring it up in the Forum. The forum's [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1440 Place Deletion Requests thread] is a long and ongoing thread about deletion discussions.

=== Protection ===
If a place tag has been the target of vandalism (e.g. a genuine article is repeatedly placed for unjustified deletion), you can request its protection by contacting an [[Advanced Users|Advanced User]]. You can request protection in this forum topic ([http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=164 Request for Semi-protection]) or you can contact an Advanced User directly through PM. Only advanced users can enable protection on place tags.

=== History ===
The history shows all edits made to an object since it was created. Each saved edit is known as a revision, and each revision is stored as a version number with a brief overview of the editor's name, edits made and date of edits in the history.

To access an object's history select 'Menu' > 'History' in the object's window.
=== Linear features ===

''Main article: [[Linear features]]''

Linear tools is a completely different method of marking map objects compared to the 'Add place' tool. Where the sole purpose of the 'Add place' tool lies in marking static areas with a precise outline, the purpose of the Linear tools is to mark map objects whose dimensions aren't defined by static areas but by extensive lengths. With this in mind, the tool has been specifically designed to mark roads, rivers, railway lines (railroads) and ferry routes. This is accomplished by using elastic segments, as opposed to polygons, to mark the linear nature of the mentioned map objects.

==== Roads ====
Roads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out roads by adding points. These successive points are joined (automatically as you go on marking them) by road segments.

==== Railroads ====
Railroads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out railway lines by adding points. Once you anchor a point and move the cursor, a segment will automatically extend from it. A segment can only be established when another point is fixed to a location. These segments and points should be aligned accurately with the linear image of the railroad on the map.

==== Ferry ====
What constitute a Ferry ? A scheduled public passenger/car/rail transport service that travels over water on a set regular, frequent, seasonal, return services route. At least the ends of the ferry line must be named and information about the route and sailing times must be presented. In other words, a ferry route should have a predictable route and a provable route. Links to its schedules and sailings are also to be provided where available.

This clearly rules out Touring Vessels, Cruise Ships, Ocean Liners, Cargo Vessels, ocean tramps, fishing vessels etc. And other charter vessels not engaged in the above-defined service also are not to be marked

Creating New and Editing Existing Ferry Routes:

Click on "Edit map" and then select "Ferry" in the menu. If you are viewing a coastal ferry port, you may see some ferry lines highlighted with red boxes in the style of place outlines. You can edit an existing ferry or add a new line. See the documentation for the other linear features (Example : Rivers) for more information. It is more or less akin to river markings except that ferry do not have “ferrysides”

In "Satellite" view the ferry route is depicted as a blue dashed line. In "Map" view the ferry route is shown as a light blue dashed line.

==== Rivers ====
Rivers is a linear tool wherein you can mark waterways such as rivers, canals, streams etc. The marking of rivers is done by adding points and segments. Segments form the main "body" or "line" of the linear tool, while points link segments to each other. Points also enable segments to be laid in different directions.

===Edit Summary===
The edit summary [[File:Edit Summary.jpg]] is an optional section found in the edit window of all tools (polygon & linear). It allows you to leave a brief comment about an edit you have made so that other users can see the reason behind it. If an edit summary comment has been made, it can be accessed in the history of an object.

== Watchlist ==
If you want to monitor the activity (new places, changes, deletions, ...) in one or more specific areas, you can do that with the Watchlist tool, which is available on the '''Tools''' tab on your profile page.

To add a watchlist you click the Watchlist link on your profile page and then click the background map (closing the profile page and revealing the watchlist sidebar). Click the "add" button, type a name of your choice where it says "Watchlist name", size the rectangle to cover the area you are interested in and save it. After that you can click the name you chose and it will show all recent changes in that region. "Old" changes are on a gray background, while "new" changes are on a white background. When you have finished examining the new changes you can click the "mark as viewed" button to bring the gray background all the way to the top of the list.

== Status grid ==
''Main article: [[Status grid]]''

Status grid is a powerful tool to help in monitoring and improving the map. You can find it on the Tools page, it is available for all registered users. The grid is a colorized layer over the map which collects and shows basic statistics about places for each grid cell. It should be helpful in finding badly described areas and tags. The status grid works at zoom levels between 5 and 15.

== Map shift ==
{{Faulty Tool Notice}}
''Main article: [[Satellite_images_updates_list|Satellite images updates list (Map shift)]]''

Every month or so Google updates their satellite imagery and sometimes as a result of it the outline positions of Wikimapia objects in some areas become out of sync.
Such areas need to be fixed. To avoid doing this for each object individually, we have designed a special tool, which allows simply to update the whole areas, where this problem occurs.
You may be familiar with it, it is called "Map shift" and is accessible from the user tools page in the top menu or user profile page and via direct link: http://wikimapia.org/#m=b&show=/user/tools/mapshift/.
Now we are releasing a new version of it and making it available to more users than before.

== Reports list: Bug/features ==
[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ Reports list]

Wikimapia has an issue tracker supposed to collect and process bug reports and feature requests. It is the only right way to report a problem or a bug.

== Interface translation ==
{{Faulty Tool Notice}}

''[http://wikimapia.org/translate Translation page]''

Whole Wikimapia interface is being translated by users. Users with user level 3 and higher (3+) can translate the interface phrases into another language. The tool provides the list of phrases in English (with description of what they mean and where are they used) along with possibility to translate them into your language. A history of changes is maintained to avoid vandalism.
{{Back to Main Page}}

Satellite images updates list

2015-07-21T17:23:00Z

RK77: Added FTN template

{{Faulty Tool Notice}}

Satellite images updates list is designed to simplify the work of updating Wikimapia object when our map provider (Google) updates the satellite images. To use this tool you should select satellite map type from the the top menu.

== What is the purpose of this tool? ==

Every month Google updates their satellite imagery and as a result the outline positions of some Wikimapia objects become out of sync. This phenomena is also known to our users as map shifting.

Here is an example of an updated satellite image with out-of-sync Wikimapia data:

[[File:Mapshift_updated_area.png|400px]]

Wikimapia has a tool to correct re-match the object outlines and satellite photos. The map shift tool contains a list the most recent satellite images updates, or simply "map shifts".

== Brief information ==

The satellite images updates list is accessible from the user tools page in the top menu or user profile page. You can use this [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/mapshift/list/ direct link] too.

You can select a map shift area, in any part of the world, in the list to view it:

[[File:Mapshift_view_area.jpg|400px]]

If a map update has not affected Wikimapia's data (ie. the map has not shifted), you should click the "has no effect" button in the bottom toolbar.

If the map update has affect Wikimapia's data, you may edit the map shift by setting the shift points.

Please note that map shifts without any visible changes are not necessarily fine. Google first updates the satellite images in Google Earth, which provides the source data for Wikimapia's list, and then, often with a delay of weeks, the imagery in Google Maps. Therefore, we advise you to take extra care by checking the map using the higher zoom levels. If there is no evidence of changes such as "stitches" on the edges of the shift area, then it's probably the case and we advise you to wait until the images are updated.

Also you can create new map shift area by clicking "create new" button on the top of the list.

==<span class="mw-headline" id="Edit_area">Creating/editing map shift area and options</span>==

Most of the areas in list are imported from Google by [[User:Moving_bot]]. In some cases these areas are not good for shifting:

* Area does not match updated satellite imagery exactly
* Area is very big and it is dangerously to move so many places and [[linear features]] at once

Also, there is no areas for already updated images.

In such cases you should click "create new" button on the top of the list to start area creation.
It is similar to polygon creating, so it needs no additional description. But you should set shift options carefully:

* Check "shift places" if you want to shift places in created area.
* Check "shift roads/linear" if you want to shift roads and other linear features in created area.
* Specify approximate date of shift. All objects, created after this date will remain unchanged.

[[File:Create_edit_mapshift_area.jpg|400px]]

When you finished, save area and options and process to shift direction setting.

==<span class="mw-headline" id="Edit_vector">Setting/editing map shift direction</span>==

If you decide that the map shift needs to take place, you must click on the [no, the overlay needs shifting] button. There are two markers connected with arrow appeared on the map.

First marker should be located at some specific point on the Wikimapia overlay, such as building corner or roads cross.

Second marker should be placed at the point on satellite image where the first point should be.

Arrow should help you avoid any confusion.

Left screenshot below shows how to properly set the markers on the map, to get the result as on the right screenshot after a successful shift:

[[File:Mapshift_vector_edit.jpg|400px]]

Please note: you should mark shift as "fine" if there is no any objects in shifted area or it is better to move them manually.

== Map shift processing ==

Every map shift needs some directions in order to be approved/declined. If map shift receives many "yes, it's fine" signs, it will be declined.

If users set many shift directions, Wikimapia calculates their average value and some statistics to decide automatically whether to shift objects and how.

Unlike the first two versions of this list, calling map shifting tool, there is no need now for advanced users to sign the shifts and for Wikimapia team to approve them.

All the approved shifts are being processed in background, so you can watch their status via filter in the map shifts list.

Tools

2015-07-21T17:20:50Z

RK77: /* Map shift */ Added FTN template

{{Languages|Tools}}

{{Navbox user guide}}

Wikimapia gives you an opportunity not only to use its data but also to improve it. When you first decide to add or edit a place tag you start using tools. This manual is designed to help you exploring all functions that Wikimapia can offer you for changing and improving the map.

== Editing the map ==

=== Adding places ===

''Main article: [[Adding places]]''

'''Adding places''' to Wikimapia is what makes it happen; the cornerstone of a wiki that attempts to describe the entire Earth is that all places in it are based entirely on user input. Any user can contribute to Wikimapia. Below are some hints and suggestions to get you started on Wikimapia. But not all things are permitted; unwelcome and unhelpful additions will be deleted.

Adding a place is easy; just select 'Edit map' on the tool bar and then select 'Add a place' from the pull-down menu: a red polygon tool will appear. Manipulate the polygon in a manner which outlines the place you are marking accurately. Once you have finished outlining your place, a box will appear in which you can write information about the place. Choose the language of your tag, write place title, description, address, Wikipedia link, choose place category and add photos.

To mark places that are located inside larger places (e.g. shopping malls, office buildings etc.) you can use the 'parent & child' feature by clicking on 'Add place (company, shop, etc.) to this building'.

You can also make a comment about a tagged object in the 'Comments' section.

Movable objects like vehicles, circuses etc. can only be added if they are stationary for a week and at the time of submission. This provision is exclusive for permanently fixed objects like moored vessels, stationed aircraft in open-air museums and military bases; static mobile homes and inert mobile food/drink carts etc. Regular movable objects which are in constant use shouldn't be marked if they are fixed for less than a week.

===Hints and tips===
# If the maximum zoom is insufficient to accurately place the lines of your polygon then an additional, digital, zoom level is available. To obtain it, roll your mouse wheel very very slowly forward. It sometimes takes two or three attempts to get this to work.
# If you have the patience to add places (polygons) of buildings, carefully outline only the shape of the building, take care to set the "This is a building" box and then save your work. If the building plot is a large area such as a university campus, industrial estate, commercial development etc., and you want to add this as well take care this time not to tick the building box and again save your work. The advantage of doing this will become obvious when you take a look at the Wikimapia map layer, this contains only the Wikimapia data and ticked appropriately you can distinguish between buildings and the plot on which they sit in different shades.

=== Editing places ===
'''Editing Places''' is the process in which existing tag|tags are modified. Editing places is a fundamental part of Wikimapia, since our physical world is always subject to change. However, editing should be done in a careful and responsible manner, and in accordance with Wikimapia's philosophy of [[Neutral Point of View]].

Wikimapia's aim is to provide a useful reference tool that supplies usable information for all its visitors, we therefore encourage you to make continuous improvement so that the information is up-to-date. You can add whatever information that is relevant to the place; this can be anything from correcting spelling or grammatical errors, to making wholesale changes to an otherwise bland or uninformative article.

====How to edit a place====
* When you select a tag, click on the red "Edit" label on the top-left corner.
* Choose "Edit this Page", and make your changes as necessary.
* Choose "Save" when you are done.

====Understanding the Editing Process====
If somebody has edited an article you have created or edited, do not worry! That is a normal consequence of a wiki: Anyone can edit it. A Wikimapia article can be improved, but only if there is relevant, verifiable, and useful information to add to it.

====What Is Not Permitted====
Occasionally, there may be places in Wikimapia that may be lacking information, or contain too much information! Please feel free to edit appropriately, but please leave these out of our Wikimapia titles and/or descriptions.

* Non-neutral point of view
* Vulgarity
* Slander/insult
* Invasion of privacy
* Editing wars (continually editing for the sake of ruining an article)
* Spam
* Advertising not pursuant to [http://wikimapia.org/ads Wikimapia Ads]
* False information
* Boasting/bragging
* Using Wikimapia articles as a forum for opinions and viewpoints, specifically religion and politics.

No member "owns" the tags they create; no tag is free from editing just because they created it, or because they live in the area. ''Ownership of articles is not a function of Wikimapia'', which means that if you do not intend to have your information edited, we recommend you '''not''' to submit it to Wikimapia!

=== Deleting Places ===
Some place tags in Wikimapia are not satisfactory because they do not contain useful or interesting information. Again, there are other place tags, which do not describe places or are offensive, defamatory or hurtful in nature. If you encounter place tags like these, you should always attempt to correct them first. If they cannot be corrected, and they meet the deletion criteria of the [[Wikimapia Guidelines]], they should be deleted.

To delete a place tag, select 'Menu' > 'Delete place' in the place tag's window. You will be prompted to choose a deletion reason; it is important to note that you are obligated to confirm deletion only for the reason chosen. The place tag will enter a deletion period, after which it shall be deleted. The duration of the deletion period varies and depends on your user level.

Remember, always delete a place tag if it cannot be reclaimed into something acceptable bearing in mind, though, that willful deletion of a good place tag is forbidden.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|vKk8Z7k0CXU}}</center>

==== Undeleting/Place restoration ====
If you think if a tag has been wrongfully been deleted, you can restore the tag by undeleting it. You'd first need to select 'Deleted places' option from the [[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]] menu, the Map type menu is situated at the top-left of the screen, when you click on the Map type menu a drop down list will appear. The 'Deleted places' option will appear on the tenth row, select it and deleted places will start to appear on the map in square boxes.

When you find the tag which has been deleted, click on the tag and hover the mouse arrow on the 'Menu' text and it will show a drop down menu. When you see the text 'Undelete place; click on it and it will give you the option to write a brief explanation as to why the tag was wrongfully deleted, but this is '''''optional'''''. It is recommended however to write one as to clear up any misunderstandings, then you can go ahead by pressing the 'Undelete place' button which is situated at the bottom left of the tag. It takes about 2-3 minutes for a tag to be restored on the map.

====What kinds of place tags are most often deleted?====
If none of the above considerations are relevant, how do you determine whether to delete a place tag? The vast majority of deletable place tags fall into one of the following categories:

# “My house”, “I live here” - For personal houses, the thing to remember is that local conditions are different from place to place. In the US and Canada all personal homes are to be deleted, unless they meet the full criteria in the Adding section of this User Guide. In places like India, properly sized homes that have a person's full name and/or instructions on how to find their house are not deleted. [On the other hand, we would delete a place like "Nandini's House" because we assume that there's more than one woman named Nandini in India.]
# Too big – the rectangle is MUCH too large for something that claims to be a single building, and there is no way to tell which specific building inside the rectangle is intended to be the actual described place.
# Duplicates - Two or more tags for the same place. One of them should be edited and improved (if possible) and the other(s) deleted. The newer tag is the one that should be deleted. Edit the older tag as needed to bring it up to the information level of the newer tag - then delete the newer one.
# Inappropriate language - Places with offensive or abusive language.
# Spam
# Advertisements not made through Wikimapia's [http://wikimapia.org/ads Ad] (advertisement) service.
# Political or religious content that cannot be effectively removed by editing - e.g. the whole tag is a partisan statement.

If there is any other problem with the place tag, don't hesitate to bring it up in the Forum. The forum's [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1440 Place Deletion Requests thread] is a long and ongoing thread about deletion discussions.

=== Protection ===
If a place tag has been the target of vandalism (e.g. a genuine article is repeatedly placed for unjustified deletion), you can request its protection by contacting an [[Advanced Users|Advanced User]]. You can request protection in this forum topic ([http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=164 Request for Semi-protection]) or you can contact an Advanced User directly through PM. Only advanced users can enable protection on place tags.

=== History ===
The history shows all edits made to an object since it was created. Each saved edit is known as a revision, and each revision is stored as a version number with a brief overview of the editor's name, edits made and date of edits in the history.

To access an object's history select 'Menu' > 'History' in the object's window.
=== Linear features ===

''Main article: [[Linear features]]''

Linear tools is a completely different method of marking map objects compared to the 'Add place' tool. Where the sole purpose of the 'Add place' tool lies in marking static areas with a precise outline, the purpose of the Linear tools is to mark map objects whose dimensions aren't defined by static areas but by extensive lengths. With this in mind, the tool has been specifically designed to mark roads, rivers, railway lines (railroads) and ferry routes. This is accomplished by using elastic segments, as opposed to polygons, to mark the linear nature of the mentioned map objects.

==== Roads ====
Roads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out roads by adding points. These successive points are joined (automatically as you go on marking them) by road segments.

==== Railroads ====
Railroads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out railway lines by adding points. Once you anchor a point and move the cursor, a segment will automatically extend from it. A segment can only be established when another point is fixed to a location. These segments and points should be aligned accurately with the linear image of the railroad on the map.

==== Ferry ====
What constitute a Ferry ? A scheduled public passenger/car/rail transport service that travels over water on a set regular, frequent, seasonal, return services route. At least the ends of the ferry line must be named and information about the route and sailing times must be presented. In other words, a ferry route should have a predictable route and a provable route. Links to its schedules and sailings are also to be provided where available.

This clearly rules out Touring Vessels, Cruise Ships, Ocean Liners, Cargo Vessels, ocean tramps, fishing vessels etc. And other charter vessels not engaged in the above-defined service also are not to be marked

Creating New and Editing Existing Ferry Routes:

Click on "Edit map" and then select "Ferry" in the menu. If you are viewing a coastal ferry port, you may see some ferry lines highlighted with red boxes in the style of place outlines. You can edit an existing ferry or add a new line. See the documentation for the other linear features (Example : Rivers) for more information. It is more or less akin to river markings except that ferry do not have “ferrysides”

In "Satellite" view the ferry route is depicted as a blue dashed line. In "Map" view the ferry route is shown as a light blue dashed line.

==== Rivers ====
Rivers is a linear tool wherein you can mark waterways such as rivers, canals, streams etc. The marking of rivers is done by adding points and segments. Segments form the main "body" or "line" of the linear tool, while points link segments to each other. Points also enable segments to be laid in different directions.

===Edit Summary===
The edit summary [[File:Edit Summary.jpg]] is an optional section found in the edit window of all tools (polygon & linear). It allows you to leave a brief comment about an edit you have made so that other users can see the reason behind it. If an edit summary comment has been made, it can be accessed in the history of an object.

== Watchlist ==
If you want to monitor the activity (new places, changes, deletions, ...) in one or more specific areas, you can do that with the Watchlist tool, which is available on the '''Tools''' tab on your profile page.

To add a watchlist you click the Watchlist link on your profile page and then click the background map (closing the profile page and revealing the watchlist sidebar). Click the "add" button, type a name of your choice where it says "Watchlist name", size the rectangle to cover the area you are interested in and save it. After that you can click the name you chose and it will show all recent changes in that region. "Old" changes are on a gray background, while "new" changes are on a white background. When you have finished examining the new changes you can click the "mark as viewed" button to bring the gray background all the way to the top of the list.

== Status grid ==
''Main article: [[Status grid]]''

Status grid is a powerful tool to help in monitoring and improving the map. You can find it on the Tools page, it is available for all registered users. The grid is a colorized layer over the map which collects and shows basic statistics about places for each grid cell. It should be helpful in finding badly described areas and tags. The status grid works at zoom levels between 5 and 15.

== Map shift ==
{{Faulty Tool Notice}}
''Main article: [[Satellite_images_updates_list|Satellite images updates list (Map shift)]]''

Every month or so Google updates their satellite imagery and sometimes as a result of it the outline positions of Wikimapia objects in some areas become out of sync.
Such areas need to be fixed. To avoid doing this for each object individually, we have designed a special tool, which allows simply to update the whole areas, where this problem occurs.
You may be familiar with it, it is called "Map shift" and is accessible from the user tools page in the top menu or user profile page and via direct link: http://wikimapia.org/#m=b&show=/user/tools/mapshift/.
Now we are releasing a new version of it and making it available to more users than before.

== Reports list: Bug/features ==
[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ Reports list]

Wikimapia has an issue tracker supposed to collect and process bug reports and feature requests. It is the only right way to report a problem or a bug.

== Interface translation ==
<span style="color:red; font-size:140%">'''This feature is currently unavailable, for more information please visit the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=271255#p271255 forum]'''</span>

''[http://wikimapia.org/translate Translation page]''

Whole Wikimapia interface is being translated by users. Users with user level 3 and higher (3+) can translate the interface phrases into another language. The tool provides the list of phrases in English (with description of what they mean and where are they used) along with possibility to translate them into your language. A history of changes is maintained to avoid vandalism.
{{Back to Main Page}}

Template:Faulty Tool Notice

2015-07-21T17:19:14Z

RK77: Created Faulty Tool Notice template

<noinclude>
Use this template on pages which reference tools that are faulty/non-functional.
</noinclude>
{| align="center" style="background-color:#fbfbfb;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! bgcolor="#E80000"|
| valign="bottom"|<font size="2">The contents of this page refers to a tool/feature which is not working properly.<br>Please visit the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum] for more information.</font>
|}

Main Page

2015-07-19T11:33:38Z

RK77: /* Tools */ Updated article to reflect accessibility of feature

{{Languages|Main_Page}}

__NOTOC__

<div style="font-size:150%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:center; margin-top:0.33em;">This documentation wiki (or "'''Docs'''" for short) is Wikimapia's official guide and rulebook. Here, you will find how-tos and dos & don'ts about every tool and feature in Wikimapia.

You will find quick links to various Docs articles below or you can visit ''every'' article via the Docs Navigation box located in every article page.
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Quick start]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Quick_start#Advice_for_new_users|Advice for new users]]
*[[Quick_start#Exploring_the_map|Exploring the map]]
*[[Quick_start#Adding_place|A brief guide to adding places]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About Wikimapia]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[About_Wikimapia#What_is_Wikimapia|What is Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Wikimapia_goal|Wikimapia goal]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Philosophy|Philosophy]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Principles|Principles]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Neutral_point_of_view|Neutral point of view (NPOV)]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About_Wikimapia#Policies|Policies]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Wikimapia Guidelines]
*[http://wikimapia.org/terms_reference.html Wikimapia Terms Reference]
*[[Comment_Guidelines|Comment Guidelines]]
*[[Photos|Photo Policy]]
*[[Ban_Moderation#Copyrighted_Photo_Moderation|Copyrighted Photos Moderation]]
*[[Banning_Guidelines|Banning Guidelines]]
*[[Ban_Moderation|Ban Moderation]]
*[[Forum_Guidelines|Forum Guidelines]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Tools]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Tools#Editing_the_map|Editing the map]]
*[[Tools#Watchlist|Watchlist]]
*[[Tools#Status_grid|Status grid]]
*[[Tools#Map_shift|Map shift]]
*[[Tools#Reports_list:_Bug.2Ffeatures|Reports list: Bug/features]]
*[[Tools#Interface_translation|Interface translation <span style="color:red; font-size:100%">'''*currently unavailable*'''</span>]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">

=[[User interface]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_interface#About_the_Wikimapia_Main_Screen|About the Wikimapia Main Screen]]
*[[User_interface#Edit_map|Edit map]]
*[[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]]
*[[User_interface#Categories|Categories]]
*[[User_interface#User_profile|User profile]]
*[[User_interface#Language_selection|Language selection]]
*[[User_interface#Search|Search]]
*[[User_interface#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels|Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels]]
*[[User_interface#Coordinates|Coordinates]]
*[[User_interface#Wikimapia.27s_URL|Wikimapia's URL]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User profile/account]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_profile/account#Profile|Profile]]
*[[User_profile/account#Messages|Messages]]
*[[User_profile/account#Awards|Awards]]
*[[User_profile/account#Stats|Stats]]
*[[User_profile/account#Tools|Tools]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Community]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Community#User_levels|User levels]]
*[[Community#Awards|Awards]]
*[[Community#Voting|Voting]]
*[[Community#Special_roles|Special roles]]
*[[Community#Forum|Forum]]
*[[Community#Collaborations|Collaborations]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Help/FAQ]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Help/FAQ#Basic_Philosophy|Basic Philosophy]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Place_tools|Place tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Linear_Tools|Linear Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#User_Tools|User Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Interface|Interface]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Object_Language_Pages.29|Languages (Object Language Pages)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Interface.29|Languages (Interface)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Translations|Translations]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Satellite_Images|Satellite Imagery]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Wikipedia_content|Wikipedia Content]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Community|Community]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Help|Help]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Error_Messages|Error Messages]]
*[[Help/FAQ#External|External]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Advertising|Advertising]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

Tools

2015-07-19T11:32:50Z

RK77: /* Map shift */ Updated article to reflect accessibility of feature

{{Languages|Tools}}

{{Navbox user guide}}

Wikimapia gives you an opportunity not only to use its data but also to improve it. When you first decide to add or edit a place tag you start using tools. This manual is designed to help you exploring all functions that Wikimapia can offer you for changing and improving the map.

== Editing the map ==

=== Adding places ===

''Main article: [[Adding places]]''

'''Adding places''' to Wikimapia is what makes it happen; the cornerstone of a wiki that attempts to describe the entire Earth is that all places in it are based entirely on user input. Any user can contribute to Wikimapia. Below are some hints and suggestions to get you started on Wikimapia. But not all things are permitted; unwelcome and unhelpful additions will be deleted.

Adding a place is easy; just select 'Edit map' on the tool bar and then select 'Add a place' from the pull-down menu: a red polygon tool will appear. Manipulate the polygon in a manner which outlines the place you are marking accurately. Once you have finished outlining your place, a box will appear in which you can write information about the place. Choose the language of your tag, write place title, description, address, Wikipedia link, choose place category and add photos.

To mark places that are located inside larger places (e.g. shopping malls, office buildings etc.) you can use the 'parent & child' feature by clicking on 'Add place (company, shop, etc.) to this building'.

You can also make a comment about a tagged object in the 'Comments' section.

Movable objects like vehicles, circuses etc. can only be added if they are stationary for a week and at the time of submission. This provision is exclusive for permanently fixed objects like moored vessels, stationed aircraft in open-air museums and military bases; static mobile homes and inert mobile food/drink carts etc. Regular movable objects which are in constant use shouldn't be marked if they are fixed for less than a week.

===Hints and tips===
# If the maximum zoom is insufficient to accurately place the lines of your polygon then an additional, digital, zoom level is available. To obtain it, roll your mouse wheel very very slowly forward. It sometimes takes two or three attempts to get this to work.
# If you have the patience to add places (polygons) of buildings, carefully outline only the shape of the building, take care to set the "This is a building" box and then save your work. If the building plot is a large area such as a university campus, industrial estate, commercial development etc., and you want to add this as well take care this time not to tick the building box and again save your work. The advantage of doing this will become obvious when you take a look at the Wikimapia map layer, this contains only the Wikimapia data and ticked appropriately you can distinguish between buildings and the plot on which they sit in different shades.

=== Editing places ===
'''Editing Places''' is the process in which existing tag|tags are modified. Editing places is a fundamental part of Wikimapia, since our physical world is always subject to change. However, editing should be done in a careful and responsible manner, and in accordance with Wikimapia's philosophy of [[Neutral Point of View]].

Wikimapia's aim is to provide a useful reference tool that supplies usable information for all its visitors, we therefore encourage you to make continuous improvement so that the information is up-to-date. You can add whatever information that is relevant to the place; this can be anything from correcting spelling or grammatical errors, to making wholesale changes to an otherwise bland or uninformative article.

====How to edit a place====
* When you select a tag, click on the red "Edit" label on the top-left corner.
* Choose "Edit this Page", and make your changes as necessary.
* Choose "Save" when you are done.

====Understanding the Editing Process====
If somebody has edited an article you have created or edited, do not worry! That is a normal consequence of a wiki: Anyone can edit it. A Wikimapia article can be improved, but only if there is relevant, verifiable, and useful information to add to it.

====What Is Not Permitted====
Occasionally, there may be places in Wikimapia that may be lacking information, or contain too much information! Please feel free to edit appropriately, but please leave these out of our Wikimapia titles and/or descriptions.

* Non-neutral point of view
* Vulgarity
* Slander/insult
* Invasion of privacy
* Editing wars (continually editing for the sake of ruining an article)
* Spam
* Advertising not pursuant to [http://wikimapia.org/ads Wikimapia Ads]
* False information
* Boasting/bragging
* Using Wikimapia articles as a forum for opinions and viewpoints, specifically religion and politics.

No member "owns" the tags they create; no tag is free from editing just because they created it, or because they live in the area. ''Ownership of articles is not a function of Wikimapia'', which means that if you do not intend to have your information edited, we recommend you '''not''' to submit it to Wikimapia!

=== Deleting Places ===
Some place tags in Wikimapia are not satisfactory because they do not contain useful or interesting information. Again, there are other place tags, which do not describe places or are offensive, defamatory or hurtful in nature. If you encounter place tags like these, you should always attempt to correct them first. If they cannot be corrected, and they meet the deletion criteria of the [[Wikimapia Guidelines]], they should be deleted.

To delete a place tag, select 'Menu' > 'Delete place' in the place tag's window. You will be prompted to choose a deletion reason; it is important to note that you are obligated to confirm deletion only for the reason chosen. The place tag will enter a deletion period, after which it shall be deleted. The duration of the deletion period varies and depends on your user level.

Remember, always delete a place tag if it cannot be reclaimed into something acceptable bearing in mind, though, that willful deletion of a good place tag is forbidden.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|vKk8Z7k0CXU}}</center>

==== Undeleting/Place restoration ====
If you think if a tag has been wrongfully been deleted, you can restore the tag by undeleting it. You'd first need to select 'Deleted places' option from the [[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]] menu, the Map type menu is situated at the top-left of the screen, when you click on the Map type menu a drop down list will appear. The 'Deleted places' option will appear on the tenth row, select it and deleted places will start to appear on the map in square boxes.

When you find the tag which has been deleted, click on the tag and hover the mouse arrow on the 'Menu' text and it will show a drop down menu. When you see the text 'Undelete place; click on it and it will give you the option to write a brief explanation as to why the tag was wrongfully deleted, but this is '''''optional'''''. It is recommended however to write one as to clear up any misunderstandings, then you can go ahead by pressing the 'Undelete place' button which is situated at the bottom left of the tag. It takes about 2-3 minutes for a tag to be restored on the map.

====What kinds of place tags are most often deleted?====
If none of the above considerations are relevant, how do you determine whether to delete a place tag? The vast majority of deletable place tags fall into one of the following categories:

# “My house”, “I live here” - For personal houses, the thing to remember is that local conditions are different from place to place. In the US and Canada all personal homes are to be deleted, unless they meet the full criteria in the Adding section of this User Guide. In places like India, properly sized homes that have a person's full name and/or instructions on how to find their house are not deleted. [On the other hand, we would delete a place like "Nandini's House" because we assume that there's more than one woman named Nandini in India.]
# Too big – the rectangle is MUCH too large for something that claims to be a single building, and there is no way to tell which specific building inside the rectangle is intended to be the actual described place.
# Duplicates - Two or more tags for the same place. One of them should be edited and improved (if possible) and the other(s) deleted. The newer tag is the one that should be deleted. Edit the older tag as needed to bring it up to the information level of the newer tag - then delete the newer one.
# Inappropriate language - Places with offensive or abusive language.
# Spam
# Advertisements not made through Wikimapia's [http://wikimapia.org/ads Ad] (advertisement) service.
# Political or religious content that cannot be effectively removed by editing - e.g. the whole tag is a partisan statement.

If there is any other problem with the place tag, don't hesitate to bring it up in the Forum. The forum's [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1440 Place Deletion Requests thread] is a long and ongoing thread about deletion discussions.

=== Protection ===
If a place tag has been the target of vandalism (e.g. a genuine article is repeatedly placed for unjustified deletion), you can request its protection by contacting an [[Advanced Users|Advanced User]]. You can request protection in this forum topic ([http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=164 Request for Semi-protection]) or you can contact an Advanced User directly through PM. Only advanced users can enable protection on place tags.

=== History ===
The history shows all edits made to an object since it was created. Each saved edit is known as a revision, and each revision is stored as a version number with a brief overview of the editor's name, edits made and date of edits in the history.

To access an object's history select 'Menu' > 'History' in the object's window.
=== Linear features ===

''Main article: [[Linear features]]''

Linear tools is a completely different method of marking map objects compared to the 'Add place' tool. Where the sole purpose of the 'Add place' tool lies in marking static areas with a precise outline, the purpose of the Linear tools is to mark map objects whose dimensions aren't defined by static areas but by extensive lengths. With this in mind, the tool has been specifically designed to mark roads, rivers, railway lines (railroads) and ferry routes. This is accomplished by using elastic segments, as opposed to polygons, to mark the linear nature of the mentioned map objects.

==== Roads ====
Roads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out roads by adding points. These successive points are joined (automatically as you go on marking them) by road segments.

==== Railroads ====
Railroads is a Wikimapia feature wherein you can mark out railway lines by adding points. Once you anchor a point and move the cursor, a segment will automatically extend from it. A segment can only be established when another point is fixed to a location. These segments and points should be aligned accurately with the linear image of the railroad on the map.

==== Ferry ====
What constitute a Ferry ? A scheduled public passenger/car/rail transport service that travels over water on a set regular, frequent, seasonal, return services route. At least the ends of the ferry line must be named and information about the route and sailing times must be presented. In other words, a ferry route should have a predictable route and a provable route. Links to its schedules and sailings are also to be provided where available.

This clearly rules out Touring Vessels, Cruise Ships, Ocean Liners, Cargo Vessels, ocean tramps, fishing vessels etc. And other charter vessels not engaged in the above-defined service also are not to be marked

Creating New and Editing Existing Ferry Routes:

Click on "Edit map" and then select "Ferry" in the menu. If you are viewing a coastal ferry port, you may see some ferry lines highlighted with red boxes in the style of place outlines. You can edit an existing ferry or add a new line. See the documentation for the other linear features (Example : Rivers) for more information. It is more or less akin to river markings except that ferry do not have “ferrysides”

In "Satellite" view the ferry route is depicted as a blue dashed line. In "Map" view the ferry route is shown as a light blue dashed line.

==== Rivers ====
Rivers is a linear tool wherein you can mark waterways such as rivers, canals, streams etc. The marking of rivers is done by adding points and segments. Segments form the main "body" or "line" of the linear tool, while points link segments to each other. Points also enable segments to be laid in different directions.

===Edit Summary===
The edit summary [[File:Edit Summary.jpg]] is an optional section found in the edit window of all tools (polygon & linear). It allows you to leave a brief comment about an edit you have made so that other users can see the reason behind it. If an edit summary comment has been made, it can be accessed in the history of an object.

== Watchlist ==
If you want to monitor the activity (new places, changes, deletions, ...) in one or more specific areas, you can do that with the Watchlist tool, which is available on the '''Tools''' tab on your profile page.

To add a watchlist you click the Watchlist link on your profile page and then click the background map (closing the profile page and revealing the watchlist sidebar). Click the "add" button, type a name of your choice where it says "Watchlist name", size the rectangle to cover the area you are interested in and save it. After that you can click the name you chose and it will show all recent changes in that region. "Old" changes are on a gray background, while "new" changes are on a white background. When you have finished examining the new changes you can click the "mark as viewed" button to bring the gray background all the way to the top of the list.

== Status grid ==
''Main article: [[Status grid]]''

Status grid is a powerful tool to help in monitoring and improving the map. You can find it on the Tools page, it is available for all registered users. The grid is a colorized layer over the map which collects and shows basic statistics about places for each grid cell. It should be helpful in finding badly described areas and tags. The status grid works at zoom levels between 5 and 15.

== Map shift ==

''Main article: [[Satellite_images_updates_list|Satellite images updates list (Map shift)]]''

Every month or so Google updates their satellite imagery and sometimes as a result of it the outline positions of Wikimapia objects in some areas become out of sync.
Such areas need to be fixed. To avoid doing this for each object individually, we have designed a special tool, which allows simply to update the whole areas, where this problem occurs.
You may be familiar with it, it is called "Map shift" and is accessible from the user tools page in the top menu or user profile page and via direct link: http://wikimapia.org/#m=b&show=/user/tools/mapshift/.
Now we are releasing a new version of it and making it available to more users than before.

== Reports list: Bug/features ==
[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ Reports list]

Wikimapia has an issue tracker supposed to collect and process bug reports and feature requests. It is the only right way to report a problem or a bug.

== Interface translation ==
<span style="color:red; font-size:140%">'''This feature is currently unavailable, for more information please visit the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=271255#p271255 forum]'''</span>

''[http://wikimapia.org/translate Translation page]''

Whole Wikimapia interface is being translated by users. Users with user level 3 and higher (3+) can translate the interface phrases into another language. The tool provides the list of phrases in English (with description of what they mean and where are they used) along with possibility to translate them into your language. A history of changes is maintained to avoid vandalism.
{{Back to Main Page}}

Satellite images updates list

2015-07-19T11:32:07Z

RK77: Updated article to reflect accessibility of feature

Satellite images updates list is designed to simplify the work of updating Wikimapia object when our map provider (Google) updates the satellite images. To use this tool you should select satellite map type from the the top menu.

== What is the purpose of this tool? ==

Every month Google updates their satellite imagery and as a result the outline positions of some Wikimapia objects become out of sync. This phenomena is also known to our users as map shifting.

Here is an example of an updated satellite image with out-of-sync Wikimapia data:

[[File:Mapshift_updated_area.png|400px]]

Wikimapia has a tool to correct re-match the object outlines and satellite photos. The map shift tool contains a list the most recent satellite images updates, or simply "map shifts".

== Brief information ==

The satellite images updates list is accessible from the user tools page in the top menu or user profile page. You can use this [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/mapshift/list/ direct link] too.

You can select a map shift area, in any part of the world, in the list to view it:

[[File:Mapshift_view_area.jpg|400px]]

If a map update has not affected Wikimapia's data (ie. the map has not shifted), you should click the "has no effect" button in the bottom toolbar.

If the map update has affect Wikimapia's data, you may edit the map shift by setting the shift points.

Please note that map shifts without any visible changes are not necessarily fine. Google first updates the satellite images in Google Earth, which provides the source data for Wikimapia's list, and then, often with a delay of weeks, the imagery in Google Maps. Therefore, we advise you to take extra care by checking the map using the higher zoom levels. If there is no evidence of changes such as "stitches" on the edges of the shift area, then it's probably the case and we advise you to wait until the images are updated.

Also you can create new map shift area by clicking "create new" button on the top of the list.

==<span class="mw-headline" id="Edit_area">Creating/editing map shift area and options</span>==

Most of the areas in list are imported from Google by [[User:Moving_bot]]. In some cases these areas are not good for shifting:

* Area does not match updated satellite imagery exactly
* Area is very big and it is dangerously to move so many places and [[linear features]] at once

Also, there is no areas for already updated images.

In such cases you should click "create new" button on the top of the list to start area creation.
It is similar to polygon creating, so it needs no additional description. But you should set shift options carefully:

* Check "shift places" if you want to shift places in created area.
* Check "shift roads/linear" if you want to shift roads and other linear features in created area.
* Specify approximate date of shift. All objects, created after this date will remain unchanged.

[[File:Create_edit_mapshift_area.jpg|400px]]

When you finished, save area and options and process to shift direction setting.

==<span class="mw-headline" id="Edit_vector">Setting/editing map shift direction</span>==

If you decide that the map shift needs to take place, you must click on the [no, the overlay needs shifting] button. There are two markers connected with arrow appeared on the map.

First marker should be located at some specific point on the Wikimapia overlay, such as building corner or roads cross.

Second marker should be placed at the point on satellite image where the first point should be.

Arrow should help you avoid any confusion.

Left screenshot below shows how to properly set the markers on the map, to get the result as on the right screenshot after a successful shift:

[[File:Mapshift_vector_edit.jpg|400px]]

Please note: you should mark shift as "fine" if there is no any objects in shifted area or it is better to move them manually.

== Map shift processing ==

Every map shift needs some directions in order to be approved/declined. If map shift receives many "yes, it's fine" signs, it will be declined.

If users set many shift directions, Wikimapia calculates their average value and some statistics to decide automatically whether to shift objects and how.

Unlike the first two versions of this list, calling map shifting tool, there is no need now for advanced users to sign the shifts and for Wikimapia team to approve them.

All the approved shifts are being processed in background, so you can watch their status via filter in the map shifts list.

Community

2015-07-18T17:47:24Z

RK77: /* Advanced Users */ Changed link to updated page

{{Languages|Community}}
{{Navbox user guide}}

Wikimapia users form the Community. Though it is self-organising there are [[About_Wikimapia#Policies|policies]] and etiquette. There is also a special rating system that permits a user to gain new experience levels. Users communicate with each other by means of messages and forum.

== User levels ==

Experience points is a feature of Wikimapia that helps automatically determine Experience levels. They accrue automatically in your account based on your contributions to the Wikimapia project. This means that the more experience points you get the more places and [[Tools#Linear_features| Linear features]] you create or edit.

{| class="wikitable"
! User level
! Experience points
! Tools available
! Polygon dots limit
! Polygon area limit
|-
| 0 Unregistered Users/Guests (UU)
| 0
| search, use category filter, change interface language, choose map type, add place/photo
| 200
|~50 km²
|-
| 1 Regular User (RU)
| 0 + register
| search, use category filter, change interface language, choose map type, '''edit profile''', add place/ photo, '''edit place/ photo, delete place/ photo, translate tags, watchlist, status grid, report lists bug/features, use messages, write on forum''', '''create/edit/moderate collaborations'''
| 500 dots
|~500 km²
|-
| 2 Regular User
| 5000
| search, use category filter, change interface language, choose map type, edit profile , '''vote for users''', add place/photo/'''linear feature''', edit place/photo/'''linear feature''', delete place/photo/'''linear feature''', translate tags, watchlist, status grid, '''Satellite images updates list''', report lists bug/features, use messages, write on forum, create/edit/moderate collaborations
| 500 dots
|~500 km²
|-
| 3 Regular User
| 15000
| use category filter, change interface language, choose map type, edit profile, vote for users, add place/photo/linear feature, edit place/photo/linear feature, delete place/linear feature/photo, translate tags/ '''translate interface''', watchlist, status grid, Satellite images updates list, report lists bug/features, use messages, write on forum, create/edit/moderate collaborations
|500 dots
|~750 km²
|-
| 4 Regular User
| 50000
| search, use category filter, change interface language, choose map type, edit profile, vote for users, add place/photo/linear feature, edit place/photo/linear feature, delete place/linear feature/photo, translate tags/translate interface, watchlist, status grid, Satellite images updates list, report lists bug/features, use messages, write on forum, create/edit/moderate collaborations
| 500 dots
|~1000 km²
|-
| 5 Regular User
| 150000
|search, use category filter, change interface language, choose map type, edit profile, vote for users, add place/photo/linear feature, edit place/photo/linear feature, delete place/linear feature/photo, translate tags/translate interface, watchlist, status grid, Satellite images updates list, report lists bug/features, use messages, write on forum, create/edit/moderate collaborations, '''mass editing/deleting photos (photo moderation)''', '''delete comments''', '''suspicious edits page'''
| 500 dots
|~1250 km²
|-
| 6 Regular User
| 500000
| all
| 500 dots
|~1500 km²
|-
| 7 Regular User
| 1500000
| all
| 500 dots
|~1750 km²
|-
| 8 Regular User
| 5000000
| all
|500 dots
|~2000 km²
|-
| Forum moderators
| approved by Wikimapia Team
| depending on UL + '''edit/moderate forum'''
|depending on UL
|depending on UL
|-
| Categories moderators
| approved by Wikimapia Team
|depending on UL + '''edit category filter + category translation + create/edit/moderate categories'''
|depending on UL
|depending on UL
|-
| Documentors
| approved by Wikimapia Team
|depending on UL + '''create/edit Wikimapia Docs'''
|depending on UL
|depending on UL
|-
| Advanced Users (AU)
| approved by other Advanced Users
|all + '''add protection to places + write on AU forum + ban users + vote on AU's promotion + 2-hour object deletion + edit multiple polygons + create/edit/moderate collaborations + category translation + add category descriptions'''
|2000 dots
|~70000 km²
|}

== Rank chasing problem ==

Wikimapia's main goal is to help people exploring the world and sharing their knowledge. Wikimapia is not about rank or social status. Though, there is a rank system, that automatically determines experience levels, its only aim is helping to organize Wikimapia Community and encouraging users to contribute to the project. But all main decisions as promotion to Advanced User status or getting any other special role (forum moderator, documentor, etc) are made depending on the +quality+ (do not confuse with quantity) of users contributions and after discussion and voting among all the members of the Community.

As it is usual in other collaborative projects, Wikimapians criticize rank cheaters. Everything on Wikimapia is based on trust to your edits, which you will loose immediately as soon as you'll try to receive experience points for useless actions. Although it is not possible to ban a user for useless actions (unless it corrupts the information), a user can be demoted from AU for a poor quality of edits or his experience points will be zeroised by the Administrators.

== Awards ==
In addition to experience points there is another reward system. [http://www.wikimapia.org/user/tools/awards/ Award stars] (one, two or three) are automatically granted based on various thresholds (i.e. place or road creation, photos addition) of one's stats.

== Voting ==
Voting is our method of providing positive feedback to you about your contributions to Wikimapia, and for you to provide positive feedback to other users about theirs. People who make a positive contribution to Wikimapia ("describing the world" by creating useful and well-described places) are deserving a positive vote.

Neither award stars, nor votes can not influence directly your user level, but having award stars or a lot of votes means you have quite succeeded in map improving or you have a high social status on Wikimapia. That, for example, except giving a nice feeling, can help in case you made a request for an Advanced User status.

== Special roles ==
===Wikimapia Team===

It is them who make changes and maintain the site. Wikimapia developers are always busy with Wikimapia improvement, so please think twice before addressing yourself to them. If your case is urgent they will gladly help you. But if AUs can also help you with the issue, you should send a message to AUs first.

{| class="wikitable"
! Wikimapia Team members !! Real name
|-
| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/7 koriakine]
| Alexandre Koriakine (co-founder)
|-
| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/10 jacksav]
| Evgeniy Saveliev (co-founder)
|-
| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/589032 w8r]
| Alexander Milevski (front-end engineer)
|-
|[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/212747 lnklnklnk]
| Alexander Eroshkin
|-
|[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/2031422 Ivan Tikhonov]
| Ivan Tikhonov
|-
|[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/2020655 podkovyrin]
| Andrew Podkovyrin
|-
|[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/2047915 Annette Turiyanskaya]
| Annette Turiyanskaya
|-
|}
----

=== Forum moderators ===
''[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/awards/?show_badge=2 List of forum Moderators]''

This role allows the use of moderator tools in the Wikimapia forum. It is granted by Wikimapia Team members.

----

=== Categories moderators ===
''[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/awards/?show_badge=3 List of categories Moderators]''

This role allows the use of moderator tools for Wikimapia categories. It is granted by Wikimapia Team members.

Here is some information for Categories moderators:

==== What are categories? ====

What exactly <u>is</u> a category, anyway? For example, is "city" a category? Answer: Not really. A category is really just an ID number in the category database. So "88" in the category database <u>is</u> a category. The basic idea is that category "88" represents the same kind of thing everywhere, no matter which country it is in.

A category has a number of properties, and the most important property is ... its <u>name (in English)</u>. Another property would be, for example, its <u>name (in Russian)</u>. So if we give category "88" a name of "city" in English, its name in Russian should also mean "city". We can <u>not</u> decide to give a Russian name to category "88" that means something different, for example "house".

Even though "city" isn't really a category, for convenience and because no one has memorized the category ID numbers, we usually use the category name in square brackets to represent the category. So [city] is actually category 88; and [город (ru)] is also category 88, but referring specifically to the Russian synonym/translation.

In even more technical detail, the number that is stored with each place tag is in fact not the category ID, but rather a "synonym id". Each synonym id has its own name, that you can see on the "Category list" page, and it is these synonyms that are structured to make up the category hierarchy. This makes it possible to, for example, start with two separate categories, then make them synonyms (thus blending the places together), and then undo the synonym relation, and end up with the original two categories separate again, all without changing anything on the individual place tags.

==== How do we use categories? ====

What kinds of questions can we ask of the category database that we would like to see displayed on the map? Here are some suggestions, presented as <u>templates</u> of what we should think of when we assign a category to a place tag.
# "This place is a [category]." Examples: [village], [school], [police station], [mcdonalds]. But not [compressor].
# "This place is a [category] type of place." Examples: [military], [production].
# "This place is associated with / owned by [category]." Examples: [roman empire], [Long Island Rail Road].
Those are some of the obvious templates, but surely there are others that would also be useful. Please make suggestions in the 'Category cleanup' section of the Forum!

This writer is generally <u>not</u> in favour of things like:
# "This place ''is in'' [category]." Examples: [paris], [russia], [africa]. <br />Although for some reason, a personal quirk!, I am ok with English counties [nottinghamshire] and French/Italian provinces [lombardy], for example, but not US/Canadian states/provinces [california], [ontario]. These are specific [first level administration] places - perhaps historical ones - and the category should be applied to cities and towns only.
# "This was created by [category]." Example: [johnsmith].
# "I can buy [category] in this place." Examples: [phone], [computer], [apple]. Names like these should be reworded according to template (1) above: [cell phone shop], [computer sales / service], [grocery] (just to pick some thoughts off the top of my head), provided the 'thing' isn't silly, like [coke].
# "This place ''is'' [category]." Examples: [green], [dangerous]. These words are usually adjectives, and are not suitable for category names.

==== How is the category system structured? ====

The 'new' (2012) category system has a specific structure added. Categories can now have 'parents', 'children' and 'brothers/sisters'. A category can have <u>any</u> number of children <u>and</u>, any number of parents <u>and</u> any number of synonyms (brothers/sisters). The idea is that the results you get when filtering will now also include places with 'child' and 'grandchild' categories, and their synonyms. So if you filter for [restaurant] it will also find places categorized only as [Italian restaurant], for example (or it will once this relationship functionality is enabled in the filtering function, which it is not, at the beginning). In addition, once the full functionality is enabled, the rendering properties that are associated with some categories, like parks being coloured green, will also carry through to their child and grandchild categories.

If you tried to draw this as a diagram (like a family tree), it could get <u>very</u> complex, with relationship arrows going all over the place. It is very flexible. So flexible that it is even possible to set up links such that the 'child' and 'grandfather' categories are the same, thus making a closed loop in the diagram. (This is obviously <u>not</u> a good thing to do, however, so don't do it!)

When there are synonyms, there is one default synonym. This is the name that will be shown as the main category name. The default synonym in a different language does not have to be the same as in English.

==== What does a Category Moderator (CM) do? ====

'''<big>There are three main activities for CM's:</big>'''

1. Organize the categories.

Create the parent/child/synonym links in the new structure in the official WM language (English).
This is the initial primary task and in order to assist with this you need to be proficient in English. This part is also more like a project in that as we proceed there will be less and less remaining to do. At some point we should be able to declare it "completed enough" and move on to the day-to-day maintenance tasks.

2. Translate the English category names into other languages

Here also you must understand what the name in English means before you can translate it. If there is a question, it must be discussed ''before'' doing anything. Note that it is now possible for a category to not have a name in English. If you find one like this, please add the English translation.

3. Ongoing maintenance

This will continue forever as people make new (not-yet-approved) categories.

==== What tools are available to manage categories? ====

Use the table below to find the tools that are described in this section:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Tool / Function !! Where to find it
|-
| Create a category || Edit a place <nowiki>|</nowiki> Add category
|-
| Approve a category || Tools <nowiki>|</nowiki> Unapproved categories
|-
| Unapprove a category || Category info page
|-
| Rename a category || Tools <nowiki>|</nowiki> Category list
|-
| Modify the description || Category info page <nowiki>|</nowiki> Edit category
|-
| Make two existing categories synonymous || Tools <nowiki>|</nowiki> Unapproved categories
|-
| Remove a synonym || Category info page <nowiki>|</nowiki> Edit category
|-
| Set the default synonym || Category info page <nowiki>|</nowiki> Edit category
|-
| Add and remove child/parent categories || Category info page <nowiki>|</nowiki> Edit category
|-
| Add a translation (to another language) || Category info page <nowiki>|</nowiki> Add translation
|-
| Remove a translation || (not available)
|-
| Merge categories<br>(merges <u>places</u> into a single category) || Tools <nowiki>|</nowiki> Unapproved categories
|-
| Delete a category || Tools <nowiki>|</nowiki> Unapproved categories
|-
| Search for a category/synonym || Tools <nowiki>|</nowiki> Category list
|-
| Audit recent changes || Tools <nowiki>|</nowiki> Global categories watchlist
|-
| Audit edits to places with this category || Category info page <nowiki>|</nowiki> View watchlist
|-
| Audit changes to this category || Category info page <nowiki>|</nowiki> View history
|-
| Look at category structure || Tools <nowiki>|</nowiki> Category hierarchy
|}

===== Create a category =====

This function has to be performed by a Category Moderator. If there is any category word you think is lacking or you would like a category created, please contact a Category Moderator. ''[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/awards/?show_badge=3 List of categories Moderators]''

===== From the "Tools | Unapproved categories" page you can: =====

* Approve the category. This means it is no longer hidden, and can be applied to place tags. If this is a newly added word, please check that it is a word that makes for a good category ([[#How_do_we_use_categories?|see above]]). You should also make an English version, if it's not already in English, and add a description that helps people understand how this category should be used.
* Make a synonym for an existing category.
: Note 1: This is useful <u>only</u> for those circumstances where there is <u>no</u> existing place with both categories. If such places exist, you will be informed about which ones they are so you can deal with them manually before retrying the Make a synonym function.
: Note 2: Don't make things synonyms unless they really <u>are</u> the same, and you want to have two different names for the same type of thing. This <u>can</u> be un-done, however, so it's not a disaster if you make a mistake.
: Note 3: The category you start with becomes a synonym <u>of</u> the category you select in the search function (which is the default synonym ).
* Merge categories. The category you merge from, which is thus going to disappear, must have only a small number of associated places. Note that this can <u>not</u> be un-done, so you must be 100% sure that these two categories represent the exact same type of thing.
* Delete a category.
: Note: Under this new system that categories are never actually deleted, they just become hidden when their usage count drops to zero. So if someone subsequently tries to create the same category again, the old version is just revived instead of creating a new one.

===== From the Category info page you can: =====

<small>(This is the page with buttons for "Filter places", "View watchlist", etc.).</small>

* Edit some of the category info:
- Modify the description.

- Add and remove child/parent categories.
:: Note 1: It is appropriate to make a parent/child relationship when you can say that "a <child category> is one kind of <parent category>". For example, "an [Italian restaurant] is one kind of [restaurant]", or "a [McDonalds] is one kind of [fast food (restaurant)]". If you can not make a statement like that, perhaps you should not do this.
:: Note 2: Adding a child or parent increases the "count" number of the parent category, whereas removing a child or parent does not decrease that count. These numbers are really estimates and will get recalculated automatically twice a day anyway.
- Set the default synonym or remove a synonym.
:: Note 1: When you remove a synonym it automatically becomes Unapproved, so you will probably want to go and approve it.
:: Note 2: The default synonym does not have to be the same in each language, so you can change the default synonym in Russian without affecting the English default, for example.
* Unapprove a category. You must do this first before the category becomes accessible on the Unapproved categories page (above).
* Add a translation.

===== From the "Tools | Category list" page you can: =====

* Search for a category (synonym, actually) in any language. Note that the 'normal' category search will only return results that match in your current language or in English. This page also shows the language that the name is in, as well as the English name of the main category.
* Rename a category.
: Note 1: Most "special" characters (@#$*...) can be included in category names, but some may have to be url-encoded (eg: "&"=%26). Always check the result after renaming to verify it worked properly.

===== The "Tools | Global category watchlist" page =====
: shows changes made to the hierarchy and category names.

==== Other "Categories" info ====

* When you change the relationships between categories, by adding or deleting parent/child/synonym categories, for example, you should not expect to immediately see the new relationships when filtering for the affected places. Realtime regeneration may be enabled in the future, but at the beginning these data are only regenerated periodically (a few times per day, maybe).

* There are some functions that are only available for "small" categories. This will usually mean that the button to do that function is not there if the category is not "small". The exact definition of "small" is not (yet) decided, but think "fewer than 100", and it can also mean different numbers for different functions.

* You can download a spreadsheet-compatible list of all the categories from http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/categories/?download=1 (note that the field separator is a semicolon). You can use this to, for example, find categories with low usage that are candidates for deletion, or find categories with missing or misleading translations from English into other languages.

----

=== Advanced Users ===
''[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/awards/?show_badge=4 List of Advanced Users]''

Any user with level 5 or + may become advanced users and his/her candidacy (it will be offered automatically) will be put to vote. If current Advanced Users decide that a person has demonstrated him/herself as a competent editor and can help Wikimapia by taking additional responsibilities and powers he/she will be invited in Advanced Users group.

A list of languages spoken by AUs can be found [[List of Advanced users according languages|here]].

This [[AU Codex]] is a code of conduct for Advanced Users.
----

=== Documentors ===
''[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/awards/?show_badge=26 List of documentors]''

This role allows to edit the Wikimapia Documentation (This Documentation). It is granted by Wikimapia Team members.

== Forum ==
''See also: [[Forum Guidelines]]''

The [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum] is Wikimapia's discussion area, where you can read other users' questions and answers on a variety of topics, ask your own questions and join in the discussions. The people who frequent the forum are other users just like you, although the Wikimapia Team Members (admins) do occasionally contribute as well.

To ensure discussions and debates flow freely without any hindrances, users are obliged to adhere to the forum guidelines published [[Forum Guidelines | here]] and [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=12217 here].

''[http://wikimapia.org/forum/memberlist.php?mode=group&g=31 List of Forum moderators]''

== Collaborations ==
''Main article: [[Collaborations]]''

Collaborations are projects created by the Wikimapia community to do such activities, an example is adding polygons to places without polygons. Any registered user 1+ level can create a collaboration.

1. To create a collaboration open your profile page, find Tools tab and click on Collaborations. Choose Create a Collaboration. Add a title, its brief description and a country, if needed.

2. Send first 20 invitations to your group. For example, choose 20 users from your recent Messages.

3. When your collaboration reaches more than 20 participants, you can invite more 980 users. But choose carefully. Analyse your watch list or history list on the map to decide, who may be interested in your collaboration.

4. When creating a collaboration, a topic in [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=80 Collaborations section of the forum] with the same title appears automatically. Communicate with other participants of the group and write about your recent results here!

[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/tools/collaborations/?display=0 List of collaborations]

{{Back to Main Page}}

List of Advanced users according languages

2015-07-18T17:43:12Z

RK77: Changed to redirect page

#REDIRECT [[List of Advanced users according to languages]]

List of Advanced users according to languages

2015-07-18T17:41:15Z

RK77: Created new page with corrected page name, corrected wikitable code

{{Navbox user guide}}

====Short explanation====
''This list is created to show in which languages you can communicate with Advanced users, who are always willing to help you.''

''The language ability is only based on reading and writing, since listening and speaking are not required.''

''If you have difficulties to choose which column is appropriate for the language(s) you speak, you could follow this rough draft:''
*'''Excellent:''' Mother tongue or very good in writing.
*'''Good:''' Understands all but makes here and then mistakes* with writing.
*'''Reasonable:''' Can communicate all subjects sufficiently, despite all mistakes.
*'''Mediocre:''' Understands more or less what is written and can express himself in a simple way.
*'''Elementary''': Understands the basics but can't write, except some words and phrases.

<small>''Accidental typos are not considered as mistakes!!!''</small>

''If you want to add your name but have no experience with editing a wiki like this, you could ask any of the users here mentioned.''

====Language Table====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Language !! Excellent !! Good !! Reasonable !! Mediocre !! Elementary
|-
| {{#language:af}} ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/24876/ DeltaQ] || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek] || ||
|-
| Albanian ({{#language:sq}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Amharic ({{#language:am}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/168411/ shoa] || || || ||
|-
| Arabic ({{#language:ar}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/288069/ amspost], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/97539/ Editors], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/355575/ ferassss], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/2220/ pkhoury], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/120916/ sniper80s]|| || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/73536/ eka_subyantara], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/14332/ shbn]
|-
| Armenian ({{#language:hy}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/24026/ Armatura] || || || ||
|-
| Azeri ({{#language:az}}) || || ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek] || ||
|-
| Basque ({{#language:eu}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/15291/ Axaber]|| || || ||
|-
| Belarusian ({{#language:be}}) || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/216989/ DENISpl], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/4799/ Memphis]|| || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/60485/ donotdisturb], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6100/ Gleb] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/121710/ Profcard]
|-
| Bengali ({{#language:bn}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/172375/ Jashim]|| || || ||
|-
| Bicolano ({{#language:bcl}}) || || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/384086/ happygoth09],
|-
| Bosnian ({{#language:bs}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Bulgarian ({{#language:bg}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/93102/ Gaming], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/48623/ marketolog], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/197379/ Orlin], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/147454/ sashabolgar]|| || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/121710/ Profcard],
|-
| Burmese ({{#language:my}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Cantonese ({{#language:yue}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/3495/ Teresa]|| || || ||
|-
| Catalan ({{#language:ca}}) |||| || || ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/15291/ Axaber], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/219422/ Wikisoriano]
|-
| Cebuano ({{#language:ceb}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Chichewa ({{#language:ny}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Chinese Simpl. ({{#language:zh}})|| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/3495/ Teresa]|| || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/282524/ davechiew]
|-
| Corsican ({{#language:co}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Croatian ({{#language:hr}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Czeck ({{#language:cs}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Danish ({{#language:da}}) || ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/262807/ Norzuk] || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/59955/ BigMagicCat]
|-
| Dutch ({{#language:nl}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/147497/ Batavier], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/111697/ dikbrijs], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/182679/ DirkWillemsen], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6143/ lode], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178656/ PA3DSS], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/47280/ pbroomans],[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/320377/ Sp00ky] || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178257/ AinarsM]
|-
| {{#language:en}} ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/146291/ aarslan],[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/1099630/ ocanada],[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/139094/ alectan], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/76224/ Anonymous1], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/18817/ bio2935c], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/282524/ davechiew], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/384086/ happygoth09], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/572477/ Horology],[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/145155/ Jabir99], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/222113/ JAT86], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/298269/ mrazidblack], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/2933/ Neum], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/2220/ pkhoury], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/37082/ RAINGOD], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/3123/ Slowmo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/31020/ stcraftie59], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/8473/ sturmovik], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/267172 taskforce38] , [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/390320/ Xantrex], [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/259802/ Yaropolk] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178257/ AinarsM], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/288069/ amspost], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/157182/ Bloodless], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/269163/ bari], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/125692/ Carneyfex], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/1218481 CGondim], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/277208/ den_siaopin], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/60485/ donotdisturb], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/160619/ eamaral], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/76601 Flying_Saucer], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6100/ Gleb], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/20771/ hakunnin], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/71636/ kasp], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/281970/ Levshev], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/130254/ loginovskikh], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/16768/ Martin67], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/4799/ Memphis], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/38435/ mohairbear], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/262807/ Norzuk], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178656/ PA3DSS], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/121710/ Profcard], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/128332/ SalilSBudhe], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/14332/ shbn], [http://wikimapia.org/#show/user/168411/ shoa], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/120916/ sniper80s], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/320377/ Sp00ky], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/3495/ Teresa], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/281182 wgsj], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/533713/ Zahid786],
|| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/248266/ 19jp87], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/15291/ Axaber], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/73536/ eka_subyantara], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/490935/ hsts], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/22291/ mitsver], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/48083/ mmorx], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/128963/ ronaldo66], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/249675/ vikasv], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/219422/ Wikisoriano] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/164139/ Akela], [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/84189/ akola], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/44017/ fuwuyuan], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/350424/ IIIeka], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/278588/ morgenstern1703], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/288391/ Sevar7867], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/372810/ Valaeron]
||
|-
| Estonian ({{#language:et}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/76601 Flying_Saucer] || || || ||
|-
| Filipino ({{#language:tl}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178033 De_dust], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/101346/ ejae2001ph], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/267172 taskforce38] ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/384086/ happygoth09], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/222113/ JAT86] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/139094/ alectan] || ||
|-
| Finnish ({{#language:fi}}) || || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/76601 Flying_Saucer]
|-
| French ({{#language:fr}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/16768/ Martin67], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/2220/ pkhoury] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/572477/ Horology],[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/1099630/ ocanada]|| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6100/ Gleb], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/372810/ Valaeron] ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/288069/ amspost], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/15291/ Axaber], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/4799/ Memphis], [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/259802/ Yaropolk]||[http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/84189/ akola], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/320377/ Sp00ky],
|-
| Galician ({{#language:gl}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Georgian ({{#language:ka}})|| || || || ||
|-
| German ({{#language:de}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/362243/ carstherz], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/572477/ Horology] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/269163/ bari], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/71636/ kasp], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178656/ PA3DSS]|| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6100/ Gleb], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/128963/ ronaldo66], [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/259802/ Yaropolk] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178257/ AinarsM], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/4799/ Memphis], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/38435/ mohairbear]|| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/160619/ eamaral], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/37082/ RAINGOD], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/320377/ Sp00ky]
|-
| Greek ({{#language:el}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/22291/ mitsver]|| || || ||
|-
| Guarani ({{#language:gn}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Gujarati ({{#language:gu}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Haitian ({{#language:ht}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Hebrew ({{#language:he}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/4389/ DmitTrix], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/11513/ gabrielseed] || || || ||
|-
| Hiligaynon ({{#language:hil}}) || || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/139094/ alectan]
|-
| Hindi ({{#language:hi}}) || ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/128332/ SalilSBudhe] || || ||
|-
| Hungarian (Magyar) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/269163/ bari]|| || || ||
|-
| Icelandic ({{#language:is}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Ilocano ({{#language:ilo}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/101346/ ejae2001ph], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/222113/ JAT86]|| || ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/267172 taskforce38] ||
|-
| Indonesian ({{#language:id}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/73536/ eka_subyantara], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/298269/ mrazidblack]|| || || ||
|-
| Irish ({{#language:ga}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Italian ({{#language:it}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/1991/ baretootsy], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/7480/ delta101], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/76766/ dogs], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/88389/ fanto], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/18003/ Salli]|| || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo]
|-
| Japanese ({{#language:ja}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/44017/ fuwuyuan] || || || ||
|-
| Javanese ({{#language:jv}}) || || ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/73536/ eka_subyantara] || ||
|-
| Kapampangan ({{#language:pam}}) || || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/384086/ happygoth09],
|-
| Kannada ({{#language:kn}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Kashmiri (कश्मीरी/كشميري) || || || || ||
|-
| Kazakh ({{#language:kk}}) || || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/130254/ loginovskikh]
|-
| Khmer ({{#language:km}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Kongo ({{#language:kg}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Korean ({{#language:ko}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/60967/ ideabank] || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/44017/ fuwuyuan]
|-
| Kurdish ({{#language:ku}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Kyrgyz ({{#language:ky}}) || || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek]
|-
| Lao ({{#language:lo}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Latvian ({{#language:lv}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178257/ AinarsM], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6100/ Gleb], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/3123/ Slowmo] || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/121710/ Profcard]
|-
| Lithuanian ({{#language:lt}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/157182/ Bloodless], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/125692/ Carneyfex], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/48083/ mmorx], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/121710/ Profcard], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/128963/ ronaldo66], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/3415/ saimhe], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/28529/ SestiQ], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/836922/ tauraginis], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/660296/ transistor09] || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/185434/ bunifacij], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/60485/ donotdisturb], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6100/ Gleb]|| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178257/ AinarsM]
|-
| Macedonian ({{#language:mk}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Malagasy ({{#language:mg}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Malay ({{#language:ms}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/270132/ eldenbridge], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/112683/ gonsuri] || ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/282524/ davechiew], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/73536/ eka_subyantara], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/298269/ mrazidblack]|| || [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/259802/ Yaropolk]
|-
| Malayalam ({{#language:ml}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Maranao ({{#language:ma}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Mandarin (國語/普通話) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/3495/ Teresa]|| || || ||
[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/44017/ fuwuyuan]
|-
| Marathi ({{#language:mr}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/128332/ SalilSBudhe] || || || ||
|-
| Mongolian ({{#language:mn}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Nepali ({{#language:ne}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Norwegian ({{#language:no}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/262807/ Norzuk]|| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/59955/ BigMagicCat] || || ||
|-
| Oriya ({{#language:or}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Oromo ({{#language:om}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Pangasinense ({{#language:pag}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Pashto ({{#language:ps}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Persian (Farsi) ({{#language:fa}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/14332/ shbn] || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/71636/ kasp] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek]
|-
| Polish ({{#language:pl}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/127239/ arcussk], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/80587/ gosc1234], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/20771/ hakunnin], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/38435/ mohairbear]|| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/269163/ bari], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/216989/ DENISpl] || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/185434/ bunifacij] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6100/ Gleb], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/128963/ ronaldo66]
|-
| Portuguese ({{#language:pt}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/1218481 CGondim],[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/160619/ eamaral], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/88655 JReynaldo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/281182 wgsj] || || || ||
[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo], [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/259802/ Yaropolk]
|-
| Punjabi ({{#language:pa}}) || ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/145155/ Jabir99], || || ||
|-
| Quechua ({{#language:qu}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Romanian ({{#language:ro}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Russian ({{#language:ru}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/150264/ 666Nastya666], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/164139/ Akela], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/84189/ akola], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/143475/ Babuinne], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/59955/ BigMagicCat], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/217382/ box_911], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/185434/ bunifacij], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/277208/ den_siaopin], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/216989/ DENISpl], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/60485/ donotdisturb], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/162593/ GeoX], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6100/ Gleb], [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/37571/ Igor_S], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/350424/ IIIeka], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/104946/ infovishera], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/71636/ kasp], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/65607/ Kislota], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/130254/ loginovskikh],[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/174869/ Kornev95], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/281970/ Levshev], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/77946/ Maxusha], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/278588/ morgenstern1703], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/288391/ Sevar7867], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/372810/ Valaeron], [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/259802/ Yaropolk] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/178257/ AinarsM], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/125692/ Carneyfex], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/121710/ Profcard], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/128963/ ronaldo66], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/836922/ tauraginis]|| [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/269163/ bari] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/157182/ Bloodless], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/76601 Flying_Saucer], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/3123/ Slowmo] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/48083/ mmorx]
|-
| Scottish Gaelic ({{#language:gd}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Serbian ({{#language:sr}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Sesotho ({{#language:st}})|| || || || ||
|-
| Sindhi ({{#language:sd}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Sinhalese ({{#language:si}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Slovak ({{#language:sk}}) || || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/216989/ DENISpl], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/121710/ Profcard]
|-
| Slovenian ({{#language:sl}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Somali ({{#language:so}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Spanish ({{#language:es}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/248266/ 19jp87], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/15291/ Axaber], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/24437/ SuKe], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/281182 wgsj], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/219422/ Wikisoriano] ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/76224/ Anonymous1] ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/160619/ eamaral], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/267172 taskforce38]|| || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/37082/ RAINGOD], [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/259802/ Yaropolk]
|-
| Sundanese ({{#language:su}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/73536/ eka_subyantara]|| || || ||
|-
| Swahili ({{#language:sw}}) || || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek]
|-
| Swedish ({{#language:sv}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/18817/ bio2935c] ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/262807/ Norzuk] || || ||
|-
| Tamil ({{#language:ta}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/249675/ vikasv]|| || || ||
|-
| Telugu ({{#language:te}})|| || || || ||
|-
| Thai ({{#language:tw}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Turkish ({{#language:tr}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/146291/ aarslan], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/68816/ Aytek]|| || || ||
|-
| Twi ({{#language:tw}}) || || || || ||
|-
| Ukrainian ({{#language:uk}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/275100/ ArtemKo], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/350424/ IIIeka] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/281970/ Levshev] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/60485/ donotdisturb] || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/6100/ Gleb] , [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/4799/ Memphis], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/278588/ morgenstern1703], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/288391/ Sevar7867] || [http://www.wikimapia.org/#show=/user/84189/ akola], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/121710/ Profcard].
|-
| Urdu ({{#language:ur}}) || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/145155/ Jabir99], [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/533713/ Zahid786]|| || || ||
|-
| Uzbek ({{#language:uz}}) || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/57464/ ArnoutSteenhoek]||
|-
| Vietnamese ({{#language:vi}}) ||[http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/490935/ hsts]|| || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/94379/ vutuantv]|| ||
|-
| Waray-Waray ({{#language:war}}) || || || || || [http://wikimapia.org/#show=/user/139094/ alectan]
|-
| Zulu ({{#language:zu}}) || || || || ||
|}

User interface

2015-07-16T22:05:46Z

RK77: /* Wikimapia's URL */ Color-coded url variables & removed hyperlink

{{Languages|User_interface}}
{{Navbox user guide}}

When opening Wikimapia you see the default page of the site with the map and menu on the top. The interface of the site is quite clear, though it has its peculiarities.

== About the Wikimapia Main Screen ==
This is a description of the features you can see and which are available from the main screen.
<gallery caption="Menu screen" widths="600px" heights="400px" perrow="2">
File:Diagram 1.png|1. Add place shortcut button to add a place without accessing the 'Edit map' menu.<br>2. The 'My location' button centres the map according to your location.<br>3. The zoom slider allows you to zoom in or out of the map using the slider. Alternatively, you can use the '+/-' buttons or your mouse scroll wheel to adjust the zoom level.<br>4. The 'Distance measure' button allows you to measure distances between two or more points on the map.
File:Diagram 2.png|1. Under 'Edit map' you can access various tools to add places, railroads, ferry routes and rivers.<br>2. Use the category search filter to find places according to their categorized place type e.g. school, hospital, shop etc.<br>3. Click your username to access your messages, tools, the forum etc.<br>4. This button tells you the language interface for Wikimapia. Click it to change the language.
File:Diagram 3.png|1. Use the place search to find any place in Wikimapia.<br>2. The 'Map type' menu lets you view and change the map type to a different one available in the menu.
File:Diagram 4.png|1. This area shows coordinates of the map you are currently viewing. Clicking the coordinates will open a window showing various coordinate formats as well as a link to the current map view. The precise location is dictated by the crosshair (+) in the center of the screen.<br>2. Clicking on the 'Google' logo will take you to the same coordinates in Google Maps
File:Diagram 5.png|1. Clicking this area will take you to Wikimapia's terms & conditions page.<br>2. This counter shows the total place count present in Wikimapia. Clicking it will take you to the place count statistics page.<br> 3. This bar shows various details about the map provider, the map scale according to the current zoom level, Google Map's terms of use and map error reporting.
</gallery>

* In the main window you can see a view of the world. These are satellite images, aerial photography, and proprietary maps (creative via collaborative project resources). The default map view in Wikimapia is Google satellite view (without Google's Hybrid view data overlay information) supplied by Google Maps. The default data overlay is Wikimapia Satellite view which contains all objects and information created in Wikimapia.

* Wikimapia's data overlay consists of:
**places with white boundaries (polygons)
**rendered place titles for named places and question mark for unnamed places
**mouse-over tooltips
**category icons
**linear renderings of various linear tools

Places and roads are interactive in read-only mode and contain embedded information which can be accessed by clicking on them directly and by doing so, a wealth of information shall be available such as titles, descriptions, addresses, categories, building/non-building attribute, photos, Wikipedia link and comments.

Almost every feature is accessible in an editable capacity so volunteers can create places they know or love. Dedicated users who create more and more places in Wikimapia can access extra editing features by earning experience points/levels as well as being rewarded with achievement awards.

* While Wikimapia is responsible for errors in its '''own''' map (i.e. data overlay of all objects and information created in Wikimapia), it is not responsible for errors in the maps provided by Google Maps, or other map views supplied by external map map providers.

* Along the top edge there are four items in bold red font: Edit map, Categories, your username (if you have registered and logged in) and code of two letters - abbreviation for language.
** "Edit map" is a menu, containing tools to add places (polygons) and linear features
** The [[User_interface#Categories|category]] search tool allows you to search places depending on their function/place type.
** "Your user name" is a link to your own [[User_profile/account|user profile]] and other Wikimapia links such as the forum, documentation and other tools.
** A two-letter code (ISO code) indicates the language of your interface

* Near the left-hand edge there is a zoom tool (click the [+] or [-] boxes, click along the bar, or drag the slider), but you can also change the zoom level with the wheel on your mouse. Above the zoom tool is a navigation tool for moving east, west, north or south, and you can also click and drag the map itself. If you double-click on an empty (un-tagged) spot the screen view will be re-centered to that location.

You can also use the following keyboard shortcuts to zoom and pan (just remember to click on the map first to activate them):
+ zooms in, - zooms out, the 4 arrow keys pan in their direction, Home pans one screen west, End pans one screen east, PgUp pans one screen north and PgDn pans one screen south. All these navigation commands are the same as you have in Google Maps.

* At the top right corner there is a [[User_interface#Search|place search]] box for searching places by name. A secondary drop-down list will display an option for categories based on the search terms

* Below the place search box there is a map type button which can be clicked to display alternative map views. Here are the map types available:
**Wikimapia Satellite
**Wikimapia Map
**Google satellite
**Google hybrid
**Google map
**Bing satellite
**Bing hybrid
**Bing map
**OpenStreetMap (OSM)
**Google terrain
**Yahoo Satellite

* At the bottom left of the screen is the word Google, which provides a link to Google Maps for this location.

* Above the Google logo is the coordinates for the current map position as indicated by the crosshairs in the center of the screen. Clicking on the coordinates will open a menu with other coordinate formats in addition to a link to the map coordinates

* At the bottom right of the screen there is a bar with various details
** "Terms of Use" links to Google Maps Terms and Conditions, where you can read the basic legal rules that we have to operate under
** "Wikimapia CC-By-SA" links to the Wikimapia terms reference and Creative Commons license.
** A scale depicting the map distance to ground distance ratio according to the zoom level
** A map error reporting link which relates to map imagery issues (outside of Wikimapia's control) which can only be addressed by Google Maps

== Edit map ==
This is where it all starts, to add a place on the map, select 'Add place'. To draw linear features on the map is also situated here, you can select [[Tools#Linear_features| Road, Railroad, Ferry or River]] from this list.

== Map type ==
As a registered user there are ten map layers to choose from they are:

* Map - Wikimapia map layer
Viewing this answers many of the questions one might have about how to map features shown on the satellite imagery. When beta was introduced, Wikimapia administration provided two comprehensive examples: [http://wikimapia.org/beta/#lat=47.0214613&lon=28.8525009&z=13&l=0&m=w&v=1] & [http://wikimapia.org/beta/#lat=56.9538798&lon=24.119947&z=16&l=0&m=w&v=1]

'''''The colours used on the map layer include the following (square brackets denote categories):'''''
{| class="wikitable"
| Blue with border || [lake], [water]
|-
| Blue without border || [river], river drawing
|-
| Blue dotted line || ferry line drawing
|-
| Green with border || not used
|-
| Green without border || [park], [garden]
|-
| Light-grey without border || [village], [city], [town]
|-
| Light-grey with border || other ordinary tags
|-
| Dark-grey with border || [building]
|-
| Dark-grey without border || not used
|-
| White background || land
|-
| White without border || [island]
|-
| Black/white || Railroad drawing
|-
| Yellow || Road drawing
|-
| Pale-yellow || Tunnels in road drawing
|-
| Invisible with border || [draw only border]
|-
| Invisible without border || [invisible]
|}

* Satellite - Google's satellite imagery with Wikimapia's places, roads, railways and rivers superimposed. Excludes places without polygons from Wikimapia Classic (see "Satellite + old places" below).

* Satellite + Old places (rectangular tags without polygon outlines )
Due to a change in Wikimapia's service, all place tags without polygon outlines are not visible in the default view of the newer system. However, the older place tags are still viewable as squares and rectangles in the 'Satellite + old places' map view and the 'Wikimapia Classic' map view.
Before adding a place tag please choose 'Satellite + old places' as your main map view for place tagging. Click on 'Map type' > 'Satellite + old places'. The 'Satellite + old places' map view will show places that are already marked. If you find an older place tag, please convert it by clicking "Add outline" under the square/rectangle. Do not duplicate an existing place tag.

'''Alternative sources'''

* Google Map - Google's map layer.

* Google Hybrid - Google's satellite imagery with Google roads and Google place names superimposed.

* Google Satellite - The raw Google satellite imagery with nothing superimposed.

* Google Terrain - Google's terrain layer shows contours, shaded relief, Google place names and major rivers.

* Google Panoramio - Google's satellite imagery photographs from Google [http://www.panoramio.com/ Panoramio] superimposed.

* Openstreetmap

'''Other'''

* Deleted Places

* Wikimapia Classic

'''''It should be noted that unregistered users do not have access to the 'Deleted Places' layer.'''''

'''Notes'''
* Places, roads, railways, ferries, rivers and terrain can be added to any of the map types.
* ''Google satellite'' is useful if you temporarily need an uncluttered view eg in the middle of mapping a place, road, etc some detail is obscured by other mapped features.

== Categories ==

=== What are categories ===

Categories are words or short phrases that are used to describe a place in some manner. Categories classify place objects according to their place type or function. You can add one or a few categories to any place tag. Categories enrich place objects visually by displaying icons, different polygon colours and borders.

=== What are categories for ===

The <u>main</u> thing, some would even say the <u>only</u> thing, that categories are for is to enable us to <u>filter</u> for places. In other words, to '''show their locations on the map'''. Do you want to see where the schools are? where the train stations are? where the churches / museums / gas stations / hospitals / police stations / fire stations / cemeteries / hotels / restaurants / whatever are? Wikimapia has the answer!

=== How do we interact with categories? ===
# We see them on a place tag's info page (and we find them in Google's search results).
# We can add or delete them to a place tag. This helps in describing the place, but should not replace writing something in the <tt>description</tt> field.
# We can filter for them. Using the dropdown menu on the main screen, select one of the displayed categories or enter a word in the search box at its top to find others, and the locations of places with this category will be shown with a red dot on the map.
# They can give information about how to draw the place on the map layer, i. e. 'draw only border' or 'invisible' categories (see below). Some categories also imply a specific color in the map layer.

=== Special categories ===
There are some special categories that can not only help to determine the type of the object, but also can give information about how to draw the place on the map layer.

{| class="wikitable" style="float:center;width:60%;margin-left:0%;"
|+
! colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align:left;" | Category name
! colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align:left;" | Description
! colspan="1" scope="col" width="195px" style="text-align:left;" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | Visual rendering (Map view)
! colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align:left;" | Caveats & correct usage
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=44629&lng=en&tab=main invisible]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category renders the object invisible on all map views, but it will be highlighted when you hover over it.
| colspan="1" rowspan="1" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Invisible outline.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" rowspan="1" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category is applicable to large places like a block or a district that has a lot of nested objects. It is also applicable to objects that hidden or subterranean such as tunnels, underground station, understand car park etc.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=44733&lng=en&tab=main draw only border]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category is like the invisible category but has a solid black outline without rendering any color fill.
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Draw only border.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Use this category for large places whose boundary demarcation is necessary to distinguish from places marked within the boundary. Objects with their own color fill (e.g. rivers, parks, lakes etc.) will be visible if they are marked inside a 'draw only border' categorized object.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=332&lng=en&tab=main lake], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=626&lng=en&tab=main river], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=391&lng=en&tab=main water]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Polygons are filled with blue color
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Blue water.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Use the lake and river categories for respective lakes and rivers only. Use the water category for all other applicable water-bodies such as swimming pools, ponds, moats, fountains etc.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=194&lng=en&tab=main park], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=469&lng=en&tab=main garden]'''
| rowspan="1" valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Polygons are filled with green color
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Garden.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| These categories are to be used for respective parks and gardens '''only'''. Do not use for woods, forests, nature reserves or other areas of vegetation if they are not parks or gardens.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=564&lng=en&tab=main town], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=949&lng=en&tab=main village], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=88&lng=en&tab=main city]'''
| rowspan="1" valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Light grey polygon
| colspan="1" rowspan="1" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Village.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| These categories are to be used for their corresponding named settlements.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=46591&lng=en&tab=main do not draw title]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category does not render the title of an object
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Do not draw title.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| To be used when the title rendering is disruptive or unnecessary if many objects are marked close to each other and only one title should be visible.
This category can also be used for places without proper titles but have been named with generic titles such as tree, field, forest etc.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=45694&lng=en&tab=main historical layer / disappeared object]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Special category for notable places that do not exist any more.
The category is often referred to its abbreviated form: '''HL/DO'''
| bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:HLDO Layer.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Using this filter allows you to explore how the area looked like in the past. In most cases non-existent places should be deleted from the map, as their tags do not have any up-to-date valuable information (e.g. if a cafe moved from the mall, the tag should be deleted). But if an object seem interesting/important, then it’s better to move it to 'historical layer' category.

'''Historical layer criteria''':

1. places where pieces of political, military or social history have been preserved.

2. places that have recognized with the official national historic site status.

3. places that are of local, regional, or national significance.
|}

To see how all categories are rendered, be it with special properties or icons, please see the [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/categories_rendering/ category rendering] list.

=== History <small>or</small> Why are there so many crazy categories? ===

In the beginning there were no categories. Instead there was a field called "keywords" that people could write into. The idea was that they would write useful keywords, like "school" and "airport", but instead many people simply copied the place title or wrote comments like
"we got married in this church". If the writer was French, they wrote in French ("nous nous sommes mariés dans cette église"), if German, then in German ("wir wurden in dieser Kirche geheiratet"). Then categories were created, and it was decided to build the initial category database from the keywords. In most cases the categories created were assumed to be in English. So we had categories for school and airport, but also many like: got, married, this, church, nous, sommes, maries, dans, cette, eglise, wir, wurden, dieser, kirche, geheiratet. We got some useful categories, but also quite a lot that were less than useful. In addition, we had words from different languages that all meant the same thing (church, eglise, kirche) that were assigned separate categories in English.

There was also a period when it was really easy to choose the most popular categories, just by clicking in some boxes on the edit screen. Unfortunately, many people thought they could make their creations more popular by choosing <u>all</u> these categories, so they did. The real result, of course, is that when we now find places categorized with all of [village], [school], [city], [restaurant], [park], [hospital], etc. everyone just says "nonsense".

=== Deleting categories from places ===

You must realize that every category was added to a place for a reason. The reason may be silly, or as a result of a misunderstanding, or as a joke, or it was inherited from the original keywords, for example. But there is always a reason. If you want to delete a category <u>and</u> you understand the reason for it being there, then go ahead and delete it. If, however, you do <u>not</u> understand the reason, then please take a few moments to think about this some more before you destroy someone's work.

=== Other "Categories" info ===

* If the search function in the main screen's "Categories" menu doesn't show enough results, you can find more using the "Tools | Categories hierarchy" page (accessible from the dropdown menu under your login name). This is for searching the category hierarchy tree, so you can also see parent and child relationships here. Note that this search function returns results in all languages, not just the one you are using.

* When filtering for a category that has many associated places, then displaying them all, especially at the "whole world" zoom level, is not feasible, so only the 100 largest are shown. If you zoom in a bit, a different 100 may be shown, depending on the area you have on your screen. Similarly, if you delete one of the 100, the previously 101'st biggest will now be shown.

* A category can be translated into any of the supported languages, so that (for example) Russian users see category words that are meaningful to them.

* A category can have parent, child and synonym (sibling) categories.

* A category has a description field. When you are in 'filtering' mode, click on the category name at the bottom of the screen to see its description and its parent/child categories. If you are unsure of what the category means, this is the place to look for an explanation.

* You can read more in-depth information on the [[Community#Categories_moderators| Categories for Category Moderators]] page.

=== Important notes ===
Note that special categories should <u>not</u> be used for the sole purpose of influencing how the map is drawn, if the category is not applicable to the place object. For example, you:
* can't use the category [water] for a house that happens to have a blue roof
* can't use the category [park] for a golf course
* can't use the category [police station] because you like that star icon etc.
This list is not exhaustive but gives a clear idea about how categories should not be misused.

== User profile ==
Your account/profile is also the place where you can see how many places you have created, how many you have edited, how many comments you have made. You can vote for other users: give them a good vote if you like what they have done, and where you can get feedback on what others think about your own work.

You can access your profile by simply hovering over on your username at the top menu and clicking 'profile'.

==Interface Language Selection ==
This gives you the option to change the interface language. It also changes the preferred place description, map labels and tooltip language, if the chosen language page has been used.

== Search ==
There are three things you can do with Wikimapia Search: you can search for places (the default), you can search for cities, and you can find locations via their geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude). All search functions are accessed via the text box and red Search button at the top right of the main Wikimapia screen. Just type one or more keywords into the box and click on Search. Your search results will be displayed in the window that opens, and you can then click on one of those, or check the next page of results if there are more.

The search results are presented in order of their distance from the map location you currently have on screen, although sometimes a few major cities are placed at the very top if they match what you searched for.

If you enter two or more search terms, you will find results where ALL those terms are present, so if you search for Santa Monica this means you will find locations where Santa AND Monica are present. It is not possible to search for places with Santa OR Monica. Nor is it possible to search for the entire string "Santa Monica", the quote signs are simply ignored and the results will be the same as if you entered Santa Monica (or Monica Santa). Capitalization is not important either, Monica and mOnIcA will produce the same results.

If you know the longitude and latitude of some place you can use Search to go directly there. Just enter the coordinates in the search box and then click on the "Go to this location:" that comes up. You can enter the coordinates as either decimals or degrees, minutes, seconds; so "50.5" and "50 30" are equivalent. The one thing you MUST include is the letters E/W and N/S after the numerical part, to specify whether it is East or West, and North or South. Two examples that are equivalent:

'''74.044w 40.689n'''

'''40 41 21 North 74 2 39 WEST'''

== Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels ==
'''Zoom''' or '''Zooming''' is a basic feature of interactive maps. On the upper left side of Wikimapia's display is a set of boxes with arrows (for scrolling), and below that is a slide bar with a plus symbol [+] at the top and a minus symbol [-] at the bottom. By clicking on the plus symbol [+], you can magnify the view by a factor of two. By clicking on the minus symbol [-], you can pull out by a factor of two.

If you want to jump to a higher or lower zoom level faster, you can click directly on the hatch marks on the slide bar. If your mouse has a mouse wheel, you can also zoom in and out with it; unlike the slide bar, which zooms in and out from the cross hair at center of the screen, zooming with the mouse wheel is centered on your cursor. Double-clicking on the map only re-centers the map on that point, unlike Google's interface, where double-clicking zooms in.

'''Zoom Levels'''
----
Wikimapia follows Google's zoom system, which runs from zoom level 0, which is so far out that the world appears multiple times, to zoom level 23, which is so close one can make out individual tree leaves. The zoom level or zoom number is displayed in the url (the web address) at the top of your browser. For example, in [http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=36.8835339&lon=30.6899643&z=13&l=0&m=a this view of the city of Antalya] in Turkey, your url should read <tt><nowiki>http://www.wikimapia.org/</nowiki>#lat=36.8835339&lon=30.6899643&<u>z=13</u>&l=0&m=a</tt>. After the latitude and longitude numbers, the zoom level is given after <tt>z=</tt> (in this example, <tt>z=13</tt>).<br>
Place polygons appear(glow yellow) on mouse-over, only if the zoom level is low enough to allow the entire polygon (rectangle in the old wikimapia) to fit in a full screen window, even if only a part of it is showing at the edge of the screen. So if a place does not glow on mouse-over, you might need to zoom-out.

== Coordinates ==
== Wikimapia's URL ==
Advanced users may occasionally find it useful to know how to decode the variables in '''Wikimapia's URL'''.

'''Primary URL'''
----

An example Wikimapia URL is <nowiki>http://wikimapia.org/#</nowiki><font color=red>lat=53.9560855&</font><font color=orange>lon=-1.9335937&</font><font color=amber>z=3&</font><font color=green>l=0&</font><font color=blue>m=a&</font><font color=purple>v=2</font>. The purpose of each of the variables is:

{| class="wikitable"
! Variable !! Purpose
|-
| <font color=red>lat=</font> || The latitude of the centre cross in decimal degrees
|-
| <font color=orange>lon=</font> || The longitude of the centre cross in decimal degrees
|-
| <font color=amber>z=</font> || The [[zoom level]]. The closest available tends to be the range z=14 to z=18 but there are exceptions such as the oceans or major cities.
|-
| <font color=green>l=</font> || A numerical id for the language
|-
| <font color=blue>m=</font> || The map type: w=Wikimapia map, b=Satellite/Satellite + old places, m=Google map, h=Google hybrid, s=Google satellite, t=Google terrain, a= automatic (deprecated in beta).
|-
| <font color=purple>v=</font> || The option selected in the view menu: 0=All places, 1=No places, 2=All places, 3=User map, 5=Roads view (deprecated in beta), 4=Deleted places, 6=Roads edit (will not be activated just by linking).
|-
| search= || Some text to place in the search window (and search on).
|-
| show= || An internal document to be displayed.
|-
|}

Note: In most cases, the URL includes the '#' sign. If this is the case and you only change something to the right of the #, you need to refresh the page after having made your modification and hitting enter. The '#' actually points to an "anchor" named like what follows it inside the page. Despite the fact that this anchor does not really exist, the browser "believes" that it has to stay at the same page.

'''Geotools URL'''
----

Take as an example: http://wikimapia.org/#lat=-15.7747435&lon=-47.9143596&z=16&l=9&m=a&v=2&gz=0;-479177713;-157770563;29611;0;0;1033;0;58439

The parameters before "&gz=" are a regular Wikimapia URL as described above.

The parameters following "&gz=" are:
# type (0=distance measure; 1=area measure)
# longitude of origin point (the westernmost longitude of all your points)
# latitude of origin point (the southernmost latitude of all your points)
# degrees longitude between 1st point and origin
# degrees latitude between 1st point and origin
# degrees longitude between 2nd point and origin
# degrees latitude between 2nd point and origin
# degrees longitude between 3rd point and origin
# degrees latitude between 3rd point and origin
# etc.

Notes:
* The degree parameters should be read as if they have 7 decimal places. For example, 109899353 is really 10.9899353.
* The origin may not be a point in your geotools measurement list since its longitude and latitude may come from different points in your list. The reason for using this point as the origin may be so that all location offsets from it are guaranteed to be positive.
* The order of the position entries is different to the lat/long in the URL. This is probably because in a graph a position is usually indicated by (x,y), ie a horizontal (x) and vertical (y) pair.

'''Place URL'''
----
Places in Wikimapia have internal id numbers like an SSN, starting at 1. For instance, place #1 is a supermarket in a southern suburb of Moscow: http://wikimapia.org/1/Auchan-Kommunarka-hypermarket . You can also shorten this to just http://wikimapia.org/1/ if the title is not desired. Since no lat/long is provided in the URL, the page will show up with a small satellite image of the place in red and you can click on the red place to see the regular wiki page and the satellite image centered on that place and zoomed appropriately.
{{Back to Main Page}}

User interface

2015-07-16T21:31:19Z

RK77: /* About the Wikimapia Main Screen */ Refined article

{{Languages|User_interface}}
{{Navbox user guide}}

When opening Wikimapia you see the default page of the site with the map and menu on the top. The interface of the site is quite clear, though it has its peculiarities.

== About the Wikimapia Main Screen ==
This is a description of the features you can see and which are available from the main screen.
<gallery caption="Menu screen" widths="600px" heights="400px" perrow="2">
File:Diagram 1.png|1. Add place shortcut button to add a place without accessing the 'Edit map' menu.<br>2. The 'My location' button centres the map according to your location.<br>3. The zoom slider allows you to zoom in or out of the map using the slider. Alternatively, you can use the '+/-' buttons or your mouse scroll wheel to adjust the zoom level.<br>4. The 'Distance measure' button allows you to measure distances between two or more points on the map.
File:Diagram 2.png|1. Under 'Edit map' you can access various tools to add places, railroads, ferry routes and rivers.<br>2. Use the category search filter to find places according to their categorized place type e.g. school, hospital, shop etc.<br>3. Click your username to access your messages, tools, the forum etc.<br>4. This button tells you the language interface for Wikimapia. Click it to change the language.
File:Diagram 3.png|1. Use the place search to find any place in Wikimapia.<br>2. The 'Map type' menu lets you view and change the map type to a different one available in the menu.
File:Diagram 4.png|1. This area shows coordinates of the map you are currently viewing. Clicking the coordinates will open a window showing various coordinate formats as well as a link to the current map view. The precise location is dictated by the crosshair (+) in the center of the screen.<br>2. Clicking on the 'Google' logo will take you to the same coordinates in Google Maps
File:Diagram 5.png|1. Clicking this area will take you to Wikimapia's terms & conditions page.<br>2. This counter shows the total place count present in Wikimapia. Clicking it will take you to the place count statistics page.<br> 3. This bar shows various details about the map provider, the map scale according to the current zoom level, Google Map's terms of use and map error reporting.
</gallery>

* In the main window you can see a view of the world. These are satellite images, aerial photography, and proprietary maps (creative via collaborative project resources). The default map view in Wikimapia is Google satellite view (without Google's Hybrid view data overlay information) supplied by Google Maps. The default data overlay is Wikimapia Satellite view which contains all objects and information created in Wikimapia.

* Wikimapia's data overlay consists of:
**places with white boundaries (polygons)
**rendered place titles for named places and question mark for unnamed places
**mouse-over tooltips
**category icons
**linear renderings of various linear tools

Places and roads are interactive in read-only mode and contain embedded information which can be accessed by clicking on them directly and by doing so, a wealth of information shall be available such as titles, descriptions, addresses, categories, building/non-building attribute, photos, Wikipedia link and comments.

Almost every feature is accessible in an editable capacity so volunteers can create places they know or love. Dedicated users who create more and more places in Wikimapia can access extra editing features by earning experience points/levels as well as being rewarded with achievement awards.

* While Wikimapia is responsible for errors in its '''own''' map (i.e. data overlay of all objects and information created in Wikimapia), it is not responsible for errors in the maps provided by Google Maps, or other map views supplied by external map map providers.

* Along the top edge there are four items in bold red font: Edit map, Categories, your username (if you have registered and logged in) and code of two letters - abbreviation for language.
** "Edit map" is a menu, containing tools to add places (polygons) and linear features
** The [[User_interface#Categories|category]] search tool allows you to search places depending on their function/place type.
** "Your user name" is a link to your own [[User_profile/account|user profile]] and other Wikimapia links such as the forum, documentation and other tools.
** A two-letter code (ISO code) indicates the language of your interface

* Near the left-hand edge there is a zoom tool (click the [+] or [-] boxes, click along the bar, or drag the slider), but you can also change the zoom level with the wheel on your mouse. Above the zoom tool is a navigation tool for moving east, west, north or south, and you can also click and drag the map itself. If you double-click on an empty (un-tagged) spot the screen view will be re-centered to that location.

You can also use the following keyboard shortcuts to zoom and pan (just remember to click on the map first to activate them):
+ zooms in, - zooms out, the 4 arrow keys pan in their direction, Home pans one screen west, End pans one screen east, PgUp pans one screen north and PgDn pans one screen south. All these navigation commands are the same as you have in Google Maps.

* At the top right corner there is a [[User_interface#Search|place search]] box for searching places by name. A secondary drop-down list will display an option for categories based on the search terms

* Below the place search box there is a map type button which can be clicked to display alternative map views. Here are the map types available:
**Wikimapia Satellite
**Wikimapia Map
**Google satellite
**Google hybrid
**Google map
**Bing satellite
**Bing hybrid
**Bing map
**OpenStreetMap (OSM)
**Google terrain
**Yahoo Satellite

* At the bottom left of the screen is the word Google, which provides a link to Google Maps for this location.

* Above the Google logo is the coordinates for the current map position as indicated by the crosshairs in the center of the screen. Clicking on the coordinates will open a menu with other coordinate formats in addition to a link to the map coordinates

* At the bottom right of the screen there is a bar with various details
** "Terms of Use" links to Google Maps Terms and Conditions, where you can read the basic legal rules that we have to operate under
** "Wikimapia CC-By-SA" links to the Wikimapia terms reference and Creative Commons license.
** A scale depicting the map distance to ground distance ratio according to the zoom level
** A map error reporting link which relates to map imagery issues (outside of Wikimapia's control) which can only be addressed by Google Maps

== Edit map ==
This is where it all starts, to add a place on the map, select 'Add place'. To draw linear features on the map is also situated here, you can select [[Tools#Linear_features| Road, Railroad, Ferry or River]] from this list.

== Map type ==
As a registered user there are ten map layers to choose from they are:

* Map - Wikimapia map layer
Viewing this answers many of the questions one might have about how to map features shown on the satellite imagery. When beta was introduced, Wikimapia administration provided two comprehensive examples: [http://wikimapia.org/beta/#lat=47.0214613&lon=28.8525009&z=13&l=0&m=w&v=1] & [http://wikimapia.org/beta/#lat=56.9538798&lon=24.119947&z=16&l=0&m=w&v=1]

'''''The colours used on the map layer include the following (square brackets denote categories):'''''
{| class="wikitable"
| Blue with border || [lake], [water]
|-
| Blue without border || [river], river drawing
|-
| Blue dotted line || ferry line drawing
|-
| Green with border || not used
|-
| Green without border || [park], [garden]
|-
| Light-grey without border || [village], [city], [town]
|-
| Light-grey with border || other ordinary tags
|-
| Dark-grey with border || [building]
|-
| Dark-grey without border || not used
|-
| White background || land
|-
| White without border || [island]
|-
| Black/white || Railroad drawing
|-
| Yellow || Road drawing
|-
| Pale-yellow || Tunnels in road drawing
|-
| Invisible with border || [draw only border]
|-
| Invisible without border || [invisible]
|}

* Satellite - Google's satellite imagery with Wikimapia's places, roads, railways and rivers superimposed. Excludes places without polygons from Wikimapia Classic (see "Satellite + old places" below).

* Satellite + Old places (rectangular tags without polygon outlines )
Due to a change in Wikimapia's service, all place tags without polygon outlines are not visible in the default view of the newer system. However, the older place tags are still viewable as squares and rectangles in the 'Satellite + old places' map view and the 'Wikimapia Classic' map view.
Before adding a place tag please choose 'Satellite + old places' as your main map view for place tagging. Click on 'Map type' > 'Satellite + old places'. The 'Satellite + old places' map view will show places that are already marked. If you find an older place tag, please convert it by clicking "Add outline" under the square/rectangle. Do not duplicate an existing place tag.

'''Alternative sources'''

* Google Map - Google's map layer.

* Google Hybrid - Google's satellite imagery with Google roads and Google place names superimposed.

* Google Satellite - The raw Google satellite imagery with nothing superimposed.

* Google Terrain - Google's terrain layer shows contours, shaded relief, Google place names and major rivers.

* Google Panoramio - Google's satellite imagery photographs from Google [http://www.panoramio.com/ Panoramio] superimposed.

* Openstreetmap

'''Other'''

* Deleted Places

* Wikimapia Classic

'''''It should be noted that unregistered users do not have access to the 'Deleted Places' layer.'''''

'''Notes'''
* Places, roads, railways, ferries, rivers and terrain can be added to any of the map types.
* ''Google satellite'' is useful if you temporarily need an uncluttered view eg in the middle of mapping a place, road, etc some detail is obscured by other mapped features.

== Categories ==

=== What are categories ===

Categories are words or short phrases that are used to describe a place in some manner. Categories classify place objects according to their place type or function. You can add one or a few categories to any place tag. Categories enrich place objects visually by displaying icons, different polygon colours and borders.

=== What are categories for ===

The <u>main</u> thing, some would even say the <u>only</u> thing, that categories are for is to enable us to <u>filter</u> for places. In other words, to '''show their locations on the map'''. Do you want to see where the schools are? where the train stations are? where the churches / museums / gas stations / hospitals / police stations / fire stations / cemeteries / hotels / restaurants / whatever are? Wikimapia has the answer!

=== How do we interact with categories? ===
# We see them on a place tag's info page (and we find them in Google's search results).
# We can add or delete them to a place tag. This helps in describing the place, but should not replace writing something in the <tt>description</tt> field.
# We can filter for them. Using the dropdown menu on the main screen, select one of the displayed categories or enter a word in the search box at its top to find others, and the locations of places with this category will be shown with a red dot on the map.
# They can give information about how to draw the place on the map layer, i. e. 'draw only border' or 'invisible' categories (see below). Some categories also imply a specific color in the map layer.

=== Special categories ===
There are some special categories that can not only help to determine the type of the object, but also can give information about how to draw the place on the map layer.

{| class="wikitable" style="float:center;width:60%;margin-left:0%;"
|+
! colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align:left;" | Category name
! colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align:left;" | Description
! colspan="1" scope="col" width="195px" style="text-align:left;" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | Visual rendering (Map view)
! colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align:left;" | Caveats & correct usage
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=44629&lng=en&tab=main invisible]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category renders the object invisible on all map views, but it will be highlighted when you hover over it.
| colspan="1" rowspan="1" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Invisible outline.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" rowspan="1" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category is applicable to large places like a block or a district that has a lot of nested objects. It is also applicable to objects that hidden or subterranean such as tunnels, underground station, understand car park etc.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=44733&lng=en&tab=main draw only border]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category is like the invisible category but has a solid black outline without rendering any color fill.
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Draw only border.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Use this category for large places whose boundary demarcation is necessary to distinguish from places marked within the boundary. Objects with their own color fill (e.g. rivers, parks, lakes etc.) will be visible if they are marked inside a 'draw only border' categorized object.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=332&lng=en&tab=main lake], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=626&lng=en&tab=main river], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=391&lng=en&tab=main water]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Polygons are filled with blue color
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Blue water.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Use the lake and river categories for respective lakes and rivers only. Use the water category for all other applicable water-bodies such as swimming pools, ponds, moats, fountains etc.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=194&lng=en&tab=main park], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=469&lng=en&tab=main garden]'''
| rowspan="1" valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Polygons are filled with green color
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Garden.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| These categories are to be used for respective parks and gardens '''only'''. Do not use for woods, forests, nature reserves or other areas of vegetation if they are not parks or gardens.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=564&lng=en&tab=main town], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=949&lng=en&tab=main village], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=88&lng=en&tab=main city]'''
| rowspan="1" valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Light grey polygon
| colspan="1" rowspan="1" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Village.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| These categories are to be used for their corresponding named settlements.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=46591&lng=en&tab=main do not draw title]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category does not render the title of an object
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Do not draw title.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| To be used when the title rendering is disruptive or unnecessary if many objects are marked close to each other and only one title should be visible.
This category can also be used for places without proper titles but have been named with generic titles such as tree, field, forest etc.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=45694&lng=en&tab=main historical layer / disappeared object]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Special category for notable places that do not exist any more.
The category is often referred to its abbreviated form: '''HL/DO'''
| bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:HLDO Layer.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Using this filter allows you to explore how the area looked like in the past. In most cases non-existent places should be deleted from the map, as their tags do not have any up-to-date valuable information (e.g. if a cafe moved from the mall, the tag should be deleted). But if an object seem interesting/important, then it’s better to move it to 'historical layer' category.

'''Historical layer criteria''':

1. places where pieces of political, military or social history have been preserved.

2. places that have recognized with the official national historic site status.

3. places that are of local, regional, or national significance.
|}

To see how all categories are rendered, be it with special properties or icons, please see the [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/categories_rendering/ category rendering] list.

=== History <small>or</small> Why are there so many crazy categories? ===

In the beginning there were no categories. Instead there was a field called "keywords" that people could write into. The idea was that they would write useful keywords, like "school" and "airport", but instead many people simply copied the place title or wrote comments like
"we got married in this church". If the writer was French, they wrote in French ("nous nous sommes mariés dans cette église"), if German, then in German ("wir wurden in dieser Kirche geheiratet"). Then categories were created, and it was decided to build the initial category database from the keywords. In most cases the categories created were assumed to be in English. So we had categories for school and airport, but also many like: got, married, this, church, nous, sommes, maries, dans, cette, eglise, wir, wurden, dieser, kirche, geheiratet. We got some useful categories, but also quite a lot that were less than useful. In addition, we had words from different languages that all meant the same thing (church, eglise, kirche) that were assigned separate categories in English.

There was also a period when it was really easy to choose the most popular categories, just by clicking in some boxes on the edit screen. Unfortunately, many people thought they could make their creations more popular by choosing <u>all</u> these categories, so they did. The real result, of course, is that when we now find places categorized with all of [village], [school], [city], [restaurant], [park], [hospital], etc. everyone just says "nonsense".

=== Deleting categories from places ===

You must realize that every category was added to a place for a reason. The reason may be silly, or as a result of a misunderstanding, or as a joke, or it was inherited from the original keywords, for example. But there is always a reason. If you want to delete a category <u>and</u> you understand the reason for it being there, then go ahead and delete it. If, however, you do <u>not</u> understand the reason, then please take a few moments to think about this some more before you destroy someone's work.

=== Other "Categories" info ===

* If the search function in the main screen's "Categories" menu doesn't show enough results, you can find more using the "Tools | Categories hierarchy" page (accessible from the dropdown menu under your login name). This is for searching the category hierarchy tree, so you can also see parent and child relationships here. Note that this search function returns results in all languages, not just the one you are using.

* When filtering for a category that has many associated places, then displaying them all, especially at the "whole world" zoom level, is not feasible, so only the 100 largest are shown. If you zoom in a bit, a different 100 may be shown, depending on the area you have on your screen. Similarly, if you delete one of the 100, the previously 101'st biggest will now be shown.

* A category can be translated into any of the supported languages, so that (for example) Russian users see category words that are meaningful to them.

* A category can have parent, child and synonym (sibling) categories.

* A category has a description field. When you are in 'filtering' mode, click on the category name at the bottom of the screen to see its description and its parent/child categories. If you are unsure of what the category means, this is the place to look for an explanation.

* You can read more in-depth information on the [[Community#Categories_moderators| Categories for Category Moderators]] page.

=== Important notes ===
Note that special categories should <u>not</u> be used for the sole purpose of influencing how the map is drawn, if the category is not applicable to the place object. For example, you:
* can't use the category [water] for a house that happens to have a blue roof
* can't use the category [park] for a golf course
* can't use the category [police station] because you like that star icon etc.
This list is not exhaustive but gives a clear idea about how categories should not be misused.

== User profile ==
Your account/profile is also the place where you can see how many places you have created, how many you have edited, how many comments you have made. You can vote for other users: give them a good vote if you like what they have done, and where you can get feedback on what others think about your own work.

You can access your profile by simply hovering over on your username at the top menu and clicking 'profile'.

==Interface Language Selection ==
This gives you the option to change the interface language. It also changes the preferred place description, map labels and tooltip language, if the chosen language page has been used.

== Search ==
There are three things you can do with Wikimapia Search: you can search for places (the default), you can search for cities, and you can find locations via their geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude). All search functions are accessed via the text box and red Search button at the top right of the main Wikimapia screen. Just type one or more keywords into the box and click on Search. Your search results will be displayed in the window that opens, and you can then click on one of those, or check the next page of results if there are more.

The search results are presented in order of their distance from the map location you currently have on screen, although sometimes a few major cities are placed at the very top if they match what you searched for.

If you enter two or more search terms, you will find results where ALL those terms are present, so if you search for Santa Monica this means you will find locations where Santa AND Monica are present. It is not possible to search for places with Santa OR Monica. Nor is it possible to search for the entire string "Santa Monica", the quote signs are simply ignored and the results will be the same as if you entered Santa Monica (or Monica Santa). Capitalization is not important either, Monica and mOnIcA will produce the same results.

If you know the longitude and latitude of some place you can use Search to go directly there. Just enter the coordinates in the search box and then click on the "Go to this location:" that comes up. You can enter the coordinates as either decimals or degrees, minutes, seconds; so "50.5" and "50 30" are equivalent. The one thing you MUST include is the letters E/W and N/S after the numerical part, to specify whether it is East or West, and North or South. Two examples that are equivalent:

'''74.044w 40.689n'''

'''40 41 21 North 74 2 39 WEST'''

== Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels ==
'''Zoom''' or '''Zooming''' is a basic feature of interactive maps. On the upper left side of Wikimapia's display is a set of boxes with arrows (for scrolling), and below that is a slide bar with a plus symbol [+] at the top and a minus symbol [-] at the bottom. By clicking on the plus symbol [+], you can magnify the view by a factor of two. By clicking on the minus symbol [-], you can pull out by a factor of two.

If you want to jump to a higher or lower zoom level faster, you can click directly on the hatch marks on the slide bar. If your mouse has a mouse wheel, you can also zoom in and out with it; unlike the slide bar, which zooms in and out from the cross hair at center of the screen, zooming with the mouse wheel is centered on your cursor. Double-clicking on the map only re-centers the map on that point, unlike Google's interface, where double-clicking zooms in.

'''Zoom Levels'''
----
Wikimapia follows Google's zoom system, which runs from zoom level 0, which is so far out that the world appears multiple times, to zoom level 23, which is so close one can make out individual tree leaves. The zoom level or zoom number is displayed in the url (the web address) at the top of your browser. For example, in [http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=36.8835339&lon=30.6899643&z=13&l=0&m=a this view of the city of Antalya] in Turkey, your url should read <tt><nowiki>http://www.wikimapia.org/</nowiki>#lat=36.8835339&lon=30.6899643&<u>z=13</u>&l=0&m=a</tt>. After the latitude and longitude numbers, the zoom level is given after <tt>z=</tt> (in this example, <tt>z=13</tt>).<br>
Place polygons appear(glow yellow) on mouse-over, only if the zoom level is low enough to allow the entire polygon (rectangle in the old wikimapia) to fit in a full screen window, even if only a part of it is showing at the edge of the screen. So if a place does not glow on mouse-over, you might need to zoom-out.

== Coordinates ==
== Wikimapia's URL ==
Advanced users may occasionally find it useful to know how to decode the variables in '''Wikimapia's URL'''.

'''Primary URL'''
----

An example Wikimapia URL is http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.9560855&lon=-1.9335937&z=3&l=0&m=a&v=2. The purpose of each of the variables is:

{| class="wikitable"
! Variable !! Purpose
|-
| lat= || The latitude of the centre cross in decimal degrees
|-
| lon= || The longitude of the centre cross in decimal degrees
|-
| z= || The [[zoom level]]. The closest available tends to be the range z=14 to z=18 but there are exceptions such as the oceans or major cities.
|-
| l= || A numerical id for the language
|-
| m= || The map type: w=Wikimapia map, b=Satellite/Satellite + old places, m=Google map, h=Google hybrid, s=Google satellite, t=Google terrain, a= automatic (deprecated in beta).
|-
| v= || The option selected in the view menu: 0=All places, 1=No places, 2=All places, 3=User map, 5=Roads view (deprecated in beta), 4=Deleted places, 6=Roads edit (will not be activated just by linking).
|-
| search= || Some text to place in the search window (and search on).
|-
| show= || An internal document to be displayed.
|-
|}

Note: In most cases, the URL includes the '#' sign. If this is the case and you only change something to the right of the #, you need to refresh the page after having made your modification and hitting enter. The '#' actually points to an "anchor" named like what follows it inside the page. Despite the fact that this anchor does not really exist, the browser "believes" that it has to stay at the same page.

'''Geotools URL'''
----

Take as an example: http://wikimapia.org/#lat=-15.7747435&lon=-47.9143596&z=16&l=9&m=a&v=2&gz=0;-479177713;-157770563;29611;0;0;1033;0;58439

The parameters before "&gz=" are a regular Wikimapia URL as described above.

The parameters following "&gz=" are:
# type (0=distance measure; 1=area measure)
# longitude of origin point (the westernmost longitude of all your points)
# latitude of origin point (the southernmost latitude of all your points)
# degrees longitude between 1st point and origin
# degrees latitude between 1st point and origin
# degrees longitude between 2nd point and origin
# degrees latitude between 2nd point and origin
# degrees longitude between 3rd point and origin
# degrees latitude between 3rd point and origin
# etc.

Notes:
* The degree parameters should be read as if they have 7 decimal places. For example, 109899353 is really 10.9899353.
* The origin may not be a point in your geotools measurement list since its longitude and latitude may come from different points in your list. The reason for using this point as the origin may be so that all location offsets from it are guaranteed to be positive.
* The order of the position entries is different to the lat/long in the URL. This is probably because in a graph a position is usually indicated by (x,y), ie a horizontal (x) and vertical (y) pair.

'''Place URL'''
----
Places in Wikimapia have internal id numbers like an SSN, starting at 1. For instance, place #1 is a supermarket in a southern suburb of Moscow: http://wikimapia.org/1/Auchan-Kommunarka-hypermarket . You can also shorten this to just http://wikimapia.org/1/ if the title is not desired. Since no lat/long is provided in the URL, the page will show up with a small satellite image of the place in red and you can click on the red place to see the regular wiki page and the satellite image centered on that place and zoomed appropriately.
{{Back to Main Page}}

Main Page/pt

2015-07-16T19:43:27Z

RK77: Corrected wiki code

{{Languages|Main_Page}}

__NOTOC__

'''Esta documentação é uma introdução a Wikimapia é um manual oficial de como usar os recursos da Wikimapia.'''

Abaixo, você pode ver os links para as seções da Documentação. Clicando em qualquer um dos links você será levado para a respectiva seção.

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Quick start/pt|Primeiros passos]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Quick start/pt#Conselhos_para_novos_usuários|Conselhos para novos usuários]]
*[[Quick start/pt#Conhecendo_o_mapa|Conhecendo o mapa]]
*[[Quick start/pt#Adicionando_locais|Adicionando locais]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About Wikimapia/pt|Sobre a Wikimapia]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[About Wikimapia/pt#O_que_é_a_Wikimapia|O que é a Wikimapia]]
*[[About Wikimapia/pt#Objetivo_da_Wikimapia|Objetivo da Wikimapia]]
*[[About Wikimapia/pt#Filosofia da Wikimapia|Filosofia]]
*[[About Wikimapia/pt#Políticas|Políticas]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Tools/pt|Ferramentas]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Tools/pt#Editando_o_mapa|Editando o mapa]]
*[[Tools/pt#Lista_de_monitoramento|Lista de monitoramento]]
*[[Tools/pt#Grade_de_status|Grade de status]]
*[[Tools/pt#Mudança_de_mapa|Mudança de mapa]]
*[[Tools/pt#Relatório de erros_/_recursos |Relatório de erros / recursos]]
*[[Tools/pt#Tradu.C3.A7.C3.A3o_da_Interface|Tradução da interface]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User interface/pt|Interface com o usuário]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User interface/pt#Sobre_a_tela_principal_da_Wikimapia|Sobre a tela principal da Wikimapia]]
*[[User interface/pt#Editar_mapa|Editar mapa]]
*[[User interface/pt#Tipos_de_mapa|Tipos de mapa]]
*[[User interface/pt#Categorias|Categorias]]
*[[User interface/pt#Perfil_do_usuário|Perfil do usuário]]
*[[User interface/pt#Seleção_do_idioma|Seleção do idioma]]
*[[User interface/pt#Pesquisar|Pesquisar]]
*[[User interface/pt#Controle_do_Zoom_/_Níveis_do_Zoom|Controle do Zoom / Níveis do Zoom]]
*[[User interface/pt#Coordenadas|Coordenadas]]
*[[User interface/pt#URL_da_Wikimapia|URL da Wikimapia]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User profile/account/pt|Perfil do usuário / conta]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User profile/account/pt#Perfil|Perfil]]
*[[User_profile/account/pt#Mensagens|Mensagens]]
*[[User profile/account/pt#Prêmios|Prêmios]]
*[[User profile/account/pt#Estatísticas|Estatísticas]]
*[[User profile/account/pt#Ferramentas|Ferramentas]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Community/pt|Comunidade]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Community/pt#Níveis_de_usuários|Níveis de usuários]]
*[[Community/pt#Prêmios|Prêmios]]
*[[Community/pt#Votação_em_usuários|Votação em usuários]]
*[[Community/pt#Posições_especiais|Posições especiais]]
*[[Community/pt#Fórum|Fórum]]
*[[Community/pt#Colaborações|Colaborações]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Help/FAQ/pt|Ajuda / FAQ]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Filosofia_Básica|Filosofia Básica]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Ferramentas_de_localização|Ferramentas de localização]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Ferramentas_lineares|Ferramentas lineares]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Ferramentas_do_usuário|Ferramentas do usuário]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Interface|Interface]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Idiomas_.28P.C3.A1gina_do_Idioma_Local.29|Idiomas (Página do Idioma Local)]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Idiomas_.28Interface.29|Idiomas (Interface)]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Traduções|Traduções]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Imagens_de_satélites|Imagens de satélites]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Conteúdo_da_Wikipédia|Conteúdo da Wikipédia]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Comunidade|Comunidade]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Ajuda|Ajuda]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Mensagens_de_Erros|Mensagens de Erros]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Externo|Externo]]
*[[Help/FAQ/pt#Propaganda|Propaganda]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

User interface

2015-07-16T18:55:35Z

RK77: /* About the Wikimapia Main Screen */ Added gallery tag for visual representation of the Map Screen

{{Languages|User_interface}}
{{Navbox user guide}}

When opening Wikimapia you see the default page of the site with the map and menu on the top. The interface of the site is quite clear, though it has its peculiarities.

== About the Wikimapia Main Screen ==
This is a description of the features you can see and which are available from the main screen.
<gallery caption="Menu screen" widths="500px" heights="300px">
File:Diagram 1.png|1. Add place shortcut button to add a place without accessing the 'Edit map' menu.<br>2. The 'My location' button centres the map according to your location.<br>3. The zoom slider allows you to zoom in or out of the map using the slider. Alternatively, you can use the '+' or '-' buttons or your mouse scroll wheel to adjust the zoom level.<br>4. The 'Distance measure' button allows you to measure distances between two or more points on the map.
File:Diagram 2.png|1. Under 'Edit map' you can access various tools to add places, rivers, railroads, ferry routes and rivers.<br>2. Use the category search filter to find places according to their categorized place type e.g. school, hospital, shop etc.<br>3. Click your username to access your messages, tools, the forum etc.<br>4. This button tells you the language interface for Wikimapia. Click it to change the language.
File:Diagram 3.png|1. Use the place search to find any place in Wikimapia.<br>2. The 'Map type' menu lets you view and change the map type to a different one available in the menu.
File:Diagram 4.png|1. This area shows coordinates of the map you are currently viewing. The precise location is dictated by the crosshair (+) in the center of the screen.<br>2. Clicking on the 'Google' logo will take you to the same coordinates in Google Maps
File:Diagram 5.png|1. Clicking this area will take you to Wikimapia's terms & conditions page.<br>2. This counter shows the total place count present in Wikimapia. Clicking it will take you to the place count statistics page.<br> 3. This bar shows various details about the map provider, the map scale according to the current zoom level, Google Map's terms of use and map error reporting.
</gallery>

1. At the very top, your browser's title bar shows the Wikimapia motto "Let's describe the whole world!".

2. If you have the browser's address bar displayed it shows the latitude and longitude (#lat=49.009276&lon=2.548485) as well as some other stuff.

3. In the main window you can see a view of the world. These are satellite images, sometimes aerial photography, and sometimes no image at all (close-ups over the oceans, for example). The images are supplied by Google and are in fact the same images as are used by Google Maps. Wikimapia has NO control over their quality or their age. That bears repeating: Wikimapia has NO control over the quality of the satellite images or how old they are. Google does update their images periodically, but they do so on their own schedule and when they see fit.

4. You will also see country names, and (at higher zoom level) city names overlaid on the satellite image. These are also supplied 100% by Google, not Wikimapia.

5. At higher zoom levels there are rectangular boxes (place tags) on top of the satellite images. These tooltips show places titles, and (if it exists) their polygonal shape. These place tags belong to Wikimapia and have been created by Wikimapians like you and me. If you click on the tooltip, you can look at its contents: a description, maybe a photo, a Wikipedia link, and people's comments - in one or more language pages. And according to wiki principles, if you see something incorrect or you want to expand on it, you can edit it. You can read more about what should be in a place tag in the section [[Tools#Adding_places| Adding Places]] in this Documentation.

6. Along the top edge there are four items in bold red font: Edit map, Map type, Categories, and code of two letters - abbreviation for language. If you have registered and logged in you will also see your username.

6a. "Edit map" is a menu, containing Add place and Transport (means linear features) road, railroad, ferry, river.

6b. "Map type" determines how you see Wikimapia map. Click [[User_interface#Map_type|here]] for details.

6c. [[User_interface#Categories |Categories]].

6d."Your user name" is a link to your own user profile. You can read about this in [[User_profile/account|User profile]] section of this manual.

6e. EN (or other ISO code) - language of your interface

7. Near the left-hand edge there is a zoom tool (click the [+] or [-] boxes, click along the bar, or drag the slider), but you can also change the zoom level with the wheel on your mouse. Above the zoom tool is a navigation tool for moving east, west, north or south, and you can also click and drag the map itself. If you double-click on an empty (un-tagged) spot the screen view will be recentered to that location.

You can also use the following keyboard shortcuts to zoom and pan (just remember to click on the map first to activate them):
+ zooms in, - zooms out, the 4 arrow keys pan in their direction, Home pans one screen west, End pans one screen east, PgUp pans one screen north and PgDn pans one screen south.

All these navigation commands are the same as you have in Google Maps.

8. At the top right corner there is a gray input box and a red "search" button. Please the [[User_interface#Search|Searching]] section of this manual.

9. At the bottom left of the screen is the word Google, which provides a link to Google Maps for this location.

10. At the bottom right of the screen there is a "Terms of Use" link to Google Maps Terms and Conditions, where you can read the basic legal rules that we have to operate under, and “Wikimapia CC-By-SA” link, that tells about Wikimapia terms reference and Creative Commons license.

== Edit map ==
This is where it all starts, to add a place on the map, select 'Add place'. To draw linear features on the map is also situated here, you can select [[Tools#Linear_features| Road, Railroad, Ferry or River]] from this list.

== Map type ==
As a registered user there are ten map layers to choose from they are:

* Map - Wikimapia map layer
Viewing this answers many of the questions one might have about how to map features shown on the satellite imagery. When beta was introduced, Wikimapia administration provided two comprehensive examples: [http://wikimapia.org/beta/#lat=47.0214613&lon=28.8525009&z=13&l=0&m=w&v=1] & [http://wikimapia.org/beta/#lat=56.9538798&lon=24.119947&z=16&l=0&m=w&v=1]

'''''The colours used on the map layer include the following (square brackets denote categories):'''''
{| class="wikitable"
| Blue with border || [lake], [water]
|-
| Blue without border || [river], river drawing
|-
| Blue dotted line || ferry line drawing
|-
| Green with border || not used
|-
| Green without border || [park], [garden]
|-
| Light-grey without border || [village], [city], [town]
|-
| Light-grey with border || other ordinary tags
|-
| Dark-grey with border || [building]
|-
| Dark-grey without border || not used
|-
| White background || land
|-
| White without border || [island]
|-
| Black/white || Railroad drawing
|-
| Yellow || Road drawing
|-
| Pale-yellow || Tunnels in road drawing
|-
| Invisible with border || [draw only border]
|-
| Invisible without border || [invisible]
|}

* Satellite - Google's satellite imagery with Wikimapia's places, roads, railways and rivers superimposed. Excludes places without polygons from Wikimapia Classic (see "Satellite + old places" below).

* Satellite + Old places (rectangular tags without polygon outlines )
Due to a change in Wikimapia's service, all place tags without polygon outlines are not visible in the default view of the newer system. However, the older place tags are still viewable as squares and rectangles in the 'Satellite + old places' map view and the 'Wikimapia Classic' map view.
Before adding a place tag please choose 'Satellite + old places' as your main map view for place tagging. Click on 'Map type' > 'Satellite + old places'. The 'Satellite + old places' map view will show places that are already marked. If you find an older place tag, please convert it by clicking "Add outline" under the square/rectangle. Do not duplicate an existing place tag.

'''Alternative sources'''

* Google Map - Google's map layer.

* Google Hybrid - Google's satellite imagery with Google roads and Google place names superimposed.

* Google Satellite - The raw Google satellite imagery with nothing superimposed.

* Google Terrain - Google's terrain layer shows contours, shaded relief, Google place names and major rivers.

* Google Panoramio - Google's satellite imagery photographs from Google [http://www.panoramio.com/ Panoramio] superimposed.

* Openstreetmap

'''Other'''

* Deleted Places

* Wikimapia Classic

'''''It should be noted that unregistered users do not have access to the 'Deleted Places' layer.'''''

'''Notes'''
* Places, roads, railways, ferries, rivers and terrain can be added to any of the map types.
* ''Google satellite'' is useful if you temporarily need an uncluttered view eg in the middle of mapping a place, road, etc some detail is obscured by other mapped features.

== Categories ==

=== What are categories ===

Categories are words or short phrases that are used to describe a place in some manner. Categories classify place objects according to their place type or function. You can add one or a few categories to any place tag. Categories enrich place objects visually by displaying icons, different polygon colours and borders.

=== What are categories for ===

The <u>main</u> thing, some would even say the <u>only</u> thing, that categories are for is to enable us to <u>filter</u> for places. In other words, to '''show their locations on the map'''. Do you want to see where the schools are? where the train stations are? where the churches / museums / gas stations / hospitals / police stations / fire stations / cemeteries / hotels / restaurants / whatever are? Wikimapia has the answer!

=== How do we interact with categories? ===
# We see them on a place tag's info page (and we find them in Google's search results).
# We can add or delete them to a place tag. This helps in describing the place, but should not replace writing something in the <tt>description</tt> field.
# We can filter for them. Using the dropdown menu on the main screen, select one of the displayed categories or enter a word in the search box at its top to find others, and the locations of places with this category will be shown with a red dot on the map.
# They can give information about how to draw the place on the map layer, i. e. 'draw only border' or 'invisible' categories (see below). Some categories also imply a specific color in the map layer.

=== Special categories ===
There are some special categories that can not only help to determine the type of the object, but also can give information about how to draw the place on the map layer.

{| class="wikitable" style="float:center;width:60%;margin-left:0%;"
|+
! colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align:left;" | Category name
! colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align:left;" | Description
! colspan="1" scope="col" width="195px" style="text-align:left;" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" | Visual rendering (Map view)
! colspan="1" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align:left;" | Caveats & correct usage
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=44629&lng=en&tab=main invisible]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category renders the object invisible on all map views, but it will be highlighted when you hover over it.
| colspan="1" rowspan="1" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Invisible outline.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" rowspan="1" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category is applicable to large places like a block or a district that has a lot of nested objects. It is also applicable to objects that hidden or subterranean such as tunnels, underground station, understand car park etc.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=44733&lng=en&tab=main draw only border]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category is like the invisible category but has a solid black outline without rendering any color fill.
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Draw only border.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Use this category for large places whose boundary demarcation is necessary to distinguish from places marked within the boundary. Objects with their own color fill (e.g. rivers, parks, lakes etc.) will be visible if they are marked inside a 'draw only border' categorized object.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=332&lng=en&tab=main lake], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=626&lng=en&tab=main river], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=391&lng=en&tab=main water]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Polygons are filled with blue color
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Blue water.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Use the lake and river categories for respective lakes and rivers only. Use the water category for all other applicable water-bodies such as swimming pools, ponds, moats, fountains etc.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=194&lng=en&tab=main park], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=469&lng=en&tab=main garden]'''
| rowspan="1" valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Polygons are filled with green color
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Garden.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| These categories are to be used for respective parks and gardens '''only'''. Do not use for woods, forests, nature reserves or other areas of vegetation if they are not parks or gardens.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=564&lng=en&tab=main town], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=949&lng=en&tab=main village], [http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=88&lng=en&tab=main city]'''
| rowspan="1" valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Light grey polygon
| colspan="1" rowspan="1" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Village.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| These categories are to be used for their corresponding named settlements.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=46591&lng=en&tab=main do not draw title]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| This category does not render the title of an object
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:Do not draw title.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| To be used when the title rendering is disruptive or unnecessary if many objects are marked close to each other and only one title should be visible.
This category can also be used for places without proper titles but have been named with generic titles such as tree, field, forest etc.
|-
| valign="top" scope="col" height="150px" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| '''[http://wikimapia.org/object/category/?type=view&id=45694&lng=en&tab=main historical layer / disappeared object]'''
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Special category for notable places that do not exist any more.
The category is often referred to its abbreviated form: '''HL/DO'''
| bgcolor="white" style="text-align: center;"|[[File:HLDO Layer.jpg|182px|center]]
| valign="top" bgcolor="white" style="text-align: left;"| Using this filter allows you to explore how the area looked like in the past. In most cases non-existent places should be deleted from the map, as their tags do not have any up-to-date valuable information (e.g. if a cafe moved from the mall, the tag should be deleted). But if an object seem interesting/important, then it’s better to move it to 'historical layer' category.

'''Historical layer criteria''':

1. places where pieces of political, military or social history have been preserved.

2. places that have recognized with the official national historic site status.

3. places that are of local, regional, or national significance.
|}

To see how all categories are rendered, be it with special properties or icons, please see the [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/categories_rendering/ category rendering] list.

=== History <small>or</small> Why are there so many crazy categories? ===

In the beginning there were no categories. Instead there was a field called "keywords" that people could write into. The idea was that they would write useful keywords, like "school" and "airport", but instead many people simply copied the place title or wrote comments like
"we got married in this church". If the writer was French, they wrote in French ("nous nous sommes mariés dans cette église"), if German, then in German ("wir wurden in dieser Kirche geheiratet"). Then categories were created, and it was decided to build the initial category database from the keywords. In most cases the categories created were assumed to be in English. So we had categories for school and airport, but also many like: got, married, this, church, nous, sommes, maries, dans, cette, eglise, wir, wurden, dieser, kirche, geheiratet. We got some useful categories, but also quite a lot that were less than useful. In addition, we had words from different languages that all meant the same thing (church, eglise, kirche) that were assigned separate categories in English.

There was also a period when it was really easy to choose the most popular categories, just by clicking in some boxes on the edit screen. Unfortunately, many people thought they could make their creations more popular by choosing <u>all</u> these categories, so they did. The real result, of course, is that when we now find places categorized with all of [village], [school], [city], [restaurant], [park], [hospital], etc. everyone just says "nonsense".

=== Deleting categories from places ===

You must realize that every category was added to a place for a reason. The reason may be silly, or as a result of a misunderstanding, or as a joke, or it was inherited from the original keywords, for example. But there is always a reason. If you want to delete a category <u>and</u> you understand the reason for it being there, then go ahead and delete it. If, however, you do <u>not</u> understand the reason, then please take a few moments to think about this some more before you destroy someone's work.

=== Other "Categories" info ===

* If the search function in the main screen's "Categories" menu doesn't show enough results, you can find more using the "Tools | Categories hierarchy" page (accessible from the dropdown menu under your login name). This is for searching the category hierarchy tree, so you can also see parent and child relationships here. Note that this search function returns results in all languages, not just the one you are using.

* When filtering for a category that has many associated places, then displaying them all, especially at the "whole world" zoom level, is not feasible, so only the 100 largest are shown. If you zoom in a bit, a different 100 may be shown, depending on the area you have on your screen. Similarly, if you delete one of the 100, the previously 101'st biggest will now be shown.

* A category can be translated into any of the supported languages, so that (for example) Russian users see category words that are meaningful to them.

* A category can have parent, child and synonym (sibling) categories.

* A category has a description field. When you are in 'filtering' mode, click on the category name at the bottom of the screen to see its description and its parent/child categories. If you are unsure of what the category means, this is the place to look for an explanation.

* You can read more in-depth information on the [[Community#Categories_moderators| Categories for Category Moderators]] page.

=== Important notes ===
Note that special categories should <u>not</u> be used for the sole purpose of influencing how the map is drawn, if the category is not applicable to the place object. For example, you:
* can't use the category [water] for a house that happens to have a blue roof
* can't use the category [park] for a golf course
* can't use the category [police station] because you like that star icon etc.
This list is not exhaustive but gives a clear idea about how categories should not be misused.

== User profile ==
Your account/profile is also the place where you can see how many places you have created, how many you have edited, how many comments you have made. You can vote for other users: give them a good vote if you like what they have done, and where you can get feedback on what others think about your own work.

You can access your profile by simply hovering over on your username at the top menu and clicking 'profile'.

==Interface Language Selection ==
This gives you the option to change the interface language. It also changes the preferred place description, map labels and tooltip language, if the chosen language page has been used.

== Search ==
There are three things you can do with Wikimapia Search: you can search for places (the default), you can search for cities, and you can find locations via their geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude). All search functions are accessed via the text box and red Search button at the top right of the main Wikimapia screen. Just type one or more keywords into the box and click on Search. Your search results will be displayed in the window that opens, and you can then click on one of those, or check the next page of results if there are more.

The search results are presented in order of their distance from the map location you currently have on screen, although sometimes a few major cities are placed at the very top if they match what you searched for.

If you enter two or more search terms, you will find results where ALL those terms are present, so if you search for Santa Monica this means you will find locations where Santa AND Monica are present. It is not possible to search for places with Santa OR Monica. Nor is it possible to search for the entire string "Santa Monica", the quote signs are simply ignored and the results will be the same as if you entered Santa Monica (or Monica Santa). Capitalization is not important either, Monica and mOnIcA will produce the same results.

If you know the longitude and latitude of some place you can use Search to go directly there. Just enter the coordinates in the search box and then click on the "Go to this location:" that comes up. You can enter the coordinates as either decimals or degrees, minutes, seconds; so "50.5" and "50 30" are equivalent. The one thing you MUST include is the letters E/W and N/S after the numerical part, to specify whether it is East or West, and North or South. Two examples that are equivalent:

'''74.044w 40.689n'''

'''40 41 21 North 74 2 39 WEST'''

== Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels ==
'''Zoom''' or '''Zooming''' is a basic feature of interactive maps. On the upper left side of Wikimapia's display is a set of boxes with arrows (for scrolling), and below that is a slide bar with a plus symbol [+] at the top and a minus symbol [-] at the bottom. By clicking on the plus symbol [+], you can magnify the view by a factor of two. By clicking on the minus symbol [-], you can pull out by a factor of two.

If you want to jump to a higher or lower zoom level faster, you can click directly on the hatch marks on the slide bar. If your mouse has a mouse wheel, you can also zoom in and out with it; unlike the slide bar, which zooms in and out from the cross hair at center of the screen, zooming with the mouse wheel is centered on your cursor. Double-clicking on the map only re-centers the map on that point, unlike Google's interface, where double-clicking zooms in.

'''Zoom Levels'''
----
Wikimapia follows Google's zoom system, which runs from zoom level 0, which is so far out that the world appears multiple times, to zoom level 23, which is so close one can make out individual tree leaves. The zoom level or zoom number is displayed in the url (the web address) at the top of your browser. For example, in [http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=36.8835339&lon=30.6899643&z=13&l=0&m=a this view of the city of Antalya] in Turkey, your url should read <tt><nowiki>http://www.wikimapia.org/</nowiki>#lat=36.8835339&lon=30.6899643&<u>z=13</u>&l=0&m=a</tt>. After the latitude and longitude numbers, the zoom level is given after <tt>z=</tt> (in this example, <tt>z=13</tt>).<br>
Place polygons appear(glow yellow) on mouse-over, only if the zoom level is low enough to allow the entire polygon (rectangle in the old wikimapia) to fit in a full screen window, even if only a part of it is showing at the edge of the screen. So if a place does not glow on mouse-over, you might need to zoom-out.

== Coordinates ==
== Wikimapia's URL ==
Advanced users may occasionally find it useful to know how to decode the variables in '''Wikimapia's URL'''.

'''Primary URL'''
----

An example Wikimapia URL is http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.9560855&lon=-1.9335937&z=3&l=0&m=a&v=2. The purpose of each of the variables is:

{| class="wikitable"
! Variable !! Purpose
|-
| lat= || The latitude of the centre cross in decimal degrees
|-
| lon= || The longitude of the centre cross in decimal degrees
|-
| z= || The [[zoom level]]. The closest available tends to be the range z=14 to z=18 but there are exceptions such as the oceans or major cities.
|-
| l= || A numerical id for the language
|-
| m= || The map type: w=Wikimapia map, b=Satellite/Satellite + old places, m=Google map, h=Google hybrid, s=Google satellite, t=Google terrain, a= automatic (deprecated in beta).
|-
| v= || The option selected in the view menu: 0=All places, 1=No places, 2=All places, 3=User map, 5=Roads view (deprecated in beta), 4=Deleted places, 6=Roads edit (will not be activated just by linking).
|-
| search= || Some text to place in the search window (and search on).
|-
| show= || An internal document to be displayed.
|-
|}

Note: In most cases, the URL includes the '#' sign. If this is the case and you only change something to the right of the #, you need to refresh the page after having made your modification and hitting enter. The '#' actually points to an "anchor" named like what follows it inside the page. Despite the fact that this anchor does not really exist, the browser "believes" that it has to stay at the same page.

'''Geotools URL'''
----

Take as an example: http://wikimapia.org/#lat=-15.7747435&lon=-47.9143596&z=16&l=9&m=a&v=2&gz=0;-479177713;-157770563;29611;0;0;1033;0;58439

The parameters before "&gz=" are a regular Wikimapia URL as described above.

The parameters following "&gz=" are:
# type (0=distance measure; 1=area measure)
# longitude of origin point (the westernmost longitude of all your points)
# latitude of origin point (the southernmost latitude of all your points)
# degrees longitude between 1st point and origin
# degrees latitude between 1st point and origin
# degrees longitude between 2nd point and origin
# degrees latitude between 2nd point and origin
# degrees longitude between 3rd point and origin
# degrees latitude between 3rd point and origin
# etc.

Notes:
* The degree parameters should be read as if they have 7 decimal places. For example, 109899353 is really 10.9899353.
* The origin may not be a point in your geotools measurement list since its longitude and latitude may come from different points in your list. The reason for using this point as the origin may be so that all location offsets from it are guaranteed to be positive.
* The order of the position entries is different to the lat/long in the URL. This is probably because in a graph a position is usually indicated by (x,y), ie a horizontal (x) and vertical (y) pair.

'''Place URL'''
----
Places in Wikimapia have internal id numbers like an SSN, starting at 1. For instance, place #1 is a supermarket in a southern suburb of Moscow: http://wikimapia.org/1/Auchan-Kommunarka-hypermarket . You can also shorten this to just http://wikimapia.org/1/ if the title is not desired. Since no lat/long is provided in the URL, the page will show up with a small satellite image of the place in red and you can click on the red place to see the regular wiki page and the satellite image centered on that place and zoomed appropriately.
{{Back to Main Page}}

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Template:Navbox row

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<div style="border-top:1px solid #AAAAAA; padding:0 0.2em 0;">
<span style="font-size:1.4em; font-weight:bold;">{{#if:{{{wikipage18|}}}|[[{{{wikipage}}}|{{{wikipage18}}}]]|[[{{{wikipage}}}]]}}</span><br>
{{#ifeq:{{PAGENAME}}|{{{wikipage}}}|<div style="border:none;">__TOC__</div>|<span style="font-size:0.9em;">{{{contents}}}</span>}}
</div>
<noinclude>
; Parameters
* wikipage = Wiki name of destination page
* wikipage18 = [optional] Display name of destination page in local language
* contents = Description, list of subpage links, etc.
</noinclude>

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<div style="border-top:1px solid #AAAAAA; padding:0 0.2em 0;">
<span style="font-size:1.4em; font-weight:bold;">{{#if:{{{wikipage18|}}}|[[{{{wikipage}}}|{{{wikipage18}}}]]|[[{{{wikipage}}}]]}}</span><br>
{{#ifeq:{{PAGENAME}}|{{{wikipage}}}|<div style="border:none;">__TOC__</div>|<span style="font-size:0.9em;">{{{contents}}}</span>}}

</div>
<noinclude>
; Parameters
* wikipage = Wiki name of destination page
* wikipage18 = [optional] Display name of destination page in local language
* contents = Description, list of subpage links, etc.
</noinclude>

User profile/account

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{{Languages|User_profile/account}}
{{Navbox user guide}}

In your profile personal information, tools and settings are sorted into five (in a case of Advanced user - six) tabs:

=Profile=
The profile tab shows your personal information such as your real name, how many languages you speak and brief details about yourself. You are not obligated to provide personal details so you can leave the personal information section blank. To access your personal settings see 'Change personal information' below. Information about voting, special roles and awards you have obtained can also be seen in your profile.

== Voting ==
Voting is our method of providing positive feedback to you about your contributions to Wikimapia, and for you to provide positive feedback to other users about theirs. People who make a positive contribution to Wikimapia ("describing the world" by creating useful and well-described places) are deserving of a positive vote.

Note that the number of votes you receive does not mean anything by itself. Having twice as many votes as the other user does not mean you're twice as good as him. And get votes is just one indicator of its activities in Wikimapia. Ask for votes or vote for someone because they expect to receive another vote good back is not recommended, many consider this a poor behavior. So do not do that.

== Settings/preferences ==
You can customize personal settings by accessing the following options in the profile.

=== Choose your location ===

This is an optional tab. In this tab you can select a location to show either where you are currently editing, or to show other users the country/city/village you are from. But this facility is visible to all, therefore if you do not want others to know where you are, you can leave it blank.

If you decided to select a location to show in your profile, click the 'Profile' sub-menu under your user name. Your profile page should appear, click 'Choose your location' highlighted and underlined in red on the right (next to your vote box) and follow the information and procedure appears on the right in a new page. Finally click 'save the location'.

=== Edit avatar ===
This tab is optional. It allows you to upload/change the profile picture.

In computing, an avatar is the graphical or picture representation of the user. You can chose to have a photo of yourself, or any other images you like to represent you. But '''please do not upload any political inflammatory, derogatory or pornographic images'''.

In the sub-menu under your user name click profile, select 'Edit avatar' highlighted and underlined in red on the right (next to your vote box). Follow the procedure to upload the image you want, click 'save' when finished.

You may not immediately see your avatar appearing in forum messages if you have been posting message in forum, you need to refresh your page.

=== Change personal information ===
This is a tab for you you to enter information about yourself. In the right side of your profile page, you can see the wording of "Change personal info" highlighted and underlined in red. Click on it and a new box should appear. On the left column, you can see several rows of information for you to fill in. You can enter your real name if you prefer; equally you can leave it blank if you rather others know you by your user name only. The information required for the next two boxes are optional. In the "spoken language" field although not compulsory to enter your spoken language or languages, it is desirable and often very helpful to users who might want to find another user who can help in their native language.

The "Something about you" field is for you to enter anything you want others to know about yourself. There is no need to write long pages about yourself. It is better to be brief and to the point.

On the right hand column, you can choose to enter all those fields or not. Think carefully before you decide to enter those details, as it is personal to you.

The next field "Change password" is pretty much self explanatory.

If you would like to receive notification from Wikimapia that you have PM (private message) waiting for you in your mail box, you can enter you e-mail address and tick the box "Allow Wikimapia to send emails for me" in the following column. When you have new messages from other users you will receive notification to your e-mail address. If you rather not, then leave this box unchecked.

Finally, in the bottom row, if you do not want your own edits showing in your watchlist, tick the box marked "Hide my own revisions in watchlist". But if you want it to be shown, leave the box unchecked.

The entries to all these boxes are optional in this profile page.

=Messages=
The message tab shows a list of your contacts in order of most recently contacted. You can see the total messages exchanged between you and each contact under their username. Contacts whom have sent you new/unread messages appear at the top of the contacts list with a 'New message' indicator under their username.

== Messaging/privacy settings ==
There are two types of configurations of private and public messages.

* Private message (you can communicate privately, but you can disable this feature).

* Post public (everyone will see your posts).

=Awards=
The awards tab shows awards you have earned by reaching designated milestones based on the quantity of your contributions. The three star award system is incremental and rewards you by encouraging you to add and edit more objects.

=Stats=
The Stats tab shows statistics on all aspects of your contributions. In this page, you can see the number of edits you have done against the kind of work you have contributed. For example, if you want to look back on the number of created places you have done, you can look into your stat page against this field. The number of places you have created will be highlighted in red. Equally, other users can also look into your stat page and see what your contributions are and vice versa.

=Tools=
The [[Tools]] tab shows tools available based on your [[Community#User_levels| experience level]].

== User/rank search ==
If you wish to find a user's profile, simply click your rank number in your profile to access the user/rank search tool, or you can access it [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/users_rating/?username= here].

{{Back to Main Page}}

Quick start

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{{Languages|Quick_start}}

{{Navbox user guide}}

This page is for those who want to jump right into Wikimapia. Here you can find some advice and a simple manual to the main Wikimapia functions - exploring the map and place adding. Although there are a lot more other features on Wikimapia, adding places is what a new user might use first. Besides, there are some features like adding linear features that are available only for 2+ [[Community#User levels|User levels]]. For more information about Wikimapia features read [[Tools]] section.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|X01_V-h24jU}}</center>

== Advice for new users ==

1. Wikimapia is not a very complicated thing to understand, so you could probably figure out everything just during its usage. If you face anything that may seem obscure, please read this manual carefully (you don’t need to memorize it but you'll see how it helps to know what topics are covered here) and don’t be afraid to ask more experienced users for help. Use messages and [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum] to communicate.

2. Add local places, as many as you want, all information (outline, title, description, etc.) must be accurate, useful and organized. Remember that the number of places created is not really important, to create more and more places should not be your goal. It is MUCH more important that you create local places (tags) with QUALITY: Places that will be of interest to others, that will help people learn about the world.

3. Familiarize yourself with [[About_Wikimapia#Policies|Wikimapia policies and guidelines]], so you’ll be aware of unpleasant situations, like being banned because of accidentally violating the rules or deletion of your tags.

4. Think twice before you edit or delete a particular location created by another user. Someone added it and had reasons to make it the way it is, so be ready to argue your editing/deletion and refer to Documentation as an official manual. If you have any doubts we recommend you to send the user a message with your suggestions first.

5. Be patient, be good, and be co-operative with other Wikimapia users. Remember: you are representing yourself, your family, your community and your country. Try to give a good impression of them all.

== Exploring the map ==
''Main article: [[User interface]]''

Wikimapia provides a lot of data, you just need to know how to get it.

*First of all you can choose how to "view" the map. Different [[User_interface#Map_type|map types]] can give you "different views" and information.

*You can search for a particular place. Just type keywords, its address or coordinates in search bar. You can also search type of places through the [[User_interface#Categories|category]] search filter. To get you started, here's a search for the [http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=43.516689&lon=5.800781&z=3&m=b&tag=44605 '''interesting place'''] category. Use the zoom slider on the left to zoom in all places categorized as an 'interesting place'.

*You can learn about a particular place by clicking on its title. In a tag window, you can see detailed information about the place such as a description, an address, a link to its Wikipedia article if it has one, categories, photos and its nested places if it contains smaller places.

*Every city has its own page called a cityguide. Every cityguide (e.g. [http://rio-de-janeiro.wikimapia.org/en Rio de Janeiro]) contains an overview of the city, lists of all streets, categories, tags and photos.

== Adding place ==
''Main article: [[Adding places]]''

First of all, we recommend to use ‘Satellite + old places’ map type (choose it at the top menu) for adding new places, this will prevent creating duplicates. Find the place you would like to tag and make sure this wasn't done already. Then, select "Add Place" from the Menu at the top of the screen. You may have to zoom in some more. Using the tool that appears, outline the place. When you are done, click the "Save" button.

Another window with the form should pop up, in which you can describe the place you've added:

===Language===
''Main article: [[Adding_places#Language|Language]]''

This selects a language for your new place. This field is required.

===Title===
''Main article: [[Adding_places#Title|Title]]''

The first text box is labeled "'''Title'''." Enter a title for your new place. This field is not required, though it is recommended you add the name if you know it.
Keep in mind that "CAPS LOCK" should be avoided, because this is web lingo for someone shouting, and it doesn't make your tag more important.

===Description===
''Main article: [[Adding_places#Description|Description]]''

The next box is titled "'''Description'''." Type something that describes the place. It can be anything about the place - history, what makes it special, etc.. Place's description is what makes a tag useful. Try to be correct, [[About_Wikimapia#NPOV|neutral]], and avoid [[About_Wikimapia#Advertising|advertising]].

===Addresses===
''Main article: [[Adding_places#Address|Address]]''

The next two boxes are labeled "'''Street'''" and "'''Building Number'''."

The "'''Street'''" is the name of the street the place is located on. Sometimes, a scrolling menu is here; this means that there are streets nearby that were created. For instance, a building might have a postal address of "Main Street". Note that the street field is optional.
Please remember that adding a street name must be the exact street's name not the whole address. For the same reason it is not necessary to enter the zip code/postal code of the street into this field. Instead put the whole address at the Description Field and whenever you search it, the search engine will find it accurately.

The "'''Building Number'''" is the number of the building. For example, in this address: '''215 South Main Street, Rochester, MI, USA''', 215 is the building number. This field is optional.

===Category===
''Main article [[Adding_places#Categories|Categories]]''

There is a [http://wikimapia.org/#lat=50.8111027&lon=-7.8152405&z=2&l=0&m=b&show=/user/tools/categories/?page=1 list of categories] that you can choose for your new place. To make things easier, there's a search box. Categories are ''very important'', always add them to your tags, if possible. Basically, they allow you to define the type of the place you've added and others to find it among the similar tags.

===Wikipedia Link===
''Main article: [[Adding_places#Wikipedia_link|Wikipedia link]]''

If your new place has a Wikipedia entry, it goes here. If your new place does '''not''' have a Wikipedia entry, don't invent one just so you can put it in this field. This field is optional.

If a valid Wikipedia article has a more pertinent title than its Wikimapia counterpart, it is preferable you update the Wikimapia article's title so that the Wikipedia entry and the Wikimapia entry are the same.

Wikipedia articles not directly associated with the Wikimapia article should be included in the description section below the description text instead.

===Saving the place you've created===
When you are all done, click the "Save" button (You might have to scroll down a little bit to see it). Voila! You have just created a place in Wikimapia.

=More=

Read more detailed description of [[Tools|tools]] and explanation of [[About_Wikimapia|guidelines and policies]]. If you didn't find answers to your questions, they could be in our [[Help/FAQ|FAQ]].
{{Back to Main Page}}

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<div style="border-top:1px solid #AAAAAA; border-bottom:0px!important; border-left:0px!important; border-right:0px!important; padding:0.2em; text-align:center; background-color:#A7C1F2!important;">
<p style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold;">{{{1}}}</p>
</div>
<noinclude>Removed bottom border for navbox userguide aesthetics</noinclude>

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<div style="border:1px solid #AAAAAA; float:{{{align|right}}}; width:{{#if:{{{width}}}|{{#ifeq:{{{width}}}|auto|auto|{{{width|270}}}px}}|270px}}; clear:{{{clear|right}}}; {{#ifeq:{{lc:{{{align|}}}}}|right|margin:0em 0em 1em 2.5em;|{{#ifeq:{{lc:{{{align|}}}}}|left|margin:0em 2.5em 1em 0em;|margin:0em 0em 1em 2.5em;}}}}">
<div style="border:0 0 1px 0 solid #AAAAAA; padding:0.2em; text-align:center;">
<div style="float:left;">{{tnavbar|Navbox user guide/ru |mini=1}}</div><br>
<p style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold;">Wiki Navigation</p>
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{{Navbox_header|User's Guide/ru}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=Quick_start/ru|wikipage18=Приступая к работе|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[Quick_start/ru#Советы_новым_пользователям|Советы новым пользователям]]
*[[Quick start/ru#Исследование_карты|Исследование карты]]
*[[Quick start/ru#Добавление_объекта|Добавление объекта]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=About_Wikimapia/ru|wikipage18=О Wikimapia|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[About_Wikimapia/ru#Что_такое_Wikimapia|Что такое Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia/ru#Цели_Wikimapia|Цели Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia/ru#Принципы|Принципы]]
*[[About_Wikimapia/ru#Политика|Политика]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=Tools/ru|wikipage18=Инструменты|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[Tools/ru#Редактирование_карты|Редактирование карты]]
*[[Tools/ru#Списки_наблюдений|Списки наблюдений]]
*[[Tools/ru#Статусная_сетка|Статусная сетка]]
*[[Tools/ru#Сдвиг_карты|Сдвиг карты]]
*[[Tools/ru#Сообщения_об_ошибках_и_предложения|Сообщения об ошибках и предложения]]
*[[Tools/ru#Перевод_интерфейса|Перевод интерфейса]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=User_interface/ru|wikipage18=Интерфейс пользователя|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[User_interface/ru#Основное_окно_Wikimapia|Основное окно Wikimapia]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Редактирование_карты|Редактирование карты]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Режим_просмотра|Режим просмотра]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Категории|Категории]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Профиль_пользователя|Профиль пользователя]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Выбор_языка|Выбор языка]], [[User_interface/ru#Поиск|Поиск]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels|Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Координаты|Координаты]], [[User_interface/ru#Wikimapia.27s_URL|Wikimapia's URL]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=User_profile/account/ru|wikipage18=Профиль пользователя|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Профиль|Профиль]]
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Сообщения|Сообщения]]
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Награды|Награды]]
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Статистика|Статистика]]
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Инструменты|Инструменты]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=Community/ru|wikipage18=Сообщество|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[Community/ru#Уровни_пользователя|Уровни пользователя]]
*[[Community/ru#Награды|Награды]]
*[[Community/ru#Отзывы_о_пользователях|Отзывы о пользователях]]
*[[Community/ru#Специальные_статусы|Специальные статусы]]
*[[Community/ru#Форум|Форум]]*[[Community/ru#Специальные_проекты|Специальные проекты]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=Help/FAQ/ru|wikipage18=Справка / Вопросы и ответы|contents=}}
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;Parameters
* ''align'' - "right" (default), "left" or "none"
* ''width'' - "270" (default), "auto" or width size in px
* ''clear'' - "right" (default), "left" or "both"
</noinclude>

Help/FAQ/ru

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{{Languages|Help/FAQ}}
{{Navbox user guide/ru}}
'''Справка / Вопросы и ответы'''

Добро пожаловать на страницу ответов на наиболее часто встречающиеся вопросы!

Если вы являетесь новым или неопытным пользователем, мы соглашаемся, что вам потребуется время, чтобы понять Правила и использовать возможности Wikimapia должным образом. У вас может быть много вопросов, которые нуждаются в ответе, или вам, возможно, потребуется просто указатель, чтобы помочь вернуться на правильный путь.

Ниже мы даём ответы на наиболее часто задаваемые вопросы. Эти вопросы-ответы охватывают ключевые принципы, которые необходимо знать, чтобы быть информированным и делать совместную работу с другими пользователями приятной.
{{TOC limit|4}}

=Основы Философии=

===Для чего существует Wikimapia?===
Цель Wikimapia состоит в том, чтобы собрать и упорядочить наиболее полную информацию обо всех географических объектах на Земле и предоставить к ней свободный доступ.

===Для кого существует Wikimapia?===
Для любого, кто заинтересован в изучении мира и хотел бы поделиться своими знаниями со всеми, кто использует Wikimapia.

===Что является основной идеологией Wikimapia?===
Чтобы узнать об идеологии Wikimapia вам надо кликнуть [[About_Wikimapia/ru|здесь]].

===Какие существуют рекомендации по использованию контента Wikimapia?===
Согласно [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ лицензии] Wikimapia вы можете использовать её содержание, как вам пожелаете (для совместного использования, редактирования, преобразования или адаптации в любой узнаваемой форме, полученных на основании оригинала для любого использования). Мы также поощряем вас строить свою работу на данных Wikimapia и требовать её дальнейшее распространение в соответствии с той же самой или подобной лицензией.

===Правильно писать WikiMapia или Wikimapia?===
Этот проект правильнее называть '''Wikimapia'''.

===Чем можно помочь этому проекту?===
Существует много способов внести свой вклад в Wikimapia. [[Quick_start/ru#Добавление_объекта|Добавление объекта]] это уже большая помощь. Вы также можете помочь с переводом интерфейса на свой язык, написать [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ сообщения об ошибках] или стать [[Community/ru#Продвинутые_пользователи|продвинутым пользователем (модератором)]] чтобы помогать другим пользователям.

===Разрешена ли свобода самовыражения, если она противоречит философии Wikimapia?===
Wikimapia, будучи Wiki, позволяет свободу самовыражения через свою гибкую философию. Любой пользователь имеет право на личные убеждения, которые противоречат упомянутой философии; однако, все должны знать, что действия, которые противоречат этой философии не являются приемлемыми. Пользуясь услугами Wikimapia, пользователи явно соглашаются соблюдать её политику, из которой философия Wikimapia — обязательный принцип. Преднамеренные или постоянные нарушения политики Wikimapia могут привести к временной или постоянной блокировке учётной записи.

=Помощь=

===Как стать участником?===
Стать участником просто ― нажмите 'Войти/Регистрация' в основном меню Wikimapia и следуйте дальнейшим инструкциям. Необходимо выбрать уникальное имя пользователя, написать действующий адрес электронной почты и уникальный пароль.

Придуманный пароль необходимо бережно хранить в тайне.

===Как можно получить помощь по использованию Wikimapia?===
Прежде всего вы должны внимательно прочитать документацию Wikimapia и [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Правила]. Если вы все ещё не можете получить ответ на свой вопрос, напишите сообщения [[Community/ru#Продвинутые_пользователи|продвинутым пользователям]] или обратитесь за помощью на [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php форум].

===Кто является администрацией?===
Администрацией являются [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%A1%D0%BE%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE#.D0.A0.D0.B0.D0.B7.D1.80.D0.B0.D0.B1.D0.BE.D1.82.D1.87.D0.B8.D0.BA.D0.B8_.D0.92.D0.B8.D0.BA.D0.B8.D0.BC.D0.B0.D0.BF.D0.B8.D0.B8 разработчики Викимапии].

===Как можно получить помощь от администрации?===
Вначале удостоверьтесь, что продвинутые пользователи (модераторы) не могут вам помочь. После этого напишите администрации сообщение или свяжитесь с ними по электронной почте contact@wikimapia.org

=Содержание Wikipedia=

===Каковы рекомендации по использованию контента Википедии?===
Качество статей Википедии отвечает требованиям Wikimapia. Таким образом, можно описывая объект использовать Википедию или просто добавить ссылку на её соответствующую статью.

===Копирование и вставка всей статьи Википедии в окно описания Wikimapia это отличная идея, не так ли?===
Написать ссылку на статью более чем достаточно. Нет необходимости повторять то, что уже написано в Википедии.

=Языки (языковые вкладки объекта)=

===Как добавить информацию на языке, на котором ещё нет описания объекта?===
Это сделать легко. Просто нажмите в информационном окне объекта «Меню» > «Редактировать на другом языке», или нажмите «Редактировать информацию на другом языке» в окне редактирования объекта. Найдите нужный язык из списка и нажмите, чтобы добавить информацию на выбранном языке.

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===Я нашел объект с описанием на незнакомом языке, но я хочу знать то, что там написано. Что можно сделать?===
Вы можете попытаться перевести его с помощью переводчика Google или любого доступного словаря.

===Разрешается ли добавить информацию на своём национальном языке в другие языковые страницы-вкладки?===
Нет. Вы не можете добавить текст на своём языке в другие (несоответствующие) языковые страницы. Это ограничение относится к словам, которые некоторые хотят добавить после правильного названия объекта. Вы можете добавить свой язык на соответствующую языковую страницу нажав на «Меню» объекта и выбрав пункт «Править на другом языке» в выпадающем меню. Затем вы можете выбрать любой из доступных языков. Вы также можете получить доступ к языковой странице, нажав двухбуквенный код страны (синий шрифт) в нижней части вкладки.

===Некто добавил объект на территории моей страны и написал информацию о нём на иностранном языке. Можно удалить его?===
Правильные описания на иностранных языках совершенно приемлемы, пока они сделаны в соответствующих языковых страницах. Преднамеренное удаление объектов (правок), содержащих информацию на иностранных языках, запрещено.

===Необходимо ли добавлять информацию об объекте на местном языке хотя уже имеется информация на другом языке?===
Нет, такой обязанности нет; информация, которая добавляется на любом языке, должна быть правильной. Однако, если известен местный язык, рекомендуется (но не обязательно) предоставить информацию на этом языке тоже!

===Кто-то добавил название объекта, находящегося на территории моей страны, на иностранном языке, но не добавить на местном языке. Это неправильно?===
Нет, информация на иностранных языках и отсутствие на местном языке не является неправильным, пока информация верна и присутствует в правильной языковой вкладке. Мы рекомендуем пользователям написать текст на местном языке, если это возможно, но они не обязаны это делать.

===Можно ли добавить одну и ту же веб-ссылку на статью Википедии в разные языковые страницы/вкладки?===
Нет. Вы должны добавлять ссылки на статьи Википедии лишь в соответствующих языковых страницах. Но вы можете вставить ссылку на иноязычную статью Википедии в описании объекта Wikimapia.

===Когда место описано на нескольких языках, как определяется показываемый язык?===
Существует список наиболее популярных языков. Если есть несколько описаний одного места на различных языках, система автоматически определяет самый популярный язык среди тех, которые доступны для этого определенного места.

===Некто написал хорошее описание объекта, но в несоответствующей языковой странице. Что можно сделать?===
Вы должны переместить описание в правильную языковую страницу. Вы также можете перевести это описание на свой язык, если умеете.

===Можно ли удалить описание объекта, сделанное на определённом языке, не удаляя сам объект? ===
Да.

===На какие языки можно перевести название/описание создаваемого объекта?===
На любой язык, которым вы владеете, и который присутствует в списке языков в главном меню при нажатии на ссылку «Другие языки» (отображается двухбуквенным кодом).

===Объект, который я описываю, имеет различные названия на разных языках. Какое название могу использовать на своём языке? ===
Выберете одно название на своём языке. Вы можете найти официальное название объекта на своём языке в различных источниках, чтобы написать его. Если у объекта есть также неофициальное название, используемое местными жителями, вы можете отметить его в описании или в фигурных скобах около официального названия. Если у места нет официального названия, используйте неофициальное в качестве основного.

===Я вижу ряд различных странных кодов языков в нижнем правом углу карточки объекта. Что они означают?===
Эти коды [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO ISO]. Если вы наведете курсор над ними и немного подождёте, то увидите полные названия языков.

===Я создал описание на новом языке для существующего объекта, но он не показывается в моем списке созданных объектов, хотя количество правок увеличилось на одну единицу. Почему?===
Потому что только первый, кто нанёс объект, является его создателем.

=Языки (интерфейс)=

===Я не понимаю английский язык. Что я могу сделать?===
Wikimapia — многоязычный веб-сайт и поддерживает 101 язык. Хотя основные обсуждения проводятся на английском языке (то есть, на форуме), вы все же можете выбрать понятный язык интерфейса из списка и наслаждаться Wikimapia.

===Как можно видеть Wikimapia (или отмечать объекты) на своём собственном языке?===
Вы должны поменять язык интерфейса на свой язык, выбрав двухбуквенный код страны в нижнем правом углу карточки объекта или в главном меню после нажатия «Править на другом языке».

===Почему некоторые названия и подсказки видны на других языках?===
Это означает, что они не переведены на ваш язык. Если хотите, вы можете сделать это сами.

===Как изменить язык интерфейса?===
Чтобы изменить язык интерфейса на свой язык, нажмите на двухбуквенный код страны в главном меню с последующим выбором нужного языка.

===Какой язык по умолчанию определяется для созданных мною объектов?===
В открытой информационной карточке объекта система предложит вам увидеть описание на языке интерфейса. Если нет описания на языке интерфейса, то вы увидите, что описание на английском, испанском, французском, немецком, итальянском, португальском, польском, финском, норвежском, русском языках. Если нет описания на любом из этих языков, то вы увидите описание на доступном языке.

===Я использую неанглоязычный интерфейс Wikimapia, но некоторые слова и фразы вижу на английском языке. Как это исправить?===
Вы можете перевести их на свой язык.

===Можно узнать, сколько пользователей использует определенный языковой интерфейс?===
Такой статистики не существует.

===Я смотрю на список доступных языков, и не вижу своего языка. Что может быть сделано в этом случае?===
В этом случае вы должны связаться с Разработчиками Викимапии. Они или добавят ваш язык к языковому списку или объяснят, почему это не может быть сделано.

===Как изменить язык слоя карты?===
Вы можете изменить язык интерфейса в главном меню и язык слоя карты изменится автоматически.

=Переводы=

===Как можно помочь перевести пользовательский интерфейс на свой язык?===
Вы можете перейти на страницу [http://wikimapia.org/translate/ Перевод интерфейса] и стать редактором.

===Как узнать статус перевода определенного языка?===
Вы можете узнать это на странице [http://wikimapia.org/translate/ Перевод интерфейса].

===Я использую неанглоязычный интерфейс Wikimapia, но некоторые слова и фразы вижу на английском языке. Как это исправить?===
Вы можете перевести их на свой язык.

= Спутниковые снимки =

===Почему космоснимок моего населённого пункта такой некачественный?===
Спутниковые снимки этой области предоставляются сервисом Google. К сожалению, мы не можем оказать на него влияние.

===Почему я не могу увеличить масштаб (зум) на определенной территории?===
Потому, что у поставщика спутниковых снимков нет фотографий этой территории с более высоким качеством.

===Вы можете улучшить космоснимок моего населённого пункта, поскольку существующий слишком расплывчатый (имеет низкое качество разрешения)?===
Нет, к сожалению мы это не можем, поскольку спутниковые изображения предоставляются сервисом Google. Это означает, что мы понятия не имеем, когда Google обновит изображения. Но вы можете контролировать улучшение изображения на сайте Google, однако они пишут, что это происходит примерно раз в «приблизительно один-три года».

===Каким образом можно сообщить об ошибке в спутниковых снимках Google?===
Можно нажать в правом нижнем углу основного окна Wikimapia на надпись «Сообщить об ошибке на карте» и заполнить появившуюся страницу сервиса Google.

===Как мы можем узнать, где Google недавно изменил свои спутниковые фотографии?===
Вы можете попробовать узнать в [http://www.gearthblog.com блоге Google Earth] (только на английском языке), где есть ссылки на последние обновлённые космоснимки.

===Когда спутниковое изображение моей области будет более детальное/чёткое?===
Читайте ответ на предыдущий вопрос.

===Когда спутниковые изображения моей области будут обновлены?===
Читайте ответ на предыдущий вопрос.

===Можно ли узнать, какие объекты недавно были добавлены?===
Вы можете воспользоваться функцией «Списки наблюдений по странам», которую можете найти в меню «Инструменты».

===Почему все объекты в наблюдаемой области смещены на 10 метров западнее?===
Иногда, когда Google обновляет свои файлы, они не могут совместить их точно со старыми. Сделать спутниковые фотографии сферической Земли и разместить эти изображениям на плоской карте, не так легко, как мы хотели бы. Иногда появляются погрешности. В таком случае надо воспользоваться специальным инструментом в «Списке обновлений спутниковых снимков» (Map Shift). Это позволяет исправить сдвиги карты.

===Что можно сделать в случае, когда все объекты в наблюдаемой области смещены на 10 метров западнее?===
Читайте ответ на предыдущий вопрос.

===При попытке увидеть определённое место при большом приближении (зуме) появились надписи «Изображений нет». Почему?===
Это означает, что у поставщика космоснимков нет фотографий с более высоким качеством.

=Инструментарий=

==Добавление объекта==

===Что означает слово «объект»?===
Этот термин в WikiMapia подразумевает место, которое отмечено контуром и имеет название, описание и т.п.

===Англоязычные пользователи Wikimapia используют различные слова для обозначения объекта: "tag", "place mark, "place" и т.д. Какие слова предпочтительные?===
Правильнее будет использовать слова Place и Object.

===Как добавить/создать объект?===
Нажмите на «Добавить объект» и появится инструмент «Создание контура». Создайте [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%98%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%8B#.D0.94.D0.BE.D0.B1.D0.B0.D0.B2.D0.BB.D0.B5.D0.BD.D0.B8.D0.B5_.D0.BE.D0.B1.D1.8A.D0.B5.D0.BA.D1.82.D0.B0 полигон]] и после его сохранения добавьте информацию об объекте:
* выберете правильный язык.
* Название объекта Wikimapia показывает, когда курсор мыши наводится на контур. Напишите короткое, но правильное название.
* Описание. Если описание будет содержать две-три строки текста, то это уже хорошо.
* Наличие вэб-ссылкок приветствуется, но помните, что начинаться она должна с "http://". Ссылки на сайты должны находиться в конце основного текста описания, поскольку являются вторичной информацией.
* Категории.
Нажмите «Сохранить».
* После сохранения вы можете загрузить фотографии.

===Можно ли добавить свой частный дом?===
Нежелательно добавлять свой частный дом:

#если это ничем непримечательное здание,
#если вы не желаете раскрытия своих личных данных.

Вы имеете право отметить свой частный дом, если он:

#имеет точный контур,
#имеет правильно присвоенную категорию,
#обладает распознаваемым адресом. Это должно быть продемонстрировано путем добавления в раздел «Адрес» названия улицы (с помощью инструмента «Дороги, улицы») и номера здания.

===Судно, стоящее на якоре или пришвартованное в определенном месте слегка изменило свое первоначальное положение. Можно ли его отметить?===

Да, при условии, что судно неподвижно находится вблизи от исходного местоположения. Контуры подобных объекты необходимо редактировать, если видны соответствующие изменения на космоснимках.

===Можно ли отмечать пилоны опор ЛЭП (линии электропередачи)?===

Да, пилоны опор ЛЭП могут быть отмечены. Пожалуйста, создайте точный контур и соответствующую категорию.

===Какого поставщика космоснимков следует выбрать для создания контуров объекта?===
Можно использовать любые космоснимки, при условии, что они не являются неправильными или нинезаконнымм.

С момента своего создания в 2006 году, Wikimapia всегда использует для своей работы Google Maps, поскольку это было единственный источник информации в течение последующих пяти лет. В настоящее время Wikimapia считает космоснимки Google Maps лучшим источником информации в большинстве случаев.

Космоснимки Google Maps используются по умолчанию и «Вид со спуткика Google» используется наиболее часть для идентификации объектов в Wikimapia. Мы настоятельно рекомендуем использовать космоснимки Google с режимом просмотра «Объекты без контуров» ( «Вид со спуткика + объекты без контуров» в старой версии и «Объекты без контуров» в Новой Wikimapia), для гарантии того, что не создаётся дубликат уже отмеченного/добавленного объекта.

Наконец, реальность имеет приоритет перед космоснимками. Например, если здание действительно уже снесено, оно должен быть помечено как таковое, даже если космоснимок показывает его наличие.

===Какие объекты можно отмечать?===
* Любой неподвижный объект, который существует в данный момент времени. Исторические/исчезнувшие объекты могут быть добавлены, но у них должна быть категория «исторический слой / исчезнувший объект».
* Объект должен иметь, по крайней мере, аккуратно отрисованный контур и быть расположен в нужном месте.
* При добавлении населённых пунктов, таких как города, посёлки, деревни и пр., этим объектам должны быть присвоены соответствующие категории.
* Самолёты, подводные лодки, цирки-шапито и другие подвижные объекты могут быть добавлены лишь в том случае, если они не перемещались, по крайней мере, в течение недели, и <u>по-прежнему</u> находятся в указанном месте на момент создания объекта.

===Какие объекты нельзя отмечать?===
Пожалуйста, будьте внимательны прежде, чем добавить объект, поскольку добавление некоторых запрещено. Объекты, которые соответствуют следующим критериям удаления, не должны быть добавлены:

* Если созданный контур невозможно идентифицировать ни с одним рядом находящимся объектом.
* Исторический/исчезнувший объект <u>без</u> категории «исторический слой / исчезнувший объект».
* Проектируемый объект (здание, дорога), строительство которого ещё не начато.
* Движущийся объект, транспортное средство: автобус, автомобиль, паром, самолёт, корабль, и т.п.; кроме случаев, описанных в п. 1.4 [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Правил].
* Объекты, которыми отмечает временные или неосязаемые события, такие как сражения и т.п.
* Объект. который является дубликатом существующего объекта.
* Частный жилой дом без указания адреса или другой полезной информации.


===Какую информацию можноо добавлять в карточку объекта?===
Вы можете добавить любую информацию, которую считаете полезной и ценной, если только она не нарушает [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%9E_Wikimapia#.D0.9F.D0.BE.D0.BB.D0.B8.D1.82.D0.B8.D0.BA.D0.B0 Правила Wikimapia].

===Какую информацию нельзя добавлять в карточку объекта?===
Нельзя добавлять информацию, которая нарушает [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%9E_Wikimapia#.D0.9F.D0.BE.D0.BB.D0.B8.D1.82.D0.B8.D0.BA.D0.B0 Правила Wikimapia].

===Насколько объёмным должно быть описание создаваемого мною объекта?===
Как правило, 2–3 строк будет вполне достаточно. Если указано короткое название объекта, то в описании можно привести дополнительную информацию. Если вы добавляете всем известный объект, например, кофейню Sratbucks, то описание можно оставить пустым (всем известно, что такое Starbucks, особенно если для объекта указана корректная категория в соответствующей строке под описанием), однако будет лучше, если вы всё же укажете дополнительную информацию для тех, кто, возможно, этого не знает. Не копируйте и не вставляйте большие фрагменты текста с других веб-страниц — вместо этого просто дайте ссылку на этот сайт. Если, к примеру, вы описываете аэропорт, не нужно копировать и вставлять всю посвящённую этому аэропорту статью из Википедии с перечислением всех авиакомпаний и городов, который он обслуживает. Никто не будет читать статью такого объёма, да и найти, скажем, Найроби, в подобном описании амстердамского аэропорта будет непросто.

===Можно ли добавлять дороги, железные дороги, реки или даже маршруты паромов в виде объектов с контурами?===
'''Нет, не можете'''. Для этого вы должны использовать специальные инструменты для создания линейных объектов. Они находятся в меню '''Редактирование''', которое находится в левом верхнем углу экрана.
[[File:Edit map .jpg|200px|thumb|left|Выпадающее меню «Редактирование»]]

===Я нашел нечто на спутниковом снимке и хочу узнать, что это. Я могу отметить место и назвать его «Что это?»===
Нет вы не должны это делать. Если вы не знаете ничего о месте, вы '''не должны''' отмечать его.

===Правильно ли отмечать объект, который не видно на спутниковых снимках, потому что он появился недавно?===
Да! Как только космоснимок будет обновлен, объект будет виден.

===Можно отмечать объекты, которые могут быть опасными для посещения?===
Вы можете отметить опасное место как и любой другой объект. Вы можете также предостеречь других пользователей, написав в описании, что это место опасно для посещения.

===Как использовать категории в карточке объекта?===
Нажмите [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%98%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%84%D0%B5%D0%B9%D1%81_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%B7%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8F#.D0.9A.D0.B0.D1.82.D0.B5.D0.B3.D0.BE.D1.80.D0.B8.D0.B8 здесь] для ответа.

===Я добавил несколько объектов пару дней назад, но зарегистрировался только сегодня. Могу я получить сейчас баллы за те объекты?===
Извините, но нет такой возможности. И после того, как вы добавите и многие другие объекты, вы не пропустите баллы за те старые объекты.

===Мои объекты исчезли!===
''Смотрите также: [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%98%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%8B#.D0.A3.D0.B4.D0.B0.D0.BB.D0.B5.D0.BD.D0.B8.D0.B5_.D0.BE.D0.B1.D1.8A.D0.B5.D0.BA.D1.82.D0.B0 Удаление/восстановление объекта].''

Вероятно, какой-нибудь пользователь удалил объект, который вы создали. Чтобы об этом узнать, надо нажать на '''Удалённые объекты''' в выпадающем меню '''Режим просмотра''' и проверить на карте, был ли объект удалён.
[[File:Map type menu.jpg|200px|thumb|left|«Удалённые объекты» в меню «Режим просмотра».]]

===Можно ли редактировать объекты, созданные другими пользователями? Могут ли другие пользователи редактировать мои объекты? Если это так, нужно ли мне сообщать/спрашивать разрешения на это?===
Вы можете редактировать и не нуждаетесь ни в каком разрешении от пользователей, так же как и они не должны спрашивать разрешение от вас. Но делайте полезные добавления и не изменяйте, к примеру, точку на запятую, только для того, чтобы ваш ник был виден в карточке объекта.

===Как редактировать описание объекта?===
Наведите курсор на нужный объект, нажмите на него левой кнопкой мыши и в левом верхнем углу наведите курсор на «Меню», а затем нажмите на «Редактировать». После редактирования описания нажмите кнопку «Сохранить».

===Когда объект изменился, то есть он переместился или прекратил деятельность, лучше написать об этом или просто удалить сам объект?===
Для получения ответа нажмите [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%89%D1%8C/FAQ#.D0.95.D1.81.D0.BB.D0.B8_.D1.84.D0.B8.D1.80.D0.BC.D0.B0.2C_.D0.BC.D0.B0.D0.B3.D0.B0.D0.B7.D0.B8.D0.BD_.D0.B8_.D1.82..D0.B4..2C_.D0.BF.D0.B5.D1.80.D0.B5.D0.BC.D0.B5.D1.89.D0.B0.D0.B5.D1.82.D1.81.D1.8F_.D0.B8.D0.BB.D0.B8_.D0.B7.D0.B0.D0.BA.D1.80.D1.8B.D0.B2.D0.B0.D0.B5.D1.82.D1.81.D1.8F.2C_.D1.8F_.D0.BC.D0.BE.D0.B3.D1.83_.D1.83.D0.B4.D0.B0.D0.BB.D0.B8.D1.82.D1.8C_.D0.BD.D0.B5.D1.81.D1.83.D1.89.D0.B5.D1.81.D1.82.D0.B2.D1.83.D1.8E.D1.89.D0.B8.D0.B9_.D0.BE.D0.B1.D1.8A.D0.B5.D0.BA.D1.82.3F здесь], пожалуйста.

===В некоторых объектах отображаются ники пользователей в нижней части окна объекта, а другие объекты не имеют ников пользователей. Почему?===
Такие объекты были созданы незарегистрированными пользователями (UU).

===Найдено несколько объектов, отмечающих одно и то же место. Что следует сделать?===
Поставьте на удаление наименее информативные объекты (или удалите новые и оставьте самый старый), удаляя таким образом дубликаты.
Совет: включите режим карты '''Вид со спутника + объекты без контура''' (чтобы избежать создания дубликатов).

===Высотные здания в городе иногда кажутся наклоненными (видны сбоку). Как отмечать их местоположения?===
Все здания должны быть отмечены по их основанию (фундаменту), независимо от того, что их изображения кажутся наклоняющимися. Когда очертания объекта видны сверху, краях крыши могут быть использованы вместо основания здания если они имеют одинаковые размеры.

Высокие здания и структуры как радиомачты, кажутся «наклонеными» из-за способа, которым они были [http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%90%D1%8D%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%8A%D1%91%D0%BC%D0%BA%D0%B0 сфотографированы] спутниками. Для дальнейшего разъяснения, пожалуйста, нажмите [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%94%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%B0#.D0.9A.D0.BE.D0.BD.D1.82.D1.83.D1.80 здесь].

===Можно ли добавить объекты, которые больше не существуют?===
Можете, но <u>только</u> если вы:
*знаете точные размеры
*добавите категорию «исторический слой / исчезнувший объект».
Если вышеупомянутые требования не выполняются, не стоит добавлять несуществующие места.

===Есть ли наиболее легкий способ найти область на карте, которая нуждается в улучшении?===
Чтобы увидеть какие области нуждаются в улучшениях, можно использовать [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%98%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%8B#.D0.A1.D1.82.D0.B0.D1.82.D1.83.D1.81.D0.BD.D0.B0.D1.8F_.D1.81.D0.B5.D1.82.D0.BA.D0.B0 статусную сетку]. Если вы интересуетесь определенной областью карты (то есть, вы знакомы с этой областью и можете улучшить её), мы рекомендуем добавить эту область в [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%98%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%8B#.D0.A1.D0.BF.D0.B8.D1.81.D0.BA.D0.B8_.D0.BD.D0.B0.D0.B1.D0.BB.D1.8E.D0.B4.D0.B5.D0.BD.D0.B8.D0.B9 список наблюдений], таким образом контролируя изменения (новые объекты, редактирования, удаления, и т.д.), чтобы всегда видеть новые объекты, которые могут быть улучшены.

===Найдено несколько мест вблизи северного/южного полюса! Почему они там находятся?===
Большинство из этих объектов — результат деятельности вандалов. Однако, некоторые объекты указывают на поселения и научные станции.

===Что следует написать в описании объекта. Можно ли скопировать его название в описание?===
Нет. Но если объект имеет альтернативное название, можете написать его в описании.

==Временная защита объекта==

===В информационной карточке написано, что «для этого объекта установлена защита». Что это означает?===
Некоторые объекты часто редактируются вандалами и нуждаются в защите. Это может быть сделано только [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%A1%D0%BE%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE#.D0.9F.D1.80.D0.BE.D0.B4.D0.B2.D0.B8.D0.BD.D1.83.D1.82.D1.8B.D0.B5_.D0.BF.D0.BE.D0.BB.D1.8C.D0.B7.D0.BE.D0.B2.D0.B0.D1.82.D0.B5.D0.BB.D0.B8 продвинутыми пользователями]. Зарегистрированные пользователи и гости не могут редактировать защищённые объекты.

===Когда я могу защитить объект?===
Если объект стал жертвой вандалов, то лучший способ попросить о временной защите на форуме: [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=164 англоязычная тема форума] или [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=84 ветка русскоязычного форума]. Только продвинутые пользователи могут защищать объекты.

==Контуры==

===Почему не получается добавить в контур больше точек?===
Есть ограничения на общее количество точек контура, которые вы можете добавить в зависимости от своего уровня пользовательского:

*'''Уровень 0''': 200 точек
*'''Уровни 1-8''': 500 точек
*'''Продвинутый пользователь''': 2,500 точек

===Почему не создаются большие контуры и почему приходит сообщение: «Контур слишком большой»?===
Есть ограничения на размер контура, который вы можете создать в зависимости от своего уровня пользователя.

*'''Уровень 0 ''':
*'''Уровни 1-8''':
*'''Продвинутый пользователь''':

===Можно ли восстановить контур в тот вид, который он имел до того, как был совершен акт вандализма?===
Да, можете. Вы можете сделать это, восстановив предыдущее состояние путём отмены вандального редактирования.

===Можно удалить контур?===
Нет, это не возможно. Если вы думаете, что форма контура неправильная, вы можете изменить его размеры так, чтобы считаете нужным. Если у неправильного контура есть сотни точек и вы считаете слишком трудоемким исправление вручную, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с продвинутым пользователем для помощи.

===Что подразумевается в пункте 1.2 Правил: "Объект должен иметь, по крайней мере, аккуратно отрисованный контур и быть расположен в нужном месте"?===
Это — минимальное требование для приемлемого контура объекта. Контур должен ясно обрисовать объект карты, который вы отмечаете по космоснимку. «Аккуратно отрисованный контур» означает, что контур никогда не должен накладываться на область, которая не является частью объекта. У объекта должен быть точный контур и, хотя, объект ''не нуждается'' в названии и/или описании, добавление их предпочтительно и полезно. Если объект испытывает недостаток в надлежащих деталях, другие пользователи всегда могут улучшить его.

===В связи с ограничением площади контура, можно ли сделать несколько контуров для одного большого физического объекта (наподобие частей мозайки)?===

Нет. Один объект может быть отмечен лишь одним контуром. Нельзя использовать несколько небольших контуров/объектов для того, чтобы «постороить» один большой. Практика создания объекта из «мозайки» нарушает пункт 1.2. Правил Wikimapia. К тому же, подобные мелкие объекты подлежат удалению на основании пунктов 3.1 и 3.2 упомянутых Правил. Тем не менее, небольшие контуры-объекты могут быть созданы, если они представляют из себя самостоятельные узнаваемые/уникальные места.

===Не получается добавить новые точки в контур. Можно добавить лишь 150 точек. В чём причина?===
Обычные пользователи могут создать контур, имеющий не более 500 точек. Добавляя новые точки к контуру вы должны придерживаться того же самого лимита, что означает, что общее количество точек (имеющиеся+добавленные) не должно превышать 500 точек.

===Я добавил контур к объекту, но моя статистика «Отредактировано контуров объектов» осталась прежней. Почему?===
Когда вы добавляете контур к объекту, это отражается в статистике «Добавлено контуров к объектам с рамками», а не в «Отредактировано контуров объектов».

===Я могу использовать контур в виде стрелок или указателей, чтобы показать направление или привлечь внимание к (другому) объекту?===
Нет. Стрелки и указатели не являются реальными местами с определенными очертаниями. Контур объекта должен показывать очертания этого же объекта и ничего более.

===Как повернуть контур?===
*'''1''': Выберите в меню объекта пункт «Изменить контур».
*'''2''': Наведите курсор на объект и нажав правой кнопкой мыши, выберите пункт «Повернуть».
*'''3''': Поворачивайте контур, удерживая одну из красных точек.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|AuEvbaa8AvE}}</center>

==Комментарии==

===Я свободен писать какие-либо комментарии?===
Вы свободны добавить комментарии, если они не нарушают Правила (неоскорбительные и не непристойные) и не направлены на другого пользователя.

''Прочитайте также: [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%94%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%B0#Comments «Комментарии»]''.

===Как удалить плохой комментарий?===
Только [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%A1%D0%BE%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE#.D0.9F.D1.80.D0.BE.D0.B4.D0.B2.D0.B8.D0.BD.D1.83.D1.82.D1.8B.D0.B5_.D0.BF.D0.BE.D0.BB.D1.8C.D0.B7.D0.BE.D0.B2.D0.B0.D1.82.D0.B5.D0.BB.D0.B8 продвинутые пользователи] и пользователи с пятым (и выше) уровнем могут удалять комментарии. Если найден комментарий, который необходимо удалить, об этом следует написать в соответстующих темах [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1258 англоязычного] или [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=84&t=5660 русскоязычного] форума.

<center>{{#ev:youtube|AYQQIBlua9s}}</center>

===Почему ники авторов некоторых комментариев представляют собой ссылки синего цвета, а ники авторов других комментариев имеют чёрный цвет?===
Ники незарегистрированных пользователей отображаются чёрным цветом, ники же зарегистрированных пользователей имеют синий цвет и представляют из себя ссылки на их профили.

==Фотографии==

===Как добавить фотографию?===
Откройте карточку объекта, наведите курсор на «Меню» и нажмите «Загрузить/удалить фотографии». Здесь вы можете загрузить новые фотографии и удалить старые. Помните: будут удалены фотографии, которые нарушают [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%9E_Wikimapia#.D0.9F.D0.BE.D0.BB.D0.B8.D1.82.D0.B8.D0.BA.D0.B0_.D0.B2_.D0.BE.D1.82.D0.BD.D0.BE.D1.88.D0.B5.D0.BD.D0.B8.D0.B8_.D1.84.D0.BE.D1.82.D0.BE.D0.B3.D1.80.D0.B0.D1.84.D0.B8.D0.B9 политику в отношении фотографий] или просто не относятся к месту.

===Как узнать дату, когда была сделана фотография?===
Вы можете узнать только дату загрузки фотографии и ник пользователя, который загрузил её (об этом написано под фотографией). Вы можете спросить пользователя, загрузившего фотографию, когда она была сделана, но мы не можем гарантировать, что он ответит.

===Можно сделать примечания к фотографии?===
К сожалению эта особенность не доступна. Вы можете присвоить называние файлу при загрузке и оставить комментарий к фотографии.

===Какие фотографии должны быть удалены?===
Вы должны удалить те фотографии, которые нарушают [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%9E_Wikimapia#.D0.9F.D0.BE.D0.BB.D0.B8.D1.82.D0.B8.D0.BA.D0.B0_.D0.B2_.D0.BE.D1.82.D0.BD.D0.BE.D1.88.D0.B5.D0.BD.D0.B8.D0.B8_.D1.84.D0.BE.D1.82.D0.BE.D0.B3.D1.80.D0.B0.D1.84.D0.B8.D0.B9 политику в отношении фотографий] или просто не относятся к месту.

Поскольку возможно загрузить только семь фотографий для каждого объекта, разрешено и даже поощряется удалять фотографии плохого качества только если есть возможность заменить их фотографиями лучшего качества.

===Как удалить плохую фотографию?===
Нажмите на контур, который имеет плохую фотографию, наведите курсор на «Меню» объекта и затем нажмите «Добавить/удалить фотографии». Вы увидите имеющиеся фотографии. Наведите курсор на плохую фотографию и нажмите на кнопку «Удалить», которая появится под фотографией. Плохая фотография будет удалена. В этом же окне вы можете загрузить новую фотографию.

===Можно ли увидеть список объектов, которые содержат фотографии?===
Это невозможно. Но вы можете фильтровать все места при помощи категории ''объект без фотографий'' и видеть у каких мест нет фотографий. Все места без красных маркеров содержат фотографии.

===Можно добавить видео в объект?===
Да. Вы можете добавить вэб-ссылку на youtube.com в описании объекта. Будет показано превью видеоролика и ссылка на YouTube.

===При каких условиях я могу использовать «свободные» изображения с Викисклада?===
Нажмите [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:%D0%9B%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B7%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5 здесь] для ответа.

===Можно ли добавлять фотографии в линейные объекты: дороги/улицы, реки, железные дороги?===
Да.

===Если на фотографии/изображении будут удалены знаки копирайта или другой аттрибуции, можно ли будет загружать их?===
Категорично нет! Изображения/фотографии, с которых удален знак копирайта или другая информация об авторских правах подлежат удалению из объектов. Загрузка подобных изображений/фотографий в Wikimapia запрещена.

===Разрешено ли использовать изображения/скриншоты панорам сервиса Google Street View и других ему подобных?===
Изображения из [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competition_of_Google_Street_View street сервисов] таких как Google Street View, Yandex и др., могут быть использованы, если удовлетворены их Условия использования сервиса и [[Photos/ru | собственные требования]] Wikimapia, относящиеся к загружаемым изображениям. Изображения, несовместимые с упомянутыми требованиями, должны быть приведены в соответствие с ними или удалены из Wikimapia.

==Удаление объектов==

===Как удалить объект?===
Места можно удалить, выбрав пункт «Удалить объект» в разделе «Меню» карточки объекта. Помните, что удалять можно лишь по причинам, перечисленным в разделе 3 [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Правил].

<center>{{#ev:youtube|vKk8Z7k0CXU}}</center>

===Как правильно удалить объект?===
Перед удалением объекта ознакомьтесь с [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%9E_Wikimapia#.D0.9F.D0.BE.D0.BB.D0.B8.D1.82.D0.B8.D0.BA.D0.B0 политикой] Wikimapia, чтобы убедиться, что вы всё делаете правильно. Если у вас есть какие-либо сомнения по поводу удаления объекта, вы можете обсудить это на [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php форуме] или спросить совета у любого [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%A1%D0%BE%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE#.D0.9F.D1.80.D0.BE.D0.B4.D0.B2.D0.B8.D0.BD.D1.83.D1.82.D1.8B.D0.B5_.D0.BF.D0.BE.D0.BB.D1.8C.D0.B7.D0.BE.D0.B2.D0.B0.D1.82.D0.B5.D0.BB.D0.B8 продвинутого пользователя].

===Я нашел несколько объектов, которые должны быть удалены, но я не могу это сделать, так как я — только обычный пользователь. Что делать?===
Если вы не можете удалить объект, то он наверняка находится под под временной защитой защитой какого-нибудь продвинутого пользователя. Вы должны связаться с ним и объяснить ему свои намерения.

===Сколько времени потребуется, чтобы отмеченный на удаление объект был полностью удалён?===
После того как вы сделали запрос на удаление объекта, система будет проинформирует вас о том, через сколько времени объект будет удалены. Обычно это занимает два часа, если объект отметил на удаление продвинутый пользователь, или пять дней, если отметил на удаление обычный пользователь. В период между подачей запроса на удаление и полным исчезновением объекта пользователь может отменить удаление нажав на кнопку «Отмена».

===Как узнать, был ли удалён какой-нибудь из моих объектов?===
Вы можете проверить это во вкладке «Статистика» своего профиля. Количество удалённых объектов, которые вы создали ранее, будет отражено в строке <tt>'''Из них удалено:'''</tt>

===Мои объекты, которые были удалены, будут показываться в статистике созданных мною объектов?===
Да. Если кто-то удалил ваши объекты, они всё будут записаны в строке «Создано объектов:» (и в строке «Из них удалено:» также), но они будут отмечены как удалённые и вы не будете получать за них баллы опыта.

===Сколько объектов можно удалить в день/неделю?===
Это зависит от вашего уровня пользователя. На первом уровне пользователя, вы можете удалить только три объекта в течение одного часа.
На втором уровне — десять объектов примерно за 16 минут, на третьем — двадцать объектов примерно за 13 минут, на четвёртом — тридцать за 5 минут, на пятом и выше — восемьдесят в течение 2 минут. Продвинутые пользователи могут удалять 200 объектов в 90 секунд.

===На карте территории Китая множество объектов имеют название ?????(cn). Можно их удалить?===
Нет, вы не должны удалять их. Если вы видите такие знаки, это означает, что ваш компьютер не поддерживают отображение китайских иероглифов.

===Можно ли восстанавливать удалённые объекты и переделывать их в другие?===
Практика восстановления удаленных мест/объектов и его переделывание запрещена, <u>'''если'''</u> новый объект:
*располагают в месте, отличном от изначального
*абсолютно не связан с первым/изначальным

Все объекты должны иметь свои очертания и рассматриваются как отдельные объекты. Например, сгнивший причал не может быть преобразован в озеро или лодочную станцию; такой объект должен быть удален (<u>если</u> не будет отстроен заново). Озеро и лодочная станция должны быть отмечены отдельно с собственной идентичностью.

Переделывание устаревших объектов и их повторное использование может показаться желательным, но в конечном итоге для каждого места на карте Wikimapia нужно создавать новый объект. Исключения из этого правила:
*<u>существующий</u> объект может быть изменён в течение одного дня с момента ее создания, если пользователь отметил его ошибочно
*удаленный объект, причина удаления которого недействительна, может быть восстановлен и отредактирован, с отражение его текущего статуса

Умышленные и неоднократные восстановления (отмены удаления) объектов и переделывание их в другие объекты запрещены. Кроме того, преднамеренные злоупотребления вышеупомянутых исключений также запрещены.

===Если фирма, магазин и т.д., перемещается или закрывается, можно удалить несуществующий объект?===
Если само здание <u>всё ещё</u> существует и оно не разрушено, такой объект '''не''' должен быть удалён. Мы рекомендуем вам обновить информационную карточку объекта, описав его нынешнее состояние. Очень важно обновить название, описание, адрес и категорию, чтобы отразить изменения.

===Почему удаленные объекты по-прежнему отображаются в результатах поиска Google?===
Объекты отмеченные на удаление будут удалене по истечении определённого времени. Тем не менее, Google будет продолжать отображать удаленные/устаревшие данные, пока они не обновляют свои собственные результаты поиска, чтобы показать последние версии веб-страниц. Google кэширует «снимки» интернет-сайтов для того, чтобы расширить полезные результаты поиска по новым и прежним версиям. Когда этот кэш в очередной раз обновляется, то прежняя устаревшая информация не выводится для поиска. Вам надо терпеливо подождать очередное обновление или связаться с Google [http://support.google.com/websearch/bin/answer.py?hl=ru&hlrm=en&cbid=-1lfw27a3ux1tz&ctx=cb&answer=164734&src=cb здесь].

=Инструменты линейных объектов=

==Дороги, улицы==

===Я не могу добавить дороги, улицы===
Если Вы — новый пользователь, наиболее вероятно, что ваша неспособность использовать инструмент «Дороги, улицы» обусловлена временным ограничением, потому что ваш уровень опыта слишком низок. Чтобы увеличить свой уровень опыта, вы должны сначала добавлять объекты на карте при помощи инструмента «Добавить объект» или редактировать уже существующие объекты. Пожалуйста, убедитесь, что объекты, которые вы будете добавлять точны и информация о них правильна. Как только вы получите достаточно опыта при создании/редактировании контурных объектов, вам разрешат использовать инструмент «Дороги, улицы».
Ограничение необходимо, потому что этот инструмент имеет определённые особенности, которые новые/неопытные пользователи считают трудными для использования должным образом. Добавление дорог требует умения и, таким образом, доступно только достаточно опытным пользователям, которые знакомы с использованием других инструментов. Нажмите [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%A1%D0%BE%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE#.D0.A3.D1.80.D0.BE.D0.B2.D0.BD.D0.B8_.D0.BF.D0.BE.D0.BB.D1.8C.D0.B7.D0.BE.D0.B2.D0.B0.D1.82.D0.B5.D0.BB.D1.8F здесь] для получения большей информации о возможностях пользователей с разным уровнем опыта. Если же вы внезапно потеряли существовавшую способность добавлять дороги, тогда вам следует создать соответствующую тему на [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=86 форуме] и/или написать [http://wikimapia.org/special_pages/user_reports/?action=list&type=0 сообщение об ошибке].

===Нужно ли отмечать у дороги каждую полосу движения отдельно?===
Лишь в том случае, если полосы физически разделены. В остальных случаях количество полос указывается в опциях к дороге.

===Какой тип дороги использовать при её создании/редактировании?===
В зависимости от типа дороги (грунтовая дорога, внутриквартальный проезд, улица со слабым движением, дорога с интенсивным движением, автомагистраль).

===Можно ли написать код дороги/улицы рядом с её названием?===
Нет, но вы можете написать код дороги/улицы в её описании.

==Железные дороги==
Этот инструмент позволяет создавать/редактировать сегменты железных дорог на карте. Чтобы получить более подробную информацию об использовании этого инструмента см. раздел [http://wikimapia.org/docs/%D0%98%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D1%8B#.D0.96.D0.B5.D0.BB.D0.B5.D0.B7.D0.BD.D1.8B.D0.B5_.D0.B4.D0.BE.D1.80.D0.BE.D0.B3.D0.B8 «Железные дороги»].

==Реки==

==Паромные переправы==

===Можно ли использовать инструмент «Паромные переправы», чтобы отмечать реки и наоборот?===
'''Нет'''. Это инструмент предназначен только для отображения маршрутов паромов. Чтобы отмечать реки необходимо использовать инструмент «Реки».

=Интерфейс=

==Основное окно Wikimapia==

===Как работать с основным окном Wikimapia?===
Нажмите [[User_interface/ru#Основное_окно_Wikimapia| здесь]] для ответа.

===В верхней части информационной карточки объекта написано "Word/xxxxx/yyyyy/zzzzz". Что это означает?===
Эта [http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B0 цепочка] административных уровней в порядке уменьшения. Имейте в виду, этот список не является точным указанием места объекта, это только указания на ближайшие административные центры.

===Что означает «Бронирование гостиниц», находящееся под моим ником пользователя в основном меню интерфейса?===

«Бронирование гостиницы» — полезный инструмент для туристов. Если вы планируете посетить какое-либо определенное место в короткий промежуток времени, вы можете найти это место на карте и нажать на «Бронирование гостиницы», находящееся в выпадающем меню под вашим ником пользователя. В итоге вы будете видеть все отели, отмеченные со специальными символами. Это позволит вам выбирать и заказывать отель в зависимости от его географического положения. Нажмите на любой отель и см. его страницу на booking.com.

===Что такое «Измерение расстояния» и как с ним работать?===
Это инструмент, который позволяет измерять расстояние между двумя пунктами. Для этого нужно пометить отметить на карте расстояние от двух пунктов (или подробный маршрут от одного пункта до другого) и система вычислит его длину. Впоследствии вы можете послать вэб-ссылку на то, что вы видите на карте, своему другу, копируя URL страницы в адресной строке браузера.

===Что означают кнопки под основным меню интерфейса?===
Это [[Tools/ru#Добавление объекта|Добавить объект]], Измерение расстояния (см. пред. вопрос) и [[User_interface/ru#Масштабирование_/_приближение и удаление|Уровни приближения]].

===What are all those options under the 'Map type' menu?===
Those are different map types that you can choose depending on what you are searching for.

===What are all those options under the 'Categories' menu?===
Those are categories that system offers you on default. If you are searching for a category that is not in the list, you need to type it in ‘Search categories’ bar or find it in ‘Categories hierarchy’ in tools.

===Why is the tooltip (when I hover over a place) not always the same as its title?===
Actually, they should be the same. If they are not, please, [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/user_reports/ report] about it.

===Что означают красные точки на карте, которые видны рядом с названиями некоторых мест?===
Красная точка рядом с названием объекта означает, что этот объект является городом.

===В некоторых местах видны иконки/символы. Что они означают?===
Это символы категорий. Они видны, даже если вы не используете фильтр по категориям. Чтобы узнать их значение, откройте «Отображение категорий» во вкладке «Инструменты».

==Профиль пользователя / Аккаунт==

===Какая существует необходимость в регистрации?===
Пока вы незарегистрированный пользователь, вы можете использовать только ограниченное количество инструментов и возможностей. После регистрации, вы можете получать очки опыта, повышать свой уровень пользователя и получать доступ к новым инструментам. Кроме того, только зарегистрированные пользователи могут писать на форуме.

===Существуют ли советы для новых пользователей?===
Да, эти советы можно прочитать [[Quick_start/ru#Советы_новым_пользователям|здесь]].

===В «Статистике» моего профиля написано, что я создал 106 объектов. Но я вижу только 82. Что случилось с другими объектами, которые я создал?===
Очевидно они были удалены, таким образом, вы можете найти их количество в строке «Из них удалено».

===Можно ли увидеть количество удалённых пользователем объектов?===
В разделе «Статистика» профиля любого пользователя можно увидеть все совершённые действия, включая «Подано запросов на удаление объектов» и «Отменено запросов на удаление объектов».

===Как отметить свое местоположение? Зачем это нужно делать?===
Чтобы отметить своё местоположение, нажмите «Указать свое местонахождение» в верхней части страницы своего профиля. Выберите своё местоположение, двигая карту и помещая маркер в центр. Местоположение может иметь отношение к месту, где вы проживаете. Ваше местоположение будет видимо другим пользователям, таким образом, они могут понять откуда вы.

===Можно ли удалить полученное сообщение?===
Невозможно удалять входящие сообщения.

===Может ли пользователь изменить свой ник по причине его неблагозвучности?===
Это не так просто. Пользователь должен был подумать об этом перед регистрацией! Если действительно имеется серьезное основание, можно написать на электронную почту администрации WikiMapia@gmail.com. Возможно, они сделают необходимые изменения. В противном случае, имеются два варианта: 1) Заходить на проект с этим ником, или 2) забросить свою учётную запись и зарегистрироваться повторно.

===Что делать при краже учётной записи в результате взлома пароля?===
Пошлите электронное письмо администрации на адрес WikiMapia@gmail.com. Попросите прислать новый пароль. Помните, что вор, возможно, изменил адрес вашей электронную почту, и будьте готовы подтвердить, что вы действительно первоначальный владелец аккаунта. И будьте готовы извиниться перед теми пользователями, кого, возможно, оскорбил вор.

===Может ли пользователь сам удалить свою учётную запись?===
Это невозможно. Как вариант решения проблемы, пользователь может изменить свой пароль на другой, который он не будет в состоянии вспомнить. Проще прекратить посещать Wikimapia вообще, что даже легче.

==Place Search==

===How do I search for something?===
Type the name of the place you're looking for in the search box in the Wikimapia Menu Bar at the top of your screen, and press the <tt>'''Search'''</tt> button. A list results matching your query shall be returned in the sidebar. You can also tailor your searches by location or coordinates by choosing the respective tabs underneath the search box in the sidebar.

==Categories==

===What are Categories?===
Category filter is a tool that allows you to search for places of one type (ie. bars, hospitals, etc) by their category.

===How do I search for something?===
You just need to hover over ‘Categories’ on the top menu and either choose the category you are looking for (if its shown) or search it in ‘Search categories’ bar. Then you’ll see that all the places on the map that fit your category will we have red marks. To quit a category search click ‘cancel’ on the bottom of the map.

===How can I find, for example, theaters in one city?===
See previous

=Сообщество=

==Форум==

===С какого момента можно участвовать в обсуждениях на форуме?===
Сразу после регистрации.

===Почему не получается писать сообщения на форуме?===
Каждый зарегистрированный пользователь может писать сообщения на форуме. Если это не получается, значит пользователь не зарегистрирован или же у зарегистрированного пользователя заблокирована возможность отправлять сообщения, в связи нарушением им [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=9589 Правила поведения на форуме].

===Можно ли писать свой вопрос в любом месте форума или же необходимо создать для этого новую тему? ===
Если уже есть тема, которая рассматривает схожий вопрос, можно задать свой вопрос там. Новую тему можно создавать только тогда, когда нет подходящей темы. Помните: Сообщение, не имеющее прямого отношения к поднятой теме, может быть удалено модераторами.

===How can I make sure that someone sees my posting in the forum? (should I post it in all sections?) ===
There is no way to '''guarantee''' that someone will certainly see your posting, but new postings usually appear on the top of the forum page, so users '''might''' see them.
===I posted a message in the forum, but I have changed my mind. Can/should I delete it? ===
You can delete your message only during a short period of time after posting. In other situation you can not delete your messages, only [[Community#Forum_moderators| forum moderators]] have such power. So you can contact one of them and explain the reason why your message needs to be deleted.

===Почему не отображается на форуме добавленная в профиль пользователя его фотография (аватар)?===
Требуется некоторое время для отображения аватара на форуме.

===Что можно предпринять, чтобы найти то или иное обсуждение на форуме? ===
Для этого существует окно поиска в правом вернем углу страницы форума.

===Why do forum messages always run off the right side of my screen?===
The forum is designed for a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher. If yours is set to less than this, the forum display will be wider than your screen.

===How can I make a text bold, italicize or underline it?===
You will have to use square brackets [][/]

*for bold: [b]text[/b]
*to italicize: [i]text[/i]
*to underline: [u]text[/u]

===How to embed images?===
to embed image: [img]url goes here[/img]

==Другие пользователи==

===Как узнать местонахождение того или иного пользователя?===
Это можно узнать, если интересующий пользователь сам отметил своё местонахождение. Иначе, придётся спрашивать его об этом лично, но следует быть готовым к отрицательному результату, поскольку пользователи часто предпочитают скрывать свои личные данные.

===How can I contact another user?===
Find it (a) in the forum or on a map of users, or the link somewhere that he (a) has described or discussed. Click on your username. This will open the user profile that you want to contact. Click "send message to this user", type your message in the text box and click the "send message". The message you sent is shown above a new text box empty. That's it: do not click the button "send message" again. If you have already sent a message to this user, you name it (a) will be on your list of contacts: open your profile, click on "Messages", find the desired user name and proceed from there.
===How do I contact a user if I only know his username?===
You can find him/her by rank. Find 'Users rank' in a 'tools' section in your profile. In the window that opens, there is a search field 'Search username'. Enter the user name and click 'search'. Note that the name must exactly match the user (no matter, however, if the letters are uppercase or lowercase). If you have trouble finding it, you can ask for help from other users in the forum. Maybe some of us may find the desired user.

===How can I find out the email address linked to a user account?===
You can not. This information is private. You will not find any e-mail here. The only way is to ask the user, by sending him a message.
===Что делать в случае разногласий с каким-либо пользователем?===
Следует написать об этом на форуме. Другие пользователи смогут попытаться помочь в разрешении конфликта.

===Someone keeps editing my places!===
If you have a dispute, please notify the fellow user and moderators in the [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php Wikimapia Forum]. They'll try to resolve issues, but only if parties are willing to discuss their sides of the issue accurate and fairly.

===What is a sockpuppet?===
English Wikipedia page says: "sockpuppet is an online identity used in order to deceive the other members of a virtual community. In its initial use, a "sockpuppet" was a false identity through which a member of a community on the Internet manifests itself while pretending that it does not, as does a puppeteer manipulating a puppet. In WikiMapia, a "sockpuppet" is someone who has a second account.

===Is it acceptable to have a sockpuppet?===
For most users, no. However, there are users who have higher levels "sockpuppets" for experiments. They are useful in this regard.

==Уровни пользователей==

===What is the difference between user levels?===
The higher user level you are the more tools and options are available for you.

===What are the advantages & responsibilities of being an advanced user?===
Receiving Advanced User Status will grant you access to following tools and privileges:
#Ban tool
#Protection
#Deletion/restoration of comments
#Faster object deletion
#Up to 2.500 points per polygon
Beeing an Advanced User means you need to look after the map. For example, coordinate and encourage users, help new users, arrange debates, keep track of changes on the map, i. e. editing or deleting objects and comments, set temporary protection on objects in case of edit wars.

===How do I become an advanced user?===

There is no a defined formula for becoming an AU. Just contribute to Wikimapia and your efforts will be noted. In practice, recommendations are given of possible AU forum and if there is a consensus, so administrators can choose to promote you. These recommendations are based on the overall quality of their contributions, their visibility in the Forum and its suitability to the ideals of WikiMapia.

===Will a high rank qualify me to become an advanced user?===
A high rank itself can not make you an advanced user. Though the more you contribute to Wikimapia the higher is you rank, so the closer the moment that you may be offered to become an advanced user..
===How many places do I have to mark to become an advanced user?===
All these questions have the same answer: There is no magic number you need to achieve because the promotion AU is a manual process done by administrators, and this is not automatic, regardless of what numbers you have.

===How many good votes do I need to become an advanced user?===
See previous
===How long should one be a regular user to become an advanced user?===
See previous
===Why is my account marked as limited/banned?===
If you were banned you’ll get a notification message, that explains the reasons and proofs of your ban. In addition, you’ll see a red window on the right of your profile page that notifies you about the reasons and details of limitation.

===How can I tell what user level a user is?===
In profile of every user there is a number of his user level.

==Вандализм==

===Что является вандализмом?===
Это преднамеренные действия, направленные на порчу информации.
Вандализм может иметь различные формы. Например: удаление правильной, полезной информации из информационной карточки объекта;добавление ложной или агрессивной/оскорбительной информации.
Вандализм обычно принимает следующие формы:
*удаление правильной и полезной информации,
*перемещение контура объектов от его правильного местоположения,
*добавление оскорбительных фотографий,
*добавление/изменение контуров так, чтобы они изображали бессмысленные/непристойные формы,
*изменение информации об объекте, написанной на одном языке, на текст на другом языке (вместо того, чтобы написать информацию в соответствующей языковой вкладке),
*'''намеренное''' создание дубликатов объектов.

Нарушение Правил поведения на форуме также считается вандализмом.

===My place tag has been vandalised. What should I do?===

Post a message with the details in the section [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=f802b804ce555a2827b8ac22ae804645 User behaviour and vandalism] Forum WikiMapia. We're here to help.

===How can I revert the tag to the state before it was vandalised?===
Find ‘History’ in ’menu’ in place tag, find the revision that you think is a vandalism and click ‘Undo this revesion’.

===How do restore a vandalized description to what it used to be?===
See previous

===Is is possible to protect articles that are vandalized often?===

Yes. Advanced User can "semiprotect" a place. If you want a place to be semi-protected, then send a request in the section [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=f802b804ce555a2827b8ac22ae804645 Correction support] forum.

==Banning==

===What is a ban?===
A limitation caused by disregarding, violation or misinterpretation of the rules.

===If I am banned and believe that I do not deserve it, What can I do?===
Restrictions and banning are applicable to users who infringe Wikimapia's policies. Read [[About_Wikimapia#Policies| the policies]] and make sure that you didn't violate any of them. If not, contact an AU and explain your reasons. AUs have the power to ban and unblock users, so he/she might help you.

===How can I report a bad user so that he/she is banned quickly?===
You should contact an AU and explain your reasons. AUs have the power to ban users, so he/she might help you.

==Voting==

===Why should I vote for a user?===
You should vote for a user if you want to provide a positive feedback about his/her contributions to Wikimapia, to encourage a user.
===How do I vote for a user?===
If you have 2+ user level you can vote for other users. Click on a user profile page, click on ‘votes about user’ and you’ll see a green voting form above a list of users who have already voted for a user.

===When can I start to vote for people?===
As soon as you are 2+ level
===Is there a reason I can't vote for users?===
No, there is no such a reason. You can freely vote for a user if you want.
===Is it proper to ask for votes?===
No. Voting for someone means you want to provide a positive feedback about users contributions to Wikimapia. So asking for votes is poor behavior.
===How can I get more votes?===
The more valuable places and useful information you add the more people would like to vote for you
===Someone gave me a good vote. Should I do the same for her/him?===
If you find that user deserving a good vote for his efforts on Wikimapia. If not - do not vote for a user only just to thank him for his good vote for u.
===How do I remove an unwanted vote?===
You may delete an unwanted vote if open the list of users, who voted for you, in your profile.

===Someone said I voted too frequently. Is there a limit?===
No there is no such a limit.
===Should I give a good vote to a user who is No.1 in the ranking system?===
If he is No.1 in ranking system then he might add a lot of good information. If do find it good - vote for him, if not - do not vote.

=Error Messages=

==="Sorry, you are doing many actions in a short period of time, please wait a while and retry your action"===
There is a limit on similar actions that a user can do within a certain period of time (i.e. a regular user can only delete three places in an hour).

==="Too long polygon"===
There are limitations on the total number of polygon dots you can add depending on your user level:

*'''Level 0 users''': 200 dots, ~31.64 km²
*'''Level 1-8 users''': 500 dots, ~244.14 km²
*'''Advanced users''': 2,500 dots, ~996,006 km²

==="Too big polygon"===
See previous.

==="You cannot change your vote, you started vote, you may only completely unset it"===
This message belongs to a defunct system for ban voting therefore it should not appear. If it does appear, please create a report topic in the forum [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=4 here] and the bug reports list [http://wikimapia.org/special_pages/user_reports/?action=list&type=0&order=edit_date__desc here]

The message used to indicate that a ban initiator could not unset his/her vote if others voted after him/her. This restrictive procedure was necessary to stop a ban initiator from withdrawing him/herself from a ban he/she was responsible for starting.

==="You must remove the child objects before deleting the object"===
This message means you can not delete an object as there are child objects that refer to it. You need to delete them first.

==="Wikimapia has just updated! Please reload the page or press shift + ctrl R in order to apply fixes and enjoy new features"===
This message means that Admins have just made some changes in Wikimapia, so you need to reload the page to see the updated version of Wikimapia.

=External=

===Can I see Wikimapia places on Google Earth?===
Yes. You can download Wikimapia layer on Google Earth.

===Can I place part of the map on my own web page?===

Yes! Find the screen you want to place on your page. Place your mouse over "WikiMapia" in the upper left corner and select "Map on your page" A popup window will appear with the corners of a rectangle. Just push the corners of the rectangle to resize the box and then copy the html code that is shown and paste it into your page.

===Can I use Wikimapia with a GPS device?===
No, unfortunately this feature is not available yet.

===What browser do you recommend to use with Wikimapia?===

Any modern one, Google Chrome, Firefox 3.6+, IE9+, Opera, Safari.

===How do I make a jpeg or bmp shot of specific part of the map?===
First, check the licence of satellite photos provider, then capture the screen and transfer the picture into whatever format you need.

===I want to send a Wikimapia page to a friend. How do I do that?===
If you want to send a link to a specific area of Wikimapia map use URL of the page on the top of your browser.
===I clicked a Wikimapia link that someone gave me. Why am I seeing all place descriptions in Spanish now?===

The person who sent you the link used Spanish as their language. Place your mouse over "WikiMapia" and select "Change language". Select the language you want.

===How can I print the map with the names of the locations (without using another application to overlay the points and names)?===

The best you can do is capture the screen and print it.

=Advertising=

====I own a business. Can I tag it?====
Yes, you can tag it. You can give factual information: company name, address, what you do or sell, how long has the company, a link to its website, that sort of thing. You should not include promotional material ("the best in town", "good prices", prices in general ...), that would '''be considered propaganda'''. On the other hand, you can say: "See my website for availability and prices."

[http://wikimapia.org/docs/Main_Page/ru На основную страницу]

Main Page/ru

2015-07-14T09:32:28Z

RK77: Updated Russian page

{{Languages|Main_Page}}

__NOTOC__

<div style="font-size:150%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:center; margin-top:0.33em;">'''Эта документация является введением в Wikimapia и официальным руководством по использованию её функций.'''

Внизу вы можете увидеть ссылки на документацию. Клик по любой из ссылок приведет вас к соответствующему разделу.
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Quick start/ru|Приступая к работе]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Quick start/ru#Советы_новым_пользователям|Советы новым пользователям]]
*[[Quick start/ru#Исследование_карты|Исследование карты]]
*[[Quick start/ru#Добавление_объекта|Добавление объекта]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About_Wikimapia/ru|О Wikimapia]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[About_Wikimapia/ru#Что_такое_Wikimapia|Что такое Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia/ru#Цели_Wikimapia|Цели Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia/ru#Принципы|Принципы]]
*[[About_Wikimapia/ru#Политика|Политика]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Tools/ru|Инструменты]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Tools/ru#Редактирование_карты|Редактирование карты]]
*[[Tools/ru#Списки_наблюдений|Списки наблюдений]]
*[[Tools/ru#Статусная_сетка|Статусная сетка]]
*[[Tools/ru#Сдвиг_карты|Сдвиг карты]]
*[[Tools/ru#Сообщения_об_ошибках_и_предложения|Сообщения об ошибках и предложения]]
*[[Tools/ru#Перевод_интерфейса|Перевод интерфейса]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User_interface/ru|Интерфейс пользователя]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_interface/ru#Основное_окно_Wikimapia|Основное окно Wikimapia]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Редактирование_карты|Редактирование карты]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Режим_просмотра|Режим просмотра]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Категории|Категории]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Профиль_пользователя|Профиль пользователя]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Выбор_языка|Выбор языка]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Поиск|Поиск]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels|Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Координаты|Координаты]]
*[[User_interface/ru#Wikimapia.27s_URL|Wikimapia's URL]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User_profile/account/ru|Профиль пользователя]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Профиль|Профиль]]
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Сообщения|Сообщения]]
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Награды|Награды]]
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Статистика|Статистика]]
*[[User_profile/account/ru#Инструменты|Инструменты]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Community/ru|Сообщество]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Community/ru#Уровни_пользователя|Уровни пользователя]]
*[[Community/ru#Награды|Награды]]
*[[Community/ru#Отзывы_о_пользователях|Отзывы о пользователях]]
*[[Community/ru#Специальные_статусы|Специальные статусы]]
*[[Community/ru#Форум|Форум]]
*[[Community/ru#Специальные_проекты|Специальные проекты]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Help/FAQ/ru|Справка / Вопросы и ответы]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">

</div>
</div>
</div>

Template:Navbox row

2015-07-14T07:49:15Z

RK77:

Template:Navbox header

2015-07-14T07:48:23Z

RK77:

Main Page

2015-07-14T07:38:01Z

RK77: Grammar

{{Languages|Main_Page}}

__NOTOC__

<div style="font-size:150%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:center; margin-top:0.33em;">This documentation wiki (or "'''Docs'''" for short) is Wikimapia's official guide and rulebook. Here, you will find how-tos and dos & don'ts about every tool and feature in Wikimapia.

You will find quick links to various Docs articles below or you can visit ''every'' article via the Docs Navigation box located in every article page.
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Quick start]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Quick_start#Advice_for_new_users|Advice for new users]]
*[[Quick_start#Exploring_the_map|Exploring the map]]
*[[Quick_start#Adding_place|A brief guide to adding places]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About Wikimapia]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[About_Wikimapia#What_is_Wikimapia|What is Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Wikimapia_goal|Wikimapia goal]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Philosophy|Philosophy]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Principles|Principles]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Neutral_point_of_view|Neutral point of view (NPOV)]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About_Wikimapia#Policies|Policies]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Wikimapia Guidelines]
*[http://wikimapia.org/terms_reference.html Wikimapia Terms Reference]
*[[Comment_Guidelines|Comment Guidelines]]
*[[Photos|Photo Policy]]
*[[Ban_Moderation#Copyrighted_Photo_Moderation|Copyrighted Photos Moderation]]
*[[Banning_Guidelines|Banning Guidelines]]
*[[Ban_Moderation|Ban Moderation]]
*[[Forum_Guidelines|Forum Guidelines]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Tools]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Tools#Editing_the_map|Editing the map]]
*[[Tools#Watchlist|Watchlist]]
*[[Tools#Status_grid|Status grid]]
*[[Tools#Map_shift|Map shift <span style="color:red; font-size:100%">'''*currently unavailable*'''</span>]]
*[[Tools#Reports_list:_Bug.2Ffeatures|Reports list: Bug/features]]
*[[Tools#Interface_translation|Interface translation]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User interface]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_interface#About_the_Wikimapia_Main_Screen|About the Wikimapia Main Screen]]
*[[User_interface#Edit_map|Edit map]]
*[[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]]
*[[User_interface#Categories|Categories]]
*[[User_interface#User_profile|User profile]]
*[[User_interface#Language_selection|Language selection]]
*[[User_interface#Search|Search]]
*[[User_interface#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels|Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels]]
*[[User_interface#Coordinates|Coordinates]]
*[[User_interface#Wikimapia.27s_URL|Wikimapia's URL]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User profile/account]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_profile/account#Profile|Profile]]
*[[User_profile/account#Messages|Messages]]
*[[User_profile/account#Awards|Awards]]
*[[User_profile/account#Stats|Stats]]
*[[User_profile/account#Tools|Tools]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Community]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Community#User_levels|User levels]]
*[[Community#Awards|Awards]]
*[[Community#Voting|Voting]]
*[[Community#Special_roles|Special roles]]
*[[Community#Forum|Forum]]
*[[Community#Collaborations|Collaborations]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Help/FAQ]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Help/FAQ#Basic_Philosophy|Basic Philosophy]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Place_tools|Place tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Linear_Tools|Linear Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#User_Tools|User Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Interface|Interface]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Object_Language_Pages.29|Languages (Object Language Pages)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Interface.29|Languages (Interface)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Translations|Translations]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Satellite_Images|Satellite Imagery]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Wikipedia_content|Wikipedia Content]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Community|Community]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Help|Help]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Error_Messages|Error Messages]]
*[[Help/FAQ#External|External]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Advertising|Advertising]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

Main Page

2015-07-14T07:20:43Z

RK77: Undo revision 4840 by Ocanada (talk)

{{Languages|Main_Page}}

__NOTOC__

<div style="font-size:150%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:center; margin-top:0.33em;">This documentation wiki (or "'''Docs'''" for short) is Wikimapia's official guide and rulebook. Here, you will find how to's and do's & don'ts about every tool and feature in Wikimapia.

You will find quick links to various Docs articles below or you can visit ''every'' article via the Docs Navigation box located in every article page.
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Quick start]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Quick_start#Advice_for_new_users|Advice for new users]]
*[[Quick_start#Exploring_the_map|Exploring the map]]
*[[Quick_start#Adding_place|A brief guide to adding places]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About Wikimapia]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[About_Wikimapia#What_is_Wikimapia|What is Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Wikimapia_goal|Wikimapia goal]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Philosophy|Philosophy]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Principles|Principles]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Neutral_point_of_view|Neutral point of view (NPOV)]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About_Wikimapia#Policies|Policies]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Wikimapia Guidelines]
*[http://wikimapia.org/terms_reference.html Wikimapia Terms Reference]
*[[Comment_Guidelines|Comment Guidelines]]
*[[Photos|Photo Policy]]
*[[Ban_Moderation#Copyrighted_Photo_Moderation|Copyrighted Photos Moderation]]
*[[Banning_Guidelines|Banning Guidelines]]
*[[Ban_Moderation|Ban Moderation]]
*[[Forum_Guidelines|Forum Guidelines]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Tools]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Tools#Editing_the_map|Editing the map]]
*[[Tools#Watchlist|Watchlist]]
*[[Tools#Status_grid|Status grid]]
*[[Tools#Map_shift|Map shift <span style="color:red; font-size:100%">'''*currently unavailable*'''</span>]]
*[[Tools#Reports_list:_Bug.2Ffeatures|Reports list: Bug/features]]
*[[Tools#Interface_translation|Interface translation]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User interface]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_interface#About_the_Wikimapia_Main_Screen|About the Wikimapia Main Screen]]
*[[User_interface#Edit_map|Edit map]]
*[[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]]
*[[User_interface#Categories|Categories]]
*[[User_interface#User_profile|User profile]]
*[[User_interface#Language_selection|Language selection]]
*[[User_interface#Search|Search]]
*[[User_interface#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels|Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels]]
*[[User_interface#Coordinates|Coordinates]]
*[[User_interface#Wikimapia.27s_URL|Wikimapia's URL]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User profile/account]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_profile/account#Profile|Profile]]
*[[User_profile/account#Messages|Messages]]
*[[User_profile/account#Awards|Awards]]
*[[User_profile/account#Stats|Stats]]
*[[User_profile/account#Tools|Tools]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Community]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Community#User_levels|User levels]]
*[[Community#Awards|Awards]]
*[[Community#Voting|Voting]]
*[[Community#Special_roles|Special roles]]
*[[Community#Forum|Forum]]
*[[Community#Collaborations|Collaborations]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Help/FAQ]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Help/FAQ#Basic_Philosophy|Basic Philosophy]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Place_tools|Place tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Linear_Tools|Linear Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#User_Tools|User Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Interface|Interface]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Object_Language_Pages.29|Languages (Object Language Pages)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Interface.29|Languages (Interface)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Translations|Translations]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Satellite_Images|Satellite Imagery]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Wikipedia_content|Wikipedia Content]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Community|Community]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Help|Help]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Error_Messages|Error Messages]]
*[[Help/FAQ#External|External]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Advertising|Advertising]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

Main Page

2015-07-13T20:43:40Z

RK77: Refined the main page visually and added "separators" to each section in the Docs Navigation box

{{Languages|Main_Page}}

__NOTOC__

<div style="font-size:150%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:center; margin-top:0.33em;">This documentation wiki (or "'''Docs'''" for short) is Wikimapia's official guide and rulebook. Here, you will find how to's and do's & don'ts about every tool and feature in Wikimapia.

You will find quick links to various Docs articles below or you can visit ''every'' article via the Docs Navigation box located in every article page.
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Quick start]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Quick_start#Advice_for_new_users|Advice for new users]]
*[[Quick_start#Exploring_the_map|Exploring the map]]
*[[Quick_start#Adding_place|A brief guide to adding places]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About Wikimapia]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[About_Wikimapia#What_is_Wikimapia|What is Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Wikimapia_goal|Wikimapia goal]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Philosophy|Philosophy]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Principles|Principles]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Neutral_point_of_view|Neutral point of view (NPOV)]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[About_Wikimapia#Policies|Policies]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Wikimapia Guidelines]
*[http://wikimapia.org/terms_reference.html Wikimapia Terms Reference]
*[[Comment_Guidelines|Comment Guidelines]]
*[[Photos|Photo Policy]]
*[[Ban_Moderation#Copyrighted_Photo_Moderation|Copyrighted Photos Moderation]]
*[[Banning_Guidelines|Banning Guidelines]]
*[[Ban_Moderation|Ban Moderation]]
*[[Forum_Guidelines|Forum Guidelines]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Tools]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Tools#Editing_the_map|Editing the map]]
*[[Tools#Watchlist|Watchlist]]
*[[Tools#Status_grid|Status grid]]
*[[Tools#Map_shift|Map shift <span style="color:red; font-size:100%">'''*currently unavailable*'''</span>]]
*[[Tools#Reports_list:_Bug.2Ffeatures|Reports list: Bug/features]]
*[[Tools#Interface_translation|Interface translation]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User interface]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_interface#About_the_Wikimapia_Main_Screen|About the Wikimapia Main Screen]]
*[[User_interface#Edit_map|Edit map]]
*[[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]]
*[[User_interface#Categories|Categories]]
*[[User_interface#User_profile|User profile]]
*[[User_interface#Language_selection|Language selection]]
*[[User_interface#Search|Search]]
*[[User_interface#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels|Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels]]
*[[User_interface#Coordinates|Coordinates]]
*[[User_interface#Wikimapia.27s_URL|Wikimapia's URL]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[User profile/account]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_profile/account#Profile|Profile]]
*[[User_profile/account#Messages|Messages]]
*[[User_profile/account#Awards|Awards]]
*[[User_profile/account#Stats|Stats]]
*[[User_profile/account#Tools|Tools]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Community]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Community#User_levels|User levels]]
*[[Community#Awards|Awards]]
*[[Community#Voting|Voting]]
*[[Community#Special_roles|Special roles]]
*[[Community#Forum|Forum]]
*[[Community#Collaborations|Collaborations]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="margin:0 0 1em; border:1px solid #ccc; background-color:#f9f9f9; padding:0.6em;">
<div style="font-size:100%; padding-bottom:0.15em; text-align:left; margin-top:0.33em;">
=[[Help/FAQ]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Help/FAQ#Basic_Philosophy|Basic Philosophy]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Place_tools|Place tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Linear_Tools|Linear Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#User_Tools|User Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Interface|Interface]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Object_Language_Pages.29|Languages (Object Language Pages)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Interface.29|Languages (Interface)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Translations|Translations]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Satellite_Images|Satellite Imagery]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Wikipedia_content|Wikipedia Content]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Community|Community]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Help|Help]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Error_Messages|Error Messages]]
*[[Help/FAQ#External|External]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Advertising|Advertising]]
</div>
</div>
</div>

Template:Navbox user guide

2015-07-13T20:41:45Z

RK77:

<div style="border:1px solid #AAAAAA; float:{{{align|right}}}; width:{{#if:{{{width}}}|{{#ifeq:{{{width}}}|auto|auto|{{{width|240}}}px}}|240px}}; clear:{{{clear|right}}}; {{#ifeq:{{lc:{{{align|}}}}}|right|margin:0em 0em 1em 2.5em;|{{#ifeq:{{lc:{{{align|}}}}}|left|margin:0em 2.5em 1em 0em;|margin:0em 0em 1em 2.5em;}}}}">
<div style="border:0 0 1px 0 solid #AAAAAA; padding:0.2em; text-align:center;">
<div style="float:left;">{{tnavbar|Navbox user guide |mini=1}}</div><br>
<p style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold;">Docs Navigation</p>
</div>
{{Navbox_header|User's Guide}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=Quick start|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[Quick_start#Advice_for_new_users|Advice for new users]]
*[[Quick_start#Exploring_the_map|Exploring the map]]
*[[Quick_start#Adding_place|Adding place]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=About Wikimapia|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[About_Wikimapia#What_is_Wikimapia|What is Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Wikimapia_goal|Wikimapia goal]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Philosophy|Philosophy]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Policies|Policies]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=Tools|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[Tools#Editing_the_map|Editing the map]]
*[[Tools#Watchlist|Watchlist]]
*[[Tools#Status_grid|Status grid]]
*[[Tools#Map_shift|Map shift]]
*[[Tools#Reports_list:_Bug.2Ffeatures|Reports list: Bug/features]]
*[[Tools#Interface_translation|Interface translation]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=User interface|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[User_interface#About_the_Wikimapia_Main_Screen|About the Wikimapia Main Screen]]
*[[User_interface#Edit_map|Edit map]]
*[[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]]
*[[User_interface#Categories|Categories]]
*[[User_interface#User_profile|User profile]]
*[[User_interface#Language_selection|Language selection]]
*[[User_interface#Search|Search]], [[User_interface#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels|Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels]]
*[[User_interface#Coordinates|Coordinates]]
*[[User_interface#Wikimapia.27s_URL|Wikimapia's URL]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=User profile/account|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[User_profile/account#Profile|Profile]]
*[[User_profile/account#Messages|Messages]]
*[[User_profile/account#Awards|Awards]]
*[[User_profile/account#Stats|Stats]]
*[[User_profile/account#Tools|Tools]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=Community|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[Community#User_levels|User levels]]
*[[Community#Awards|Awards]]
*[[Community#Voting|Voting]]
*[[Community#Special_roles|Special roles]]
*[[Community#Forum|Forum]]
*[[Community#Collaborations|Collaborations]]</div>}}
{{Navbox_row|wikipage=Help/FAQ|contents=<div style="column-count:1;-moz-column-count:1;-webkit-column-count:1">
*[[Help/FAQ#Basic_Philosophy|Basic Philosophy]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Place_tools|Place tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Linear_Tools|Linear Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#User_Tools|User Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Interface|Interface]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Object_Language_Pages.29|Languages (Object Language Pages)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Interface.29|Languages (Interface)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Translations|Translations]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Satellite_Images|Satellite Imagery]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Wikipedia_content|Wikipedia Content]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Community|Community]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Help|Help]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Error_Messages|Error Messages]]
*[[Help/FAQ#External|External]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Advertising|Advertising]]
</div>}}
</div><noinclude>
;Parameters
* ''align'' - "right" (default), "left" or "none"
* ''width'' - "240" (default), "auto" or width size in px
* ''clear'' - "right" (default), "left" or "both"
</noinclude>

Template:Navbox row

2015-07-13T20:24:28Z

RK77:

<div style="border-bottom:1px solid #AAAAAA; padding:0 0.2em 0;">
<span style="font-size:1.4em; font-weight:bold;">{{#if:{{{wikipage18|}}}|[[{{{wikipage}}}|{{{wikipage18}}}]]|[[{{{wikipage}}}]]}}</span><br>
{{#ifeq:{{PAGENAME}}|{{{wikipage}}}|<div style="border:none;">__TOC__</div>|<span style="font-size:0.9em;">{{{contents}}}</span>}}
</div>
<noinclude>
; Parameters
* wikipage = Wiki name of destination page
* wikipage18 = [optional] Display name of destination page in local language
* contents = Description, list of subpage links, etc.
</noinclude>

Template:Navbox row

2015-07-13T20:23:50Z

RK77:

Template:Navbox row

2015-07-13T20:23:09Z

RK77:

<div style="border-top:1px solid #AAAAAA; border-bottom:1px solid #AAAAAA; padding:0 0.2em 0;">
<span style="font-size:1.4em; font-weight:bold;">{{#if:{{{wikipage18|}}}|[[{{{wikipage}}}|{{{wikipage18}}}]]|[[{{{wikipage}}}]]}}</span><br>
{{#ifeq:{{PAGENAME}}|{{{wikipage}}}|<div style="border:none;">__TOC__</div>|<span style="font-size:0.9em;">{{{contents}}}</span>}}
</div>
<noinclude>
; Parameters
* wikipage = Wiki name of destination page
* wikipage18 = [optional] Display name of destination page in local language
* contents = Description, list of subpage links, etc.
</noinclude>

Template:Navbox row

2015-07-13T20:19:05Z

RK77:

<div style="border:1px solid #AAAAAA; padding:0 0.2em 0;">
<span style="font-size:1.4em; font-weight:bold;">{{#if:{{{wikipage18|}}}|[[{{{wikipage}}}|{{{wikipage18}}}]]|[[{{{wikipage}}}]]}}</span><br>
{{#ifeq:{{PAGENAME}}|{{{wikipage}}}|<div style="border:none;">__TOC__</div>|<span style="font-size:0.9em;">{{{contents}}}</span>}}
</div>
<noinclude>
; Parameters
* wikipage = Wiki name of destination page
* wikipage18 = [optional] Display name of destination page in local language
* contents = Description, list of subpage links, etc.
</noinclude>

Main Page

2015-07-13T15:21:33Z

RK77: /* Policies */

{{Languages|Main_Page}}

__NOTOC__

'''This Documentation is an introduction to Wikimapia and an official reference manual of how to use Wikimapia features.'''

You can see links to the Documentation sections below. Clicking on any of the links therein will take you to its respective section.

=[[Quick start]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Quick_start#Advice_for_new_users|Advice for new users]]
*[[Quick_start#Exploring_the_map|Exploring the map]]
*[[Quick_start#Adding_place|Adding place]]
</div>

=[[About Wikimapia]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[About_Wikimapia#What_is_Wikimapia|What is Wikimapia]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Wikimapia_goal|Wikimapia goal]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Philosophy|Philosophy]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Principles|Principles]]
*[[About_Wikimapia#Neutral_point_of_view|Neutral point of view (NPOV)]]
</div>

=[[About_Wikimapia#Policies|Policies]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Wikimapia Guidelines]
*[http://wikimapia.org/terms_reference.html Wikimapia Terms Reference]
*[[Comment_Guidelines|Comment Guidelines]]
*[[Photos|Photo Policy]]
*[[Ban_Moderation#Copyrighted_Photo_Moderation|Copyrighted Photos Moderation]]
*[[Banning_Guidelines|Banning Guidelines]]
*[[Ban_Moderation|Ban Moderation]]
*[[Forum_Guidelines|Forum Guidelines]]
</div>

=[[Tools]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Tools#Editing_the_map|Editing the map]]
*[[Tools#Watchlist|Watchlist]]
*[[Tools#Status_grid|Status grid]]
*[[Tools#Map_shift|Map shift <span style="color:red; font-size:100%">'''*currently unavailable*'''</span>]]
*[[Tools#Reports_list:_Bug.2Ffeatures|Reports list: Bug/features]]
*[[Tools#Interface_translation|Interface translation]]
</div>

=[[User interface]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_interface#About_the_Wikimapia_Main_Screen|About the Wikimapia Main Screen]]
*[[User_interface#Edit_map|Edit map]]
*[[User_interface#Map_type|Map type]]
*[[User_interface#Categories|Categories]]
*[[User_interface#User_profile|User profile]]
*[[User_interface#Language_selection|Language selection]]
*[[User_interface#Search|Search]]
*[[User_interface#Zoom_Control.2F_Zoom_Levels|Zoom Control/ Zoom Levels]]
*[[User_interface#Coordinates|Coordinates]]
*[[User_interface#Wikimapia.27s_URL|Wikimapia's URL]]
</div>

=[[User profile/account]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[User_profile/account#Profile|Profile]]
*[[User_profile/account#Messages|Messages]]
*[[User_profile/account#Awards|Awards]]
*[[User_profile/account#Stats|Stats]]
*[[User_profile/account#Tools|Tools]]
</div>

=[[Community]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Community#User_levels|User levels]]
*[[Community#Awards|Awards]]
*[[Community#Voting|Voting]]
*[[Community#Special_roles|Special roles]]
*[[Community#Forum|Forum]]
*[[Community#Collaborations|Collaborations]]
</div>

=[[Help/FAQ]]=
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Help/FAQ#Basic_Philosophy|Basic Philosophy]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Place_tools|Place tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Linear_Tools|Linear Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#User_Tools|User Tools]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Interface|Interface]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Object_Language_Pages.29|Languages (Object Language Pages)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Languages_.28Interface.29|Languages (Interface)]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Translations|Translations]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Satellite_Images|Satellite Imagery]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Wikipedia_content|Wikipedia Content]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Community|Community]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Help|Help]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Error_Messages|Error Messages]]
*[[Help/FAQ#External|External]]
*[[Help/FAQ#Advertising|Advertising]]
</div>