Finding Points to Edit
In our previous editor, points on the map were color-coded to indicate which level of editing they had been through (unedited, standard, peer reviewed, advanced, USGS reviewed). We’ve simplified this aspect of editing, so you’ll no longer have to worry about who has previously edited a point. But if you aren’t scanning the map for different colored points, how do you know which data to edit?
There are two main ways to find points to edit:
1) Points with a red or yellow border
2) Mapping challenges
In the TNMCorps map editor, you'll see points without a border (black), points with a red border, points with a yellow border, and points that are gray with a black or yellow border. Volunteers should focus on editing points with a red or yellow border, or points found in the mapping challenges, rather than just scanning the imagery for points to edit.
1. Points with a Red or Yellow Border
Points with a Red Border
Points with a red border have been uploaded directly by USGS and have never been edited. All editor roles (Standard, Peer Review, and Advanced) can edit red points on the map.
Points with a Yellow Border
Points with a yellow border have not been edited in at least 3 years. There are many structure types (e.g., ambulances) that change frequently, so marking this data allows us to ensure it is getting reviewed on a regular basis. All editor roles (Standard, Peer Review, and Advanced) can edit yellow points on the map.
Other Points:
Black Points
Black points with no border have been previously edited. These can still be reviewed and edited as needed, but we encourage you to focus on points with a red border or find points to edit via the mapping challenges.
Gray Points with a Black or Yellow Border
Points that are gray with a black border have been marked for deletion by a volunteer within the last three years and are pending USGS review. Points that are gray with a yellow border were marked for deletion by a volunteer at least three years ago and are pending USGS review. In the new editor, a point marked for deletion can be “undeleted” by a volunteer. If you find a point that has been marked for deletion and you think this is an error (after doing thorough research), you can select the point to edit it, and click on the “delete” slider bar to undelete it. Don’t forget to check for duplicate points nearby before doing this.
2. Mapping Challenges
The other recommended way to find points to edit is through the built-in mapping challenges. There are two main types of challenges: those to fix specific error types, and those based on your editing role. Occasionally we will also introduce mapping challenges based on structure type and / or a specific area of interest.
Points get funneled into challenges based on possible errors or missing requirements.
Points edited by Standard Editors all go into a Peer Reviewer challenge for Peer Reviewers and Advanced Editors to verify.
Challenges are designated as easy, moderate, or difficult. Volunteers can participate in any challenge, but Standard Editors are encouraged to focus on those listed as “easy,” while Peer Reviewers and Advanced Editors are asked to focus on those listed as “moderate” or “difficult.”
NOTE: While challenges direct you to focus on, and fix a specific issue, we do ask that you research each point as you normally would to ensure that it is valid, and that the location and attribute information is all correct.