Wikipedia:WikiProject Geographical coordinates/Linear
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There are a number of ways in which coordinates relating to linear features can be added to Wikipedia. As yet, there is no single method which has achieved consensus.
The best method may depend on the type of feature, its length, and the number of significant points of interest along it (though such points need not be sufficiently notable as to warrant their own article)
What are linear features
Linear features include, but are not limited to:
- Tracks, trails, etc.
- Roads
- Railway lines
- Bridges
- Tunnels
- Canals
- Borders
- Rivers
- Valleys
- Mountain ranges
Options
Editors may give:
- One pair of coordinates, for the mid point
- Two pairs of coordinates, one for each end
- Three pairs of coordinates, combining the above
- One pair of coordinates, for the most significant point (e.g. the estuary or mouth of a river)
- Multiple coordinates, for points of interest
- No coordinates
Main coordinates
In any of the above cases, which involve more than one pair of coordinates, a single (or "main") pair may be used as the coordinates for the whole article (and for its inclusion in partner sites such as Google Maps).
A "main" coordinate may not be appropriate for very long features; the definition of "very long" in this context is yet to be determined.
Flexibility is needed in order to label a representative point. For example, a canal's "main" coordinates may be best given as a point where it is a body of water; a nearby location may be better than a midpoint occupied by a notable or atypical object such as a tunnel or causeway.
Solutions
- Whole article as table:
- Table in article (non-collapsible):
- Table in article (collapsible):
- Mouth of river:
- Both end points; plus middle as "main" coordinates:
- Each end:
Templates
These templates may be useful:
- {{coord}} - for each point's coordinates
- {{kml}} - maps of all coordinates; coordinates as KML download; etc.
Draft recommendations
| feature | main coordinates 1 | further recommended coordinates 2 | optional additions3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| bridge | midpoint | both ends | features crossed, support pillars |
| canal | midpoint | both ends | junctions, wharves, crossings, locks |
| railway | midpoint | both ends | stations, former stations, junctions |
| river | estuary/mouth 4 | source, major confluences | crossings, other confluences, boundaries crossed, weirs, major changes in direction |
| road | midpoint | both ends | towns passed, junctions, features crossed |
| route | southwest end | unambiguous midpoints of major segments5 | endpoints |
| tunnel | midpoint | both portals | ventilation shafts |
| valley | ??? | both ends? | watersheds, rivers, settlements, landmarks, features |
Notes:
- See above.
- For very short features (e.g. a small bridge) just the mid-point will suffice.
- For very long features, only major points of interest should be included.
- River mid-points may be difficult to locate, if the source varies seasonally.
- To be unambiguous, the point must not be near any intersection
Out of scope
This guideline is not intended to cover:
- Polygons (e.g. country or county outlines)
- Lines of latitude or longitude.
- Forked, branched or other irregular features
- Non-linear collections of points interest (e.g. "all cathedrals in England")
- Areas which are longer than they are wide (e.g. Italy, Texas Coastal Bend), but not truly linear.