OpenRailwayMap/Tagging

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This page describes OpenRailwayMap tagging scheme.

The tagging scheme below is kept highly generic in order to be applicable internationally. More information on specific details for certain countries (such as signals, operating procedures), including illustrated examples, are available.

Many tags have a standard value. These values can be used by applications if the tag is not set. In this case the software expects that the standard value is the correct value. If the value of a tag is equal to the standard value, you do not need to set this tag, because the software automatically selects the correct value. Nevertheless you can set the tag, to show other mappers that you did not forget to set this tag and to prevent conflicts with other applications.

Tagging scheme

Infrastructure

Tracks

way Each track is to be treated separately. Thus, double track lines are to be mapped with two separate tracks. Tags such as tracks=* are not interpreted by OpenRailwayMap, because each mapped way is treated as a single track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway rail (active) track A track that is used on a regular basis.
proposed Planned track A planned track, still in the design phase (no construction yet).
construction Track under construction construction=* can be used for a more precise description. It obtains the value usually given to railway=*, such as railway=construction and construction=narrow_gauge.
disused Disused track The track is preserved (can still be seen) but is no longer in use and possibly overgrown.
abandoned Abandoned track While the track no longer holds any rails or signals, the former line (or even a trackbed) can still be seen. These remains might include embankments, trenches, bridges and tunnels.
razed Overbuilt track A former track that has been built upon. While some remains might still be seen, the former route is subject to educated guesses for the most part. Note that mapping demolished railways without traces should be done in OpenHistoricalMap - not in OpenStreetMap.
narrow_gauge Narrow-gauge track A track with a gauge (width) narrower than typical to this country. A gauge might be defined by the tag gauge=* using the unit of millimeters. For tracks with three rails, the tag railway=rail can be used, specifying both gauges by gauge=*, separated by a semicolon (such as 1435;1000).
light_rail City railway, sometimes "Suburban" City railway and tramlike underground trains, sometimes "suburban." These can be heavy trains, differ in power system (usually electric, occasionally diesel), have their own signals and are a distinct vehicle fleet. These usually are in a dedicated right-of-way, rarely having level crossings with road traffic. However, in denser urban areas these can be street-running like a tram, even while remaining tagged railway=light_rail. North American examples include San Diego Trolley, San Francisco Muni, Portland MAX, Calgary CTrain, Dallas DART, Cleveland Blue and Green Lines, The Tide in Norfolk, Baltimore Light Rail and Buffalo Metro Rail where passenger=urban might be found more frequently (instead of passenger=suburban, which are considered more "commuter" railways using full-sized "heavy rail" railcars).
subway Subway/Metro Underground railway in larger cities, powered mostly by third rail. It has its own vehicles and signal system. Sometimes it also comes to the surface or is on an aerial causeway for a segment. Do not map ordinary railway, which goes partially underground, with this tag! (Instead, use layer=-1 or a "deeper" negative value and tunnel=yes). Subway/Metro is usually considered "heavy rail" and is always distinct from "light rail."
tram Tram Mostly overground on-street laid tracks ("street-running"). It is common that vehicles like motorcars can share traffic lanes with trams. Some special railways similar to trams might be also mapped using this tag. Larger parts of tram tracks can also go underground (use layer=-1 or a "deeper" negative value and/or tunnel=yes). Some tram routes also use ordinary railway tracks. These should me mapped as ordinary railway tracks (railway=rail).
miniature Miniature railway Small railways in parks for entertainment or as a tourist attraction, mostly narrow gauge (up to 600mm). These are often a "scale" of a "standard" railroad size, for example "1/4 scale miniature railroad."
name <line name> Railway line name The name of a railway line e.g. Illinois Central. Use this tag for proper names only. You should not enter descriptions such as Boston - Washington, DC or the name of the track inside a station, like Track 5. See also Names#Name is the name only.
description <line description> Railway line descriptions Railway line names which are more descriptive, rather than a name (see Names#Name is the name only), e.g. Boston - Washington, DC or Track 5.
ref <line number> Railway line number The reference number of the railway line the track belongs to.
railway:track_ref <track number> Track number Number of a track inside railway station area.
railway:track_capacity <number> Track capacity Effective track length in meters. Usually it's a length between two neighboring signals. Needed to understand the maximal length of the train the track could accept.
railway:track_capacity_cars <number> Track capacity in wagons The same as railway:track_capacity=* but expressed in so called conventional wagons. Denotes a maximal number of wagons (rail cars) which station track can capace.
historic railway Historic railway track Should be used in conjunction with railway=disused, railway=abandoned, and railway=razed.
railway:preserved yes/no Preserved railway track Heritage railways or railways which are operated with the aim to preserve the historical state (vehicles, buildings, signaling). Usually (but not necessarily) such tracks are operated by railroad museums for the purpose of tourism, although there are also lines with regular public transport with historic trains or restored rail vehicles (e.g. San Diego Trolley Silver Line, San Francisco Muni E and F). This tag replaces railway=preserved (see OpenRailwayMap/Aktiventreffen 2014 2#museumsbahnen).
no
usage Warning: Inside railway station area, use usage=* only for the main tracks (not for siding, yard tracks etc.). That also applies for crossover or overtaking tracks outside of the railway stations. Always use this tag only on the main tracks. As an exception, you may use usage=industrial and usage=military on siding and yard tracks, and crossovers in industrial areas such as harbors and mines.
main Main line Main line, mostly double tracked and electrified. Use this tag on railways with high maximum speed and dense traffic. Railway crossings are mostly elevated. In North America, this can include single-tracked non-electrified line, especially over very long distances.
branch Branch line Branch lines, which are mostly single tracked, not electrified and with lower maximum speed. Railway crossings are mostly at the same level as tracks.
industrial Industrial line Lines that serve only goods transport. Found in larger ports and industrial areas. Often owned by an industrial company, sometimes by a railroad. As an exception, you may use usage=industrial on siding and yard tracks, and crossovers in industrial areas such as harbors and mines. With increasing frequency in North America, usage=industrial is used to denote lines which are primarily or exclusively freight, especially on spurs to industrial areas that are not necessarily harbors, mines or lumberyards: these may serve factories or clusters of industrial activity along a rail spur in (often urban) industrial-zoned areas.
military Tracks used by military Military-used tracks. Often between railway station and ammunition storage areas but may also be found on spurs to and within military bases.
tourism Tracks used mainly or exclusively by tourists Lines used mainly by tourists on "excursions," frequently in service only during summer. Sometimes these are run by museums featuring historical trains. These are seldom a significant part of a local transportation network.
test Tracks used for testing Tracks used for testing of new rail vehicles, wheels, tracks and technologies.
scientific Isolated tracks at observatories or spaceports In North America, tracks at large observatories (like Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array) or spaceports (Kennedy Space Center).
highspeed yes/no High-speed line Is this line a high-speed line (with permissible speeds greater than 200 kph)? Such lines may have ballastless/slab track and usually have no level crossings. Most of the traffic is usually long(er)-distance passenger trains, usually dedicated high(er)-speed trains. no
railway:tilting yes/no Tilting If this track is designed for tilting trains (used for the possibility to go through curves faster) no
railway:gnt yes/no Tilting system
lit yes/no Lighting Is this track lit? no
electrified yes Electrified - system not specified This tag is to be used when the system of electrification is unknown. Mappers should use electrified=contact_line, rail, 4th_rail, or ground-level_power_supply where they are able to identify the system by use of aerial imagery or other means.
no Not electrified Used for non-electrified tracks.
contact_line Contact line Used for tracks electrified with overhead contact line (OCL) / overhead contact system (OCS) / overhead line equipment (OLE)
4th_rail 4th contact rail Used for tracks electrified with a 4th rail system, with two additional rails on insulators and two shoe pickup by the train, and traction current returning via one of the insulated rails
rail 3rd contact rail Used for tracks electrified with a 3rd rail system, with one additional rail on insulators, using shoe pickup by the train, and traction return via the running rail(s)
ground-level_power_supply ground-level power supply Used for tracks electrified with ground-level power supply on Wikipedia.
electrified:rail top/side/bottom Contact type The contact type of the third rail.
abandoned:electrified yes De-electrified Used for tracks that were formerly electrified, but have since been removed.
contact_line Contact line Used for tracks with a catenary/contact line above them.
rail Contact rail Used for tracks electrified by a contact rail/third rail.
deelectrified <same values as electrified> De-electrified Used for tracks that were formerly electrified, but have since been removed. The usage of this tag is discouraged. Use abandoned:electrified=* instead, with optional usage of abandoned:frequency=* and abandoned:voltage=*.
voltage <voltage in volts> Voltage Voltage of the railway electrification system. Current systems on Wikipedia
frequency <frequency in hertz> Frequency Frequency of the railway electrification system. Use frequency=0 for direct current. More information 0
gauge <Distance between rails in millimetres> Track gauge Distance between rails of the track. For example, in North America, mostly 1435mm, tagged gauge=1435. Track gauge on Wikipedia 1435
embedded yes Embedded rail Used for tracks that are embedded in any sort of pavement. This is often for level crossings, but it can also be seen for street running on Wikipedia, embedded slab track, or other such anomalies.
pavement Pavement embedded rail Embedded rail where the gaps on the sides of the rail and flangeway are the same pavement material.
metal Metal cover plate Embedded rail where the gaps on the sides of the rail and flangeway are covered with a metal plating.
wood Wood cover Embedded rail where the gaps on the sides of the rail and flangeway are covered or filled with wood planks. This is an older method that's largely replaced because of rot.
plastic Plastic cover Embedded rail where the gaps on the sides of the rail and flangeway are covered or filled with plastic.
railway:rail jointed/continuous Connection of rails What type of rail it is. It is either jointed track on Wikipedia, which is bolted together at joints by joint bars/fishplates, or continuously-welded rail on Wikipedia, where the joints are welded together to form a single rail that is often several miles long.
railway:track_class <track class> Track class The track class of the railway line, see Track classes on Wikipedia
loading_gauge <Loading gauge> Loading gauge The allowed loading gauge,which defines the maximum size of the vehicles, see Loading gauge on Wikipedia. This tag replaces structure_gauge=*.
metre_load <metre load in tons per metre> Metre load The maximum allowed weight per metre of rolling stock in tons per metre. Please mind that this tag is spelled in British English with "re" at the end.
axle_load <axle load in tons> Axle load The maximum allowed axle load of rolling stock in tons.
railway:ballastless yes/no Slab track Does the trackbed lack ballast? no
rack yes/no Rack (Cog) Railway on Wikipedia Is the railway equipped with a rack system or not? no
riggenbach Riggenbach system on Wikipedia The rack system used is the Riggenbach system.
strub Strub system on Wikipedia The rack system used is the Strub system.
abt Abt system on Wikipedia The rack system used is the Abt system.
locher Locher system on Wikipedia The rack system used is the Locher system.
riggenbach-klose Riggenbach-Klose system The rack system used is the Riggenbach-Klose system.
marsh Marsh system on Wikipedia The rack system used is the Marsh system.
von_roll Lamella (von Roll) System on Wikipedia The rack system used is the Lamella system, also known as the von Roll system.
railway:traffic_mode mixed Mixed traffic Lines are used regularly by both passenger and freight trains mixed
passenger Passenger traffic Lines dedicated to passenger trains (might have some exceptions, especially temporally i.e. freight only during 0200-0330).
freight Freight traffic Lines dedicated to freight trains (might have some exceptions).
railway:freight Lumber/Chemicals/Automobiles/Steel products/Coal/other custom values Transported goods on freight lines The type of freight that is transported on a line. This tag is useful for industrial spurs and branch lines connecting industrial plants with the rest of the network. This tag should not be used for through freight lines (in most cases main lines) on which all kinds of freight are transported. Separate multiple values with ;
maxspeed <Maximum speed> Maximum speed The maximum permissible speed in a track section. If in units other than kph, enter the speed followed by a space and the units (e.g., "10 mph"). For dynamic speeds (such as signals) the highest speed limit should be tagged. Speeds for directions can be defined by maxspeed:forward=* and maxspeed:backward=*.
maxspeed:tilting <Permissible speed> Maximum speed for tilting trains Maximum speed for trains equipped with tilting system. Used mainly in curves, where tilting allows for greater maximum speeds. If this is dependent on other conditions, for example daylight, wind speed etc. enter the highest possible speed limit. Speeds for directions can be defined by maxspeed:tilting:forward=* and maxspeed:tilting:backward=*.
service Warning: Use tag service=* on all tracks that are not main, that means for all sidings, crossovers, yard tracks, spurs etc.
yard Yard track Tracks mostly in railway stations used by railway companies for assembling and disassembling of trains. Mostly numbered (use railway:track_ref=* ).
siding Siding track Track parallel to main tracks, mostly in railway stations, used for overtaking. Often there are platforms next to them. Main tracks shouldn't be tagged with service=*.
spur Spurs Mostly short tracks leading from railway lines to industrial areas. When there are more complicated systems of spur tracks, consider also using other tags from category service=*.
crossover Crossover track Short tracks used by trains to change from one main track to the other. To be found only on double or more tracked railways. Often found in stations and at (crossover) junctions.
railway:radio analogue/gsm-r Train radio Which radio system is used on this line? gsm-r
operator <operator_name> Operator The operator of the track (infrastructure, not train).
embankment yes/no Embankment Is the track elevated using earth or concrete dam? no
cutting yes/no Cutting Is the track set in lowered terrain? no
railway:preferred_direction Warning: The direction of OSM-ways does matter! This tag is important for routing, it tells the software which track of a multi-track line should be preferred. Not especially important in railway stations (allowed directions may change there).
forward Normal direction of running equal to OSM way The normal direction of running on this track is equal to the direction of the OSM way (for multi-track lines only).
backward Normal direction of running against OSM way The normal direction of running on this track is against the direction of the OSM way (for multi-track lines only).
both No preferred direction There is no preferred direction of running; trains on this track run in both directions. This tag is used for single-track lines. Multi-track lines with bidirectional traffic are tagged with railway:preferred_direction=forward or railway:preferred_direction=backward.
railway:bidirectional Warning: The direction of OSM-ways does matter! This tag is important for routing, it tells us, whether it is possible to navigate this track in wanted direction. Not especially important in railway stations (allowed directions may change there).
regular Regular bidirectional operation The track is equipped with signaling in both directions and sees rail traffic in both directions.
signals Signalized wrong line operation Each track of a multitrack line is equipped with signaling only in one direction. Usually trains do not use the "wrong" track. Under special circumstances like construction works on the normal track, trains can take the "wrong" track running in the opposite direction.
possible Falschfahrt möglich Each track of a multitrack line is equipped with signaling only in one direction and the signals do not offer a possibility for trains to run on a track in the opposite "wrong" direction.
start_date <date> Date of inauguration The date at which a line (or a track) went into service. For information on its syntax, see start_date=*
end_date <date> Date of closedown The date at which a line (or a track) went out of service. More information on its syntax is, again, available end_date=*
incline up/down/<slope> Slope The slope (inclination) of track, in its direction. This tag can either carry a numeric value or up/down. See incline=* for more information.
railway:interlaced yes/no Gauntlet/interlaced track This track is part of a Gauntlet track on Wikipedia (also known as interlaced track). Please map all involved tracks as independent OSM ways. no
railway:passing_prohibited left/right/yes/both/no Passing prohibited Trains must not pass with other trains on the left/right/any/both neighboring tracks on this section because there is not enough space between the tracks or the tracks are interlaced. no
workrules working rules Describes which working rules (usually a law) applies on this track. For possible values see workrules=*

Train protection systems

way A train protection system is mapped as property of a track way. Please note some difficulties:

  • train protection systems can differ per country
  • train protection systems can differ within a country
  • a single track can be compatible with multiple train protection systems (dual signalling)
  • a single train protection system can have different versions/levels
Key Value Property Description Default
value
railway:acses yes/no Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System Is the track equipped with the North American ACSES system ACSES on Wikipedia? no
railway:als,

railway:alsn,

railway:alst,

railway:also,

railway:als-en

railway:alsr,

railway:als-ars

yes/no Aвтоматическая Локомотивная Cигнализация Is the track equipped with any variant of the Russian signalling system ALS?

Is the track equipped with the Russian continuous signalling system ALSN on Wikipedia?

Is the track equipped with its non-continuous ALST variant?

Is the track equipped with its no-light ALSO variant?

Is the track equipped with its highspeed ALS-EN variant?

Is the track equipped with its radio-based ALSR variant?

Is the track equipped with its automatic train control variant (used in subways)?

no
railway:ases yes/no Advanced Speed Enforcement System (ASES) Is the track equipped with the North American system Ansaldo STS USA Inc's Advanced Speed Enforcement System (ASES)? no
railway:asfa,

railway:asfa_fac,

railway:asfa_200

yes/no Anuncio de Señales y Frenado Automático Is the track equipped with the regular version of the Spanish system ASFA on Wikipedia (up to 160 km/h)?

Is the track equipped with the ASFA system that is used on several unconnected lines in Catalonia?

Is the track equipped with the 200 km/h compatible version of ASFA? Note that ASFA Digital does not change track systems!

no
railway:atb,

railway:atb-eg,

railway:atb-ng,

railway:atb-vv

yes/no Automatische

Trein Beïnvloeding

Is the track equipped with any Dutch ATB on Wikipedia system?

Is the track equipped with the 'first generation' Dutch signalling system ATB?

Is the track equipped with the 'new generation' Dutch signalling system ATB?

Is the ATB system equipped with extra beacons to ensure protection at low speeds?

no
railway:atc yes/no Automatic Train Control Is the track equipped with Automatic Train Control on Wikipedia? no
railway:atp yes/no Automatic Train Protection Is the track equipped with the British system ATP on Wikipedia?

The tags railway:gwatp and railway:gw_atp add a Great Western prefix, which is incorrect.

no
railway:aws yes/no Automatic Warning System Is the track equipped with the British system AWS on Wikipedia? no
railway:bm yes/no/bmu/bmus/bmcv/bamu/bnmb/bmvu/bmvuse/blu/blus Block Manuel Is the track equipped with the French system Block Manuel on Wikipedia? If so, the type of system may also be specified. no
railway:bal yes/no Block Automatique Lumineux Is the track equipped with the French system Block Automatique Lumineux on Wikipedia? no
railway:bapr yes/no Block Automatique à Permissivité Restreinte Is the track equipped with the French system Block Automatique à Permissivité Restreinte on Wikipedia? no
railway:caws yes/no Continuous Automatic Warning System Is the track equipped with the Irish system CAWS on Wikipedia? no
railway:cbtc uto/sto/dto/yes/no Communications Based Train Control Is the track equipped with the a CBTC-standard system on Wikipedia? If so, the level of automation may also be specified. no
railway:crocodile yes/no Crocodile Is the track equipped with the Belgian, French and Luxembourg system Crocodile on Wikipedia no
railway:ctcs 0/1/2/3D/3/4/yes/no 中国列车控制系统 Is the track equipped with the Chinese system CTCS on Wikipedia? If so, the CTCS level may also be specified. no
railway:ebicab 700/900/yes/no EBICAB Is the track equipped with the Bombardier system EBICAB on Wikipedia? If so, the EBICAB version may also be specified. no
railway:etcs 1/2/3/yes/no European Train Control System Is the track equipped with the European system, ETCS on Wikipedia? If so, the ETCS level may also be specified. no
railway:eevb yes/no Egyesített Éberségi és Vonatbefolyásoló Berendezés Is the track equipped with the Hungarian system EÉVB on Wikipedia? no
railway:etms yes/no Electronic Train Management System (ETMS) Is the track equipped with the North American system Wabtec's Electronic Train Management System, (ETMS)? no
railway:evm yes/no Elektronikus Vonatmegállító Is the track equipped with the Hungarian system EVM on Wikipedia? no
railway:hkt

railway:f-hkt

yes/no HastighedsKontol og automatisk Togstop Is the track equipped with the Danish system HKT on Wikipedia?

Is the track equipped with the simplified HKT version?

no
railway:integra_signum yes/no Integra Signum Is the track equipped with the Swiss Integra Signum system? no
railway:itcs yes/no Incremental Train Control System (ITCS) Is the track equipped with the North American system GE Transportation Systems' Incremental Train Control System (ITCS)? no
railway:kvb yes/no Contrôle de Vitesse

par Balises

Is the track equipped with the French system KVB on Wikipedia? no
railway:ls yes/no Liniový Systém Is the track equipped with the Czech system LS on Wikipedia? no
railway:lzb yes/no Linienförmige

Zugbeeinflussung

Is the line equipped with the German system LZB on Wikipedia? no
railway:octys yes/no Open Control of Trains, Interchangeable & Integrated System Is the line equipped with the French system OCTYS on Wikipedia ? no
railway:ouragan yes/no Offre Urbaine Renouvelée et Améliorée, Gérée par un Automatisme Nouveau Is the line equipped with the French system OURAGAN on Wikipedia ? no
railway:ptc yes/no Positive train control Is the track equipped with the North American PTC on Wikipedia system? no
railway:pzb yes/no Punktförmige

Zugbeeinflussung

Is the track equipped with the German system PZB on Wikipedia? no
railway:sacem yes/no Système d'Aide à la Conduite, à l'Exploitation et à la Maintenance Is the track equipped with the French system SACEM on Wikipedia? no
railway:saet yes/no Système d'Automatisation de l'Exploitation des Trains Is the track equipped with the French system SAET on Wikipedia ? no
railway:scmt yes/no Sistema di Controllo della Marcia del Treno Is the track equipped with the Italian system SCMT on Wikipedia? no
railway:selcab yes/no SELCAB Is the track equipped with the Alcatel SELCAB train protection system? no
railway:shp yes/no Samoczynne Hamowanie Pociągu Is the track equipped with the Polish system SHP on Wikipedia? no
railway:ssc yes/no Sistema di Supporto alla Condotta Is the track Equipped with the Italian system Sistema di supporto alla condotta SSC on Wikipedia on Wikipedia? no
railway:tasc yes/no 定位置停止装置 Is the track equipped with the Japanese Train Automatic Stopping Controller TASC on Wikipedia? no
railway:tbl yes/1/1+/2/no Transmissie Baken-Lokomotief Is the track equipped with the Belgian TBL 1 on Wikipedia, TBL 1+ on Wikipedia or TBL 2 on Wikipedia system? Please apply 'yes', or the highest version. no
railway:tpws yes/no Train Protection & Warning System Is the track equipped with the British system TPWS on Wikipedia? no
railway:tvm 300/430/yes/no Transmission Voie-Machine Is the track equipped with the French system TVM on Wikipedia? no
railway:zbs yes/no Zugbeeinflussung S-Bahn Berlin Is the track equipped with the Berlin light rail signalling system ZSB on Wikipedia? no
railway:zsl90 yes/no Zugsicherung mit Linienleiter 1990 Is the track equipped with ZSL 90 signalling system (ZSL 90 on Wikipedia) no
railway:zsi127 yes/no Trainguard ZSI 127 Is the track equipped with Trainguard ZSI 127 signalling system (ZSI 127 on Wikipedia) no
railway:zub,

railway:zub121,

railway:zub122,

railway:zub123,

railway:zub222c

yes/no Zugbeeinflussung Is the track equipped with any Siemens ZUB signalling system?

Is the track equipped with the Siemens ZUB 121 signalling system?

Is the track equipped with the Siemens ZUB 122 signalling system?

Is the track equipped with the Siemens ZUB 123 signalling system?

Is the track equipped with the Siemens ZUB 222c signalling system?

Is the track equipped with Euro-ZUB? Please tag as ECTS.

no
railway:satp yes/no Полуавтоматическая блокировка Is the track equipped with the Semiautomatic Автоблокировка#Полуавтоматическая_блокировка Train Control System on Wikipedia (used in post-soviet countries)? no
railway:atp3b yes/no Трёхзначная автоблокировка Is the track equipped with the Автоблокировка#Трёхзначная_АБ 3 Block Train Control System on Wikipedia (used in post-soviet countries)? no
railway:atp4b yes/no Четырёхзначная автоблокировка Is the track equipped with the Автоблокировка#Четырёхзначная_АБ 4 Block Train Control System on Wikipedia (used in post-soviet countries)? no

Bridges

wayrelation Can be tagged as a way, in addition to be added to a bridge relation to represent the entire bridge.

Key Value Property Description Default value
bridge yes/cantilever/covered/movable/trestle/viaduct Bridge type What kind of bridge carrying the track is. Remember to create separate ways and add them to a bridge relation if the bridge span has a movable bridge at the center. If none of the defined types, enter bridge=yes. no
bridge:movable bascule/lift/swing Movable bridge type Only tag this if the bridge is tagged as bridge=movable.
layer <layer> Layer To describe the vertical relationship to other bridges and features. 1
bridge:name <Bridge name> Bridge name The name of the bridge.
image <URL> Image The URL to an image of the bridge (If possible images from Wikimedia Commons should be used). Please only use for important bridge and not for small ones (e.g. crossing a small stream). In general it's considered useful to have an image, when there is a Wikipedia article about the bridge.
bridge:wikipedia <language code>:<article name> Wikipedia article Wikipedia article about the bridge, please use the format <language code>:<article name>

Tunnels

wayrelation

Key Value Property Description Default value
tunnel yes Tunnel The track is in a tunnel no
layer <layer> Layer To describe the vertical relationship to other tunnels and features. -1
tunnel:name <Tunnel name> Tunnel name Name of the tunnel
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the tunnel (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
tunnel:wikipedia <language code>:<article name> Wikipedia article Wikipedia article about the tunnel, please use the format <language code>:<article name>

It is also possible to use a tunnel relation.

Switches

See main article Tag:railway=switch

node In OpenStreetMap, switches are connection points of two railway tracks. They are defined by the following tags:

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway switch Switch General tag for a railway switch. Without it, a crossing of two tracks might either be interpreted as a flat (passive) crossing or a slip switch.
ref <Switch> Reference Identifier/reference number of a switch. In many cases this will be written on the corresponding switch drive or switchpoint light.
railway:local_operated yes/no Locally operated Is this switch operated locally (e.g.: manually through a lever), or rather remotely operated from a signal box? no
railway:local_operated:lockable yes/no Lockable switch Locally positioned switches can have a switch lock with which the switch can be locked in one position. no
railway:local_operated:home_position yes/no Lockable switch with basic position A local switch can have a home position to which the switch is to be set when the local operation is finished. no
railway:switch:electric yes/no Electric drive Is this switch operated electrically (through some kind of switch drive)? yes
railway:radius <Divering track radius in m> / clothoid The radius of the diverging track

or "clothoid" if the diverging track starts with a clothoid. This descending radius can be found in high speed switches.

railway:maxspeed:straight <Speed> Permissible speed on the straight track The maximum permissible speed (in kph) on the straight track. If using miles per hour, suffix with mph.
railway:maxspeed:diverging <Speed> Maximum permissible speed on the diverging track. The maximum permissible speed (in kph) on the diverging track.
railway:turnout_side left/right Side of turnout Specifies on what side of the switch the new track branches out on. Unnecessary on three-way, wye, and double slip switches. For curved turnouts, this is typically the track with a smaller curve radius (a sharper curve).
railway:switch default Default switch Default switches with a straight and a curved track as well as curved switches. default
three_way Three-way switch on Wikipedia A switch with two branching tracks, instead of the typical one.
single_slip Single slip switch on Wikipedia A combination between a switch and a crossover, but only provides a single switching direction. X-shaped points where you can go straight or curved from one track.
double_slip Double slip switch on Wikipedia A combination between a switch and a crossover, that provides switching in two directions unlike the single slip. X-shaped points where you can go straight or curved from either track.
wye Wye switch on Wikipedia A switch where the trailing ends curve symmetrically away from each other.
abt Abt switch In funiculars, an automatic switch that allows the cars to pass each other.
curved Curved turnout A turnout consisting of two curves with different radii
railway:switch:curved railway:switch:curved/railway:switch:curved Curve layout

(curved turnouts only!)

Centres of the curves of the through track and the branch are on the same side: inside curved turnout

Centres of the curves of the through track and the branch are on opposite sides: outside curved turnout

railway:switch:switch_blade spring/flexing Switch blade type Flexing blades pivot around a joint at the heel of the blade. Spring blades bend to and from their stock rails
railway:switch:resetting yes/no Resetting switch Does this switch automatically reset to a default position?
railway:switch:configuration inside/outside Switch blade location Are the switch blades located on the inside of the switch or the outside (e.g.: outside slip switch on Wikipedia.
railway:switch:movable_frog yes/no Movable frog Is the frog movable (e.g.: in a swingnose crossing on Wikipedia) or fixed? no
railway:switch:heated yes/no Switch heating Is the switch being heated at temperatures below 0 °C to prevent freezing?

Crossings

See main article Tag:railway=railway_crossing

node A crossing is a place where two tracks cross each other at grade, without the option to switch track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway railway_crossing Crossing Crossings are points, where there are two tracks crossing each other. Use this on the joint node.
railway:railway_crossing:movable yes/no Gap closing Some crossings have movable parts that close the gaps of the used track

Derailers, trap points, catch points

See main article Tag:railway=derail

node A derailer is a device on a track to protect other tracks from an unauthorized movement by derailing it.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway derail Derailer A device placed on a track to protect the track from unauthorized movement by derailing it. In the case where a derailer is physically at the same location as a signal (railway=signal), they cannot be placed on the same node, as they are the signal and derailer are both values of the same key.
railway:derail wedge derailer A wedge to derail vehicles which are placed in siding tracks and move unauthorized. Used in Germany and US.
trap_point trap point A switch without a frog on Wikipedia, used to derail trains with pass a stop signal. Used in UK, not in Germany.
catch_point catch point "Catch points used where track follows a rising gradient. They are used to derail (or "catch") any unauthorised vehicles travelling down the gradient." (Wikipedia on Wikipedia)
railway:local_operated yes/no Locally operated Is this derailer operated locally (e.g.: manually through a lever), or rather remotely operated from a signal box? no
ref <designation> Designation The name/number of the derailer used by the railroad, which is often at its lever or actuator.

Buffer stops

See main article Tag:railway=buffer_stop

node A buffer stop prevents cars from rolling past the end of a track. In most cases this device should be tagged on the end node of a track, but there are also buffer stops in the middle of a track that should be mapped on their real position instead at the end of the track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway buffer_stop Buffer stop

Track clear detectors

node Train detection systems for the use of block signalling, such as an axle counter or a track circuit. They should be mapped as a node on the track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway vacancy_detection Train clear detector A pair of devices located at the beginning and end of a signal block, with the purpose to detect the presence of a train in the block.
railway:vacancy_detection insulated_rail_joint Track circuit on Wikipedia The electrical isolation of each signal block from each other and parallel rails. When the train passes over the block, the wheel and axle completes the circuit and energizes the signal relay. This should be mapped at the relay on one end, or where the electricity is supplied at the opposite end.
axle_counter Axle counter on Wikipedia Pair of devices used to compare how many axles enter and exit a signal block.

Rail lubricators

node Rail lubricators are stationary devices for grease putting and distribution on the rail track in curves and similar places. They should be mapped as a node on the track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway lubricator Rail lubricator Device for grease putting and distribution on the rail track.

Railway territories

See main article Tag:landuse=railway

area Areas used by railway companies such as stations, yards, etc.

Key Value Property Description Default value
landuse railway Railway territory Areas used by railway companies such as stations, yards, etc.

Level crossings

See main article Tag:railway=level_crossing

node Level crossings are grade-level crossings of road and rail. Each crossing point is to be tagged by the following crossing tags:

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Level crossings no longer in use may be tagged by disused: and abandoned:. (Example: disused:railway=level_crossing).
railway level_crossing Level crossing A level crossing. In this scheme, there is no difference between road and footway crossings since there is not only often a smooth transition in between but also since this information can be derived from the ways involved.
crossing:barrier half/double_half/full/gate/yes/no Barriers Are there any barriers at this crossing (yes/no). Moreover the type of barriers can be stated as well: half boom gates, double half boom gates, full boom gates, gates (UK), any type of gate (crossing:barrier=yes), no barriers no
crossing:light yes/no Light signal Is there a warning light at the crossing? no
crossing:saltire yes/no Saltire Does the crossing have saltires? Or in North America crossbucks? no
crossing:on_demand yes/no On-demand crossing Is this a level-crossing that is usually closed and is only opened on demand (German "Anrufschranke"). no
crossing:bell yes/no Audio warning Is there an audio warning, such as a bell? no
crossing:chicane yes/no Chicane Is there any barrier that forces pedestrians to look in both directions before reaching the actual tracks? (German Wikipedia) no
railway:position <Kilometer/Mile> Position Rounded position, such as 12.3. Might be depicted on signals or technical buildings next to the crossing. If using miles, prefix the number with mi:.
railway:position:exact <Kilometer/Mile> Exact position Exact position of the level-crossing, such as 12.345. If using miles, prefix the number with mi:.
railway:ref <Number> Designation Internal designation of the crossing, not to be used for informal names or positions.
ref:fra_crossing <string> FRA crossing reference ID The code by which the Federal Railway Administration refers to this crossing by in their crossing inventory. Only applicable in the United States.
crossing:supervision no/camera/attendant/automatic/phone Type of supervision no supervision/camera/attendant/automatic (technical equipment which checks that no vehicles/persons remain on the tracks)/phone (used on on-demand crossings) no
crossing:activation automatic/remote/local Type of activation automatic (contacts)/remote (train director)/in field (attendant/train staff)
railway:level_crossing:closure:average average closure time average time the crossing stays closed
railway:level_crossing:closure:min minimum closure time
railway:level_crossing:closure:max maximum closure time

Small crossings

See main article Tag:railway=crossing

node Small crossings are crossings of footways and rail inside train station for passengers. Each crossing point is to be tagged by the following crossing tags:

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Crossings no longer in use may be tagged by disused: and abandoned:. (Example: disused:railway=crossing).
railway crossing Level crossing A level crossing. In this scheme, there is no difference between road and footway crossings since there is not only often a smooth transition in between but also since this information can be derived from the ways involved.
crossing:barrier half/double_half/full/gate/yes/no Barriers Are there any barriers at this crossing (yes/no). Moreover the type of barriers can be stated as well: half boom gates, double half boom gates, full boom gates, gates (UK), any type of gate (crossing:barrier=yes), no barriers no
crossing:light yes/no Light signal Is there a warning light at the crossing? yes
crossing:saltire yes/no Saltire Does the crossing have saltires? yes
crossing:on_demand yes/no On-demand crossing Is this a level-crossing that is usually closed and is only opened on demand (German "Anrufschranke"). no
crossing:bell yes/no Audio warning Is there an audio warning, such as a bell? no
crossing:chicane yes/no Chicane Is there any barrier that forces pedestrains to look in both directions before reaching the actual tracks? (German Wikipedia) no
railway:position <Kilometer/Mile> Position Rounded position, such as 12.3. Might be depicted on signals or technical buildings next to the crossing. If using miles, prefix the number with mi:.
railway:position:exact <Kilometer/Mile> Exact position Exact position of the level-crossing, such as 12.345. If using miles, prefix the number with mi:.
railway:ref <Number> Designation Internal designation of the crossing, not to be used for informal names or positions.
crossing:supervision no/camera/attendant/automatic/phone Type of supervision no supervision/camera/attendant/automatic (technical equipment which checks that no vehicles/persons remain on the tracks)/phone (used on on-demand crossings) no
crossing:activation automatic/remote/local Type of activation automatic (contacts)/remote (train director)/in field (attendant/train staff)
railway:level_crossing:closure:average average closure time average time the crossing stays closed
railway:level_crossing:closure:min minimum closure time
railway:level_crossing:closure:max maximum closure time

Electrification system change

node For electrified railways, in addition to the tags the tracks of each electrical system get, you can also map a node for the transition point between systems.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway isolated_track_section Systemtrennstelle/Schutzstrecke The point where two different electrical sections meet. This can be either at a substation within the same electrical system, or between electrical systems. (e.g.: between Amtrak's 25 Hz system and their 12.5 kV 60 Hz system.)

Operator boundary

node The point where the operator of a track changes (e.g. at sidings or connections between private railway companies and the national railway company.

This tag has been used for owner changes at country borders until end 2014/early 2015.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway owner_change Operator change point The point where two different operators meet each other. This implies a change in ownership of the right of way.
railway:name:<operator 1> <Name> Boundary name The name of this boundary point as referred to as one of the railway operators.
railway:name:<operator 2> <Name> Boundary name The name of this boundary point as referred to as the other railway operator.
railway:ref:<operator 1> <Abbreviation> Reference name The internal reference name for this boundary point as referred to as one of the railway operators. This is often an abbreviation of the above names.
railway:ref:<operator 2> <Abbreviation> Reference name The internal reference name for this boundary point as referred to as the other railway operator. This is often an abbreviation of the above names.

Operator abbrevations are derived from the common abbrevations (DB, ÖBB, CFL, NS, SNCF, FS, PKP, …) as defined in Vehicle Keeper Marking Register. All these abbreviations are written uppercase!

System border at country border

node The point where the operator of a track changes due to a country border. This is usually a more significant change than owner changes inside a country because the law changes, too.

If the system and owner change is exactly the same point as the country border, the owner change node is connected both to the railway track and the border.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway border system boundary The point where two different railway systems meet each other. This implies a change in ownership of the right of way.
railway:name:<operator 1> <Name> Boundary name The name of this boundary point as referred to as one of the railway operators.
railway:name:<operator 2> <Name> Boundary name The name of this boundary point as referred to as the other railway operator.
railway:ref:<operator 1> <Abbreviation> Reference name The internal reference name for this boundary point as reffered to as one of the railway operators. This is often an abbreviation of the above names.
railway:ref:<operator 2> <Abbreviation> Reference name The internal reference name for this boundary point as reffered to as the other railway operator. This is often an abbreviation of the above names.

Operator abbrevations are derived from the common abbrevations (DB, ÖBB, CFL, NS, SNCF, FS, PKP, …) as defined in Vehicle Keeper Marking Register. All these abbreviations are written uppercase!

Signalling

Kilometer signs/mileposts

See main article Tag:railway=milestone

node Signs designed to measure the length of a railway line. They should be entered as nodes on the tracks themselves. If the railway line has more than one track, it should be entered on each track. Only through tracks should be tagged, as that is what the signs measure (e.g.: do not tag sidings).

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway milestone Unit sign Sign or post for measuring the length of a railway line.
railway:position <Value of sign, such as 40.6> Milepost value Rounded number displayed on the sign, separated with .. In Germany, for example, this is the number, a decimal point, and then the first digit of the lower number. Negative values are permitted. If using miles, prefix the number with mi:.
railway:position:exact <Value of sign, such as 40.625> Exact milepost value Exact number displayed on the sign, separated with .. In Germany, for example, this is the number followed by a decimal point, and then a 3-digit number in the lower corner. Negative values are permitted. If using miles, prefix the number with mi:.
railway:milestone:emergency_brake_override yes/no Emergency brake override Is there a mark on the sign to indicate changes to emergency brake usage? (e.g.: In Germany, this is an orange band.) no
railway:milestone:emergency_brake_override:direction forward/backward Direction of emergency brake override The direction of the OpenStreetMap way for which the mark applies.
railway:milestone:catenary_mast yes/no Catenary pole Is the milepost attached to a catenary pole no

Signals

The content of this section has been moved to Tag:railway=signal and OpenRailwayMap/Tagging/Signal

Interlocking

Signal box

See main article Tag:railway=signal_box

nodearea Signal boxes can be mapped as either a node or an area.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned signal boxes can be mapped by adding disused: or abandoned:. (Example: disused:railway=signal_box).
railway signal_box Interlocking A railway building where railway traffic is controlled via signal commands. Easily recognizable by their tower-like appearance, with a sign or label on the outside. Becoming less used as signal control is centralized.
railway:signal_box mechanical Mechanical interlocking A mechanical interlocking system where signals are operated mechanically with levers.
electric Electrical/Electromechanical interlocking An interlocking system that controls the signals electrically, regardless if the signals themselves are electrical or mechanical.
track_diagram Track diagram interlocking An interlocking system where a diagram of the track it covers is mapped on a large display panel, and switches or buttons are placed in correspondance to signal position on the map. In North America, this is usually done through a centralized dispatching office and called Centralized Traffic Control, or CTC.
electronic Electronic interlocking A fully computer-controlled interlocking system. The job is either done automatically or through a logic software run by a computer.
name <interlocking name> Interlocking name The name of the interlocking. For example, for German interlockings, it could be "Neuss Ngf" or "Holzheim ESTW-A".
railway:ref <Interlocking reference> Interlocking code The railway interlocking abbreviation. For example, "BROOK" for BROOK interlocking.
operating_times <syntax like opening_hours=*> operating times When is the signal box manned (i.e. when do employees interlock switches and signals)?
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the interlocking tower was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the interlocking tower was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.
railway:position <Value> Position See milepost section above.
railway:position:exact <Value> Exact position See milepost section above.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the interlocking, from (am besten von Wikimedia Commons).
railway:local_operated yes/no Locally operated Is the interlocking tower operated manually by an employee, or controlled automatically from somewhere else? yes
building yes Building Is the interlocking mapped as an area?

Interlocking range

relation In addition, a relation is created for each interlocking. This is to cover the area controlled by the interlocking tower.

Key Value Property Description Default value
type railway railway relation Flags this relation as being a railway relation.
railway interlocking Control area A relation that captures the area in which the interlocking tower controls. (The tag railway=controlled_area is deprecated)
name <interlocking name> Interlocking name The name of the interlocking.
railway:ref <interlocking reference> Interlocking reference The abbreviation or reference code for the interlocking.

In the relation itself, the following members should be included:

Role Count Feature Description
<empty> 1 Interlocking tower The interlocking tower shouldn't be given a role, but should be included.
facility 1 Operating points Operating sites's relations should be given this role.. See the explanation of what they are if you are unsure what this means.
signal_box ≥0 Remote interlockings Other interlockings (with their relation) that are controlled by this interlocking tower should be given this role, as they are part of this interlocking's control area.
crossing ≥0 level_crossings Level crossings that are controlled by the interlocking tower should be given this role.. Do not include manually operated or fully automatic level crossings here.
signal ≥0 Signal Signals controlled by the interlocking should be given this role.
switch ≥0 Switch Switches controlled by the interlocking should be given this role.

Crossing box

nodearea Crossing boxes can be mapped as either a node of an area (the building). Crossing boxes are buildings where crossing keepers (also known as crossing attendants) stay. We do not map if a level crossing is staffed temporarily because it is defect.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned crossing boxes can be mapped by adding disused: or abandoned:. (Example: disused:railway=crossing_box).
railway crossing_box Crossing box A railway building where the crossing attendant stays. This buildings are usually one or two levels high and next to the level crossing because the attendant has to observe it.
name <crossing (box) name> Crossing (Box) Name The name of the crossing box.
operating_times <syntax like opening_hours=*> operating times When is the crossing box manned (When do employees close the gates if a train approaches? When do train drivers not have to close the gates by themselves?)?
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the crossing box was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the crossing box was taken out of service (e.g. due to closure of the level crossing or installation of automatic barriers. For formatting, see end_date=*.
railway:position <Value> Position See Milepost section above.
railway:position:exact <Value> Exact position See Milepost section above.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the interlocking, from (am besten von Wikimedia Commons).
building yes Building Is the crossing box mapped as an area?

Block post

nodearea Block posts is a signal box building, where a railway employee manually operates block signalling. Block posts are mapped as a node or an area (the building).

If the employee also operates a level crossing, its building is mapped as a block post, not as a crossing box.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned block posts can be mapped by adding disused: or abandoned:. (Example: disused:railway=blockpost).
railway blockpost block post A building where the railway company employee works. It is a signal box. Ein Bahngebäude, in dem sich der Blockwärter aufhält und den Streckenblock bedient. This buildings are usually one or two levels high. They are often not in the near of level crossings.
name <block post name> block post name The name of the block post.
operating_times <syntax like opening_hours=*> operating times When is the signal box manned (i.e. when do employees interlock switches and signals)?
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the crossing box was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the block post was taken out of service (e.g. due to removal of the block signals or installation of automatic block signalling. For formatting, see end_date=*.
railway:position <Value> Position See Milepost section above.
railway:position:exact <Value> Exact position See Milepost section above.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the interlocking, from (am besten von Wikimedia Commons).
building yes Building Is the block post mapped as an area?

Operating sites

For English speakers, there is no real equivalent for the German term Betriebsstelle, or operating sites. Since this scheme is made by Germans, it is important for mappers to understand what it means. Betriebsstelle in German is a railway engineering term that refers to locations on the railroad where special infrastructure is installed; this means junctions, both freight and passenger stations, among other things described in the section below. From herein, the word betriebsstelle will not be used.

Operating sites are to be mapped as a node in the center of the site. Optionally (though recommended for information's sake), a relation can be used to encompass the entire site, which is described in the section below.

An overview for the way operating sites should be mapped is included below:

  • The purpose of including operating sites is that they are needed in positioning a label on the map, to be used as a destination for routing applications, or to be used as a search result.
    • Normally, it is mapped as a node at the geographical center of the operating site.
    • Since the point of the node is for routing purposes, it can be acceptable to map the node somewhere else if placing it at the geographical center of the operating site will have adverse affects. Example: The geographical center is in the middle of water or a forest, or other such area.
  • When mapping the area of the operating point through the appropriate relation, use the following standards:
    • Track towards an operating point (in the case of a station) should start at the entry signals, signs on the track announcing the station, or the switch it originates from. For non-stations, use analogous landmarks to determine this.
      • In North America, knowing where to differentiate this could be a bit nebulous. Still, try and keep with the logic structure.
    • For the area perpendicular to the track(s), the outer limits should the boundary of the railway property.
    • At least tracks, platforms, engine sheds, station buildings, signal facilities, and loading facilities should be included. Other facilities such as parking can be added at discretion of the mapper.

Additionally, you should map stop positions. These are then included in the aforementioned operating site relation. Interlockings are not operating sites.

Milepost information is not to be included in the operating site relation.

Operating site types

Stations and stops

The content of this section has been moved to railway=station, railway=halt and railway=tram_stop.

Marshalling/classification/freight yard/station

See main article Tag:railway=yard

node Essentially, a railway station used only for freight. It should be mapped at the center of the facility, NOT on the way representing the track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused or abandoned stations can be mapped using disused: or abandoned: (For example: disused:railway=yard).
railway yard Freight yard Essentially, a railway station for freight. This includes yards that don't involve the loading or unloading of freight.
name <name> Name The full name of the freight yard, such as Oak Point Yard.
railway:yard:size small/medium/large/very_large Size of the yard Examples to help find the right value can be found on railway=yard
railway:yard:purpose maintenance/intermodal/automobile/storage/manifest What is the yard used for?
railway:yard:hump yes/no Does the yard have a hump?
railway:ref <yard code> Yard code The reference code for the yard (see also passenger stations). Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the yard.
operating_times <syntax like opening_hours=*> operating times When is the freight station manned (i.e. when do employees interlock switches and signals)?
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the yard was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the yard was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the yard (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
ele <number> Elevation Elevation of the yard in metres.
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example "wikipedia=en:Oak Point Yard".
Employee station

node A railway station used by railway employees only, and is not normally accessible by passengers or freight traffic. Often, these are for maintenance facilities, but there are a number of other uses. It should be mapped at the center of the station, not on the way representing the track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused or abandoned stations can be mapped using disused: or abandoned: (For example: disused:railway=service_station).
railway service_station Employee station A railway station only used by railway employees
name <name> Name Name of the station.
railway:ref <station code> Station code The code used for the station. In North America, this might be something like NYP for New York Penn Station or OSB for Old Saybrook Station if it's an Amtrak station. In Germany, the Ril 100 code would be something like KN for Neuss Hbf. Abbrevations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the yard.
operating_times <syntax like opening_hours=*> operating times When is the station manned (i.e. when do employees interlock switches and signals)?
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the station was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the station was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the station (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
ele <number> Elevation Elevation of the station in metres.
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example wikipedia=en:London King's Cross railway station.
Junctions

See main article Tag:railway=junction

node The junction between two railways. It should be mapped at the center of the station, NOT on the way representing the track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused or abandoned stations can be mapped using disused: or abandoned: (For example: disused:railway=junction).
railway junction Railway junction A place on a railway where another route branches off of it.
name <name> Name Name of the junction.
railway:ref <code> Junction code The reference code the railway uses to refer to the junction. Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the junction.
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the junction was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the junction was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the junction (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
ele <number> Elevation Elevation of the junction in metres.
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example wikipedia=en:Fresh Pond Junction.
Crossover

node A crossover is a pair of switches that allows trains to transfer to parallel track of a multitrack line or from a single track section to a double track section of the same line. It is mapped as a node in the center of the crossover facility, but not as a node on a track.

way Additionally the crossover track is being tagged with service=crossover to mark its function.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned crossover can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (example: disused:railway=crossover).
railway crossover Crossover A pair of switches that allows a train to switch to a parallel track.
name <name of crossover> Name of crossover The name of a crossover.
railway:ref <code> Crossover code The reference code the railway uses to refer to the crossover. Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the crossover.
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the crossover was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the crossover was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the crossover (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
ele <number> Elevation Elevation of the crossover in metres.
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example wikipedia=en:Fresh Pond Junction.
Spurs

See main article Tag:railway=spur_junction

node A spur junction is an operating site, where a spur forks from a railway line.

Key Value Property Description Default
Note: Disused spurs can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (example: disused:railway=spur_junction). Demolished spurs where observable traces are still remaining can be mapped with other prefixes.
railway spur_junction Industry track The position where a spur forks from a main line.
name <name of the siding> name of the spur name of the spur
railway:ref <code> Spur code The reference code the railway uses to refer to the spur. Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the spur.
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the spur was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the spur was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the spur (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
ele <number> Elevation Elevation of the spur in metres.
Other operating sites

node Any operating site not covered above (e.g. movable bridges). Note that interlocking towers are not operating sites. It should be mapped at the center of the site, not on the way representing the track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused or abandoned stations can be mapped using disused: or abandoned: (For example: disused:railway=site).
railway site Railway site An operating site. Note that interlocking towers are not operating sites.
name <name of site> Site name The name of the site.
railway:ref <code> Site code The reference code the railway uses to refer to the site. Abbreviations used by companies other than the operator can be tagged using railway:ref:(company)=*.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the site.
operating_times <syntax like opening_hours=*> operating times When is the operating site manned (i.e. when do employees interlock switches and signals)?
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the site was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the site was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the site (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
ele <number> Elevation Elevation of the site in metres.
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example wikipedia=en:Fresh Pond Junction.

Stop positions

See main article Tag:railway=stop

node This is not necessarily required, but can help routing significantly in the absence of other information. If you know where they are, map them. Tagging is based off of the Public Transport schema, but was expanded to cover non-public transit as well. This should be mapped as a node on the way of the track.

On stations and halts (whether with or without passenger trains stopping there) every track which may be tagged with usage=* should get a node with railway=stop. In addition, every track with a platform should get a node with railway=stop. If there is a node with public_transport=stop_position already, add railway=stop to this node.

On sidings one node per track before and after the siding should be tagged with railway=stop. The same applies for crossovers.

You can use following tags for stop positions:

Key Value Property Description Default value
public_transport stop_position Stop position Defines this point as a stop position of the vehicle (locomotive). In stop positions without public transport, this tag is not used.
railway stop Stop position Defines the stop position of the locomotive. If public transportation, use this in addition to the above tag.
name <name> Name The name of the stop position, such as Locust Manor or Köln-West.
railway:ref <Stop position code> Abbreviation The code used for the station. In North America, this might be something like NYP for New York Penn Station or OSB for Old Saybrook Station if it's an Amtrak station. In Germany, the Ril 100 code would be something like KN for Neuss Hbf.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the holding position.
network <network name> Network The railway network the holding position is part of.
uic_ref <code> UIC-Code The UIC (International Union of Railways) Code for this stop position.
uic_name <name> UIC-Name The UIC (International Union of Railways) Name for this stop position.
train yes/no Railway Is the stop position for a railway? no
light_rail yes/no Light rail Is the stop position for light rail? no
subway yes/no Subway Is the stop position for a subway? no
tram yes/no Tram Is the stop position for a tram? no
railway:position Value Position See Milepost section above.
railway:position:exact Value Exact position See Milepost section above.

Operating site (relation)

The content of this section has been moved to railway=facility.

Railway lines

Railway lines are mapped with relations, and split between three categories that should not be mixed up: infrastructure, railway route, and train route. Infrastructure is the first type, based around the physical tracks. These are often expressed as branches for smaller lines. A second type of relation is the railway route, which is the route of operation of trains (plural) over the infrastructure. (In North America, expressing physical track infrastructure as "railway line" relations is omitted, "skipping" to "railway route" relations to represent infrastructure as collections of track elements). The third category of relation is the train route, which is the route a specific train will take over the aforementioned railway route, showing in order the standard tracks it will take and where it will stop.

Railway line

See main article Tag:route=tracks

relation The physical railroad on which trains operate. Way direction is not required (oneway=* should not be on the ways), and ways do not have to be added as members in any specific order. Only tracks are to be included in this relation. Only the mainline should be included, with sidings and spurs being excluded. Railway line relations are omitted in North America.

Key Value Property Description Default value
type route Route Indicates this relation is a route.
route tracks Railway line Indicates that this route is of a railway line.
name <Name> Name Name of the railway line.
owner <owner> Owner The owner of the railway line.
ref <code> Code A code used internally by the railroad to refer to this railway line. Included because Germany has such a system.
from <city> Beginning city The city in which the railway line begins. If the line is a spur and only connects to another railway line at one end, that city should be the "from" city.
to <city> Ending city The city in which the railway line ends.
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>.
historic railway Historic railway line Is this railway line historic (not currently considered this)? This does not necessarily mean the tracks are nonexistent, as it can also indicate parts of this line were used to create a new line.
abandoned yes/no Abandoned railway line Were the tracks of this right-of-way removed? If so, please use the above key historic=yes as well. no

Railway route

See main article Tag:route=railway

relation Railway routes are the route of operation of trains over a railway line. Way direction is not required (oneway=* should not be on the ways), and ways do not have to be added as members in any specific order, although it is considered good practice to sort the relation members for connectivity, for example by clicking JOSM's relation editor's "Sort" button. Only tracks are to be included in this relation. Only the mainline should be included, with sidings and spurs being excluded. In North America, Railway route relations effectively conflate "railway line" and "route of operation of trains" into a single relation of this type.

Key Value Property Description Default value
type route Route Indicates this relation is a route.
route railway Railway route Tag which classifies the relation as a railway route.
name <Name> Name Name of the railway route. In North America, the names of these are often suffixed with "Subdivision" if they are a mainline, or sometimes "Branch" or "Secondary" if they aren't mainlines.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the railway route. Separate multiple values with a semicolon.
owner <owner> Owner The owner of the railway route.
ref <code> Code A code used internally by the railroad to refer to this railway route.
from <city> Beginning city The city in which the railway line begins.
to <city> Ending city The city in which the railway line ends.
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example wikipedia=en:River Subdivision (Canadian Pacific Railway).
historic railway Historic railway route Is this railway route a former route?

Station/stop

relation All components of a station/stop, including stop positions, are summarized by adding them to a relation. The tagging is directly based on the Public Transport schema, but was extended to also cover operating sites, which is a category that contains things not used in public transport.

For further tagging guideance, see operating sites.

Operating site facilities

Platforms

See main article Tag:railway=platform

wayarea A platform for passengers to wait and enter trains from. See loading docks for freight. Mapped as either a way or area, although an area is recommended.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned platforms can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=platform).
railway platform Railway platform A platform. Mapped as either a way or area, although an area is recommended.
public_transport platform Public transport platform If used in public transit, it should be tagged with this. This is part of the new Public Transport schema.
name <name> proper name If the platform has a proper name, name=* is used. Use ref=* to map the track numbers.
ref <number> Track numbers The track numbers served by this platform, separated by a semicolon (;). For example, 1;2.
area yes/no Area Is the platform mapped as an area? yes
lit yes/no Lighting Is the platform lit? no
covered yes/no Covered Is the platform covered? no
surface asphalt/paving_stones/concrete etc. Platform surface The material the surface of the platform is. See surface=* for more values.
wheelchair yes/no/limited Wheelchair accessibility Is the platform wheelchair accessible?
tactile_paving yes/no/incorrect Tactile paving Is the platform equipped with tactile paving for a blindman's cane? The most widespread and important on the yellow line that borders the track end of the platform. Note that tactile_paving=yes cannot be used on areas, so if present should be mapped on a separate way.
height <height> Platform height The height of the platform in meters. If using feet, suffix with  ft.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the platform.

If a track along one platform edge has multiple numbers (e.g. 4a and 4b because it is used by two trains at the same time), the platform can be mapped as multipolygon. Tags which were tagged at the area should be transferred to the multipolygon relation. The platform edges parallel to the tracks are tagged with railway=platform_edge and ref=<track number>.

If the platform is divided into sections (A, B, C, …) to describe which carriage stops at which section, you can map a nodes at the section signs onto the platform edge and tag it with railway:platform:section=C.

Ticket vending machines

See main article Tag:amenity=vending_machine

node A vending machine where it is possible to buy transport tickets.

Key Value Property Description Default value
amenity vending_machine vending machine Generic tag for a vending machine. Being tagged as a point.
vending public_transport_tickets ticket machine A machine where you can buy tickets.
operator <operator> operator The operator of these machines, such as Deutsche Bahn.
ref <number> Machine number The internal number of the machine. Often written on it.
payment:coins yes/no Coins Does the machine accept coins? no
payment:notes yes/no banknotes Does the machine accept banknotes? no
payment:electronic_purses yes/no Stored value cards Does the machine accept prepaid cards? no
payment:debit_cards yes/no Maestro/debit cards Does the machine accept debit cards, e.g.: maestro? no
payment:credit_cards yes/no Credit cards Does the machine accept credit cards? no
payment:account_cards yes/no loyalty cards Does the machine accept loyalty cards, e.g.: "BahnCard" or "Railcard"? no

Ticket counters

See main article Tag:shop=ticket

node A desk where you can buy tickets and ask for information. Mapped as a node.

Key Value Property Description Default value
shop ticket Ticket counter A desk where you can buy tickets and ask for information. Mapped as a node.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the ticket counter, such as Amtrak.
name <name> Name A name for the ticket counter.
opening_hours <opening hours> Hours of operation The hours of operation of the ticket counters.

Subway entrances

See main article Tag:railway=subway_entrance

node Access to a metro station. Mapped as a node at the entrance.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway subway_entrance Subway entrance Access to a metro station. Mapped as a node at the entrance.
name <Name> Name The name of the entrance and the metro station.
wheelchair yes/no/limited Wheelchair accessibility Is the entrance wheelchair accessible?
bicycle yes/no Bicycle accessibility Is the entrance bicycle accessible?

Service telephone

node Telephones are plotted as node on their actual locations next to the track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway phone Telephone A service telephone for the railway, often at level crossings so that in emergency someone can connect to the relevant signal operator. Telephones are plotted as node on their actual locations next to the track.
ref <number> Reference number A reference number for the telephone, not the telephone number.

Water tower

See main article Tag:railway=water_tower

nodearea A water tower to supply steam locomotives with water. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned water towers can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=water_tower).
railway water_tower Water tower A water tower to supply steam locomotives with water.
man_made water_tower Water tower A tower that holds water at an elevation to build up water system pressure via gravity.
building yes Building If the water tower is a building or not.
area yes/no Area Is the water tower mapped as an area?

Fuelling station

nodearea A fuelling station for locomotives. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway fuel Tankstelle A fuelling station for locomotives, primarily diesel-electrics.
building yes Building If the fuelling station is a building or not.
area yes/no Area Is the fuelling station mapped as an area?

Water crane

See main article Tag:railway=water_crane

node A water crane used to deliver water into the tank or tender of a steam locomotive. Mapped as a node.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned water cranes can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=water_crane).
railway water_crane Water crane A water crane used to deliver water into the tank or tender of a steam locomotive.

Coaling station

nodearea A fuelling station to provide steam locomotives with coal. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned coaling station can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=coaling_facility).
railway coaling_facility Coaling station A fuelling station to provide steam locomotives with coal.
area yes/no Area Is the coaling station mapped as an area? yes

Sand store

nodearea A facility where locomotives can refill their barrels. It is tagged with railway=sand_store.

Disused and abandoned sand stores can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=sand_store).

Sewage disposal

nodearea A facility where sewage from train toilets and other types of waste are disposed.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned sewage disposals can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=waste_disposal).
railway waste_disposal waste disposal facility A facility where waste is disposed.
waste brown_water brown water sewage from water toilets (common in Germany)
chemical_toilet chemical toilet sewage from chemical toilets
area yes/no Area Is the facility mapped as an area? yes

Compressed air

nodearea A facility to get compressed air. It is tagged with railway=compressed_air_supply.

Disused and abandoned compressed air supply stations can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=compressed_air_supply).

Power supply

nodearea Power sockets next to yard tracks which are used by employees cleaning trains. It is mapped using railway=power_supply.

Disused and abandoned power supplies stations can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=power_supply).

Preheating

nodearea Preheating facilities are mapped using railway=preheating.

Disused and abandoned preheating facilities can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=preheating).

Car wash

See main article Tag:railway=wash

nodearea A place where locomotives and rolling stock are cleaned. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned car wash can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=wash).
railway wash Car wash A place where locomotives and rolling stock are cleaned.
building yes Building If the car wash is a building or not.
area yes/no Area Is the facility mapped as an area?

Pit

node A pit between the rails to repair locomotives or rolling stock from underneath.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway pit Pit A pit between the rails to repair locomotives or rolling stock from underneath. Mapped as a node on the track at the center of the pit.

Loading gauge structure

node A structure used to check compliance with the railway's loading gauge. Mapped as a node on the track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused or abandoned structure gauges can be tagged by adding disused: and abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=loading_gauge).
railway loading_gauge Loading gauge structure A structure used to check compliance with the railway's loading gauge. More recently, this is an electronic detector that uses light beams, but has been and can be an arm of gantry placed over the exit of a goods yard or the entrance of a restricted part of the railway. Mapped as a node on the track.

Hump

node A hill in a classification yard that the lead track of the yard goes over. Railroad cars then roll down the other side into the appropriate track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway hump_yard Hump A hill in a classification yard that the lead track of the yard goes over. Railroad cars then roll down the other side into the appropriate track. This is mapped as a point on the track at the peak of the hill.

Retarder

See main article Tag:railway=rail_brake

node A retarder is a track-based brake used in hump yards to keep the speed of cars low.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway rail_brake Retarder A retarder is a track-based brake used in hump yards to keep the speed of cars low. It is on the outside of the tracks and grips the wheels against the tracks to slow them down. It is mapped as a node at the end closest to the hump in the hump yard.

Engine shed

nodearea A shed to protect locomotives and rolling stock from the environment. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.

It is recommended mapping the node where track intersects the building as entrance=yes. Consider potentially also adding the tags to that node as barrier=door with tags like door=overhead (if the door is an up-and-over door), or door=sliding (if the door slides to the left or the right to open).

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned engine shed can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=engine_shed).
railway engine_shed Engine shed A shed to protect locomotives and rolling stock from the environment. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.
building yes Building If the shed is mapped as an area, it should have this tag.
name <name> Name The name of the engine shed.

Locomotive works

nodearea A engine shed that is built to serve as a maintenance facility for locomotives or rolling stock. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.

It is recommended mapping the node where track intersects the building as entrance=yes. Consider potentially also adding the tags to that node as barrier=door with tags like door=overhead (if the door is an up-and-over door), or door=sliding (if the door slides to the left or the right to open).

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned locomotive works can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=workshop).
railway workshop Locomotive works A engine shed that is built to serve as a maintenance facility for locomotives or rolling stock. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.
building yes Building If the shed is mapped as an area, it should have this tag.
name <name> Name The name of the locomotive works.

Radio mast (railroad)

node A radio mast that the railroad transmits its radio system from. It is mapped as a node.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway radio Radio mast A radio mast that the railroad transmits its radio system from. It is mapped as a node.
ref <reference> Reference A reference code used to identify the radio tower.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the radio mast.
railway:radio analogue/gsm-r Radio type Is the radio analogue or GSM-R? gsm-r
man_made mast/tower Mast/Tower Indicates this is a mast/tower. See man_made=mast and man_made=tower for the differences between a mast and a tower.
tower:type communication Transmission tower Indicates this node is a transmission tower.
communication:gsm-r yes/no GSM-R Indicates that this tower transmits GSM-R.

Turntable

See main article Tag:railway=turntable

nodearea A device that rotates locomotives to switch them to different tracks, or to reorient them. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned turntable can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=turntable).
railway turntable Turntable A device that rotates locomotives to switch them to different tracks, or to reorient them. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable.

Hot box and other defect detectors

node Put a node at the position where the defect detector is located. The node should be part of the track. See Defect detector on Wikipedia.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway defect_detector defect detector
ref <number> number number if existing
defect_detector:hot_box yes/no hot boxes Does the gadget detect hot boxes?
defect_detector:dragging yes/no dragging parts Does the gadget detect dragging parts?
defect_detector:hot_wheel yes/no hot wheels Does the gadget detect hot wheels?
defect_detector:pantograph yes/no pantograph defects Does the gadget inspect pantograph quality?
defect_detector:flat_wheel yes/no wheel flats Does the gadget inspect wheel roundness?

Automatic equipment identification

node A device at the track that identifies/scans passing rolling stock. Only found in the US, around 3000 exist there. See Wikipedia.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway aei Automatic equipment identification A device at the track that identifies/scans passing rolling stock. Only found in the US, around 3000 exist there. Place as a node on the track.
ref <number> Reference number A reference number for the detector.

Transfer table

See main article Tag:railway=traverser

nodearea A device that moves horizontally to transfer locomotives to different tracks. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable. Make sure to map the entire area it can move.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned transfer table can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:railway=traverser).
railway traverser Transfer table A device that moves horizontally to transfer locomotives to different tracks. Can be mapped as a node or area, with area being preferable. Make sure to map the entire area it can move.

Loading rack

way A loading rack for filling and draining tank railcars with oil, fuel, liquefied gas etc. Should be mapped on a part of railway track where it locates.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway loading_rack Loading rack A loading rack for filling and draining tank railcars.
ref <number> Reference number A reference number for the loading rack.

Loading dock

nodewayarea A loading dock or loading point for moving goods on or off of railcars. For purposes of mapping, a platform for freight. Can be mapped as a node, way, or area. Ideally mapped as an area.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway loading_ramp Loading ramp/dock A loading dock or loading point for moving goods on or off of railcars. For purposes of mapping, a platform for freight. Can be mapped as a node, way, or area. Ideally mapped as an area.
name <name> Name A name for the loading dock for the renderer, as well as navigational aid.
lit lit/lit Lighting Is the platform lit? lit
surface surface/surface/surface etc. Ramp surface The material the surface of the ramp is. See Key:surface for more values.
operator <operator> Operator Operator of the loading dock.
height <height> Platform height The height of the platform in meters. If using feet, suffix with  ft.
area area/area Area Is the platform mapped an an area? area

Loading tower

node A mechanism under which freight cars are shunted and then automatically loaded. Usually found at quarries or grain elevators. Should be mapped as a node. Example image.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway loading_tower Loading tower A loading tower


Unloading hole

node A hole between the rails through which bulk goods such as rocks or grain are automatically unloaded from hopper cars. Commonly found at industrial customers. Example image Map as a node.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway unloading_hole Unloading hole A unloading hole
ref <number> Reference number A reference number for the loading rack.

Rotary car dumper

node A rotary car dumper or wagon tippler (UK) is a mechanism used for unloading certain railroad cars such as hopper cars, gondolas or lorries. It holds the rail car to a section of track and then rotates the track and car together to dump out the contents. Often found at larger industrial sites, such as (coal) power plants or sawmills. See also Wikipedia.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway car_dumper Rotary car dumper An rotary car dumper

Crane

See main article Tag:man_made=crane

nodearea A crane next to or above the track in order to load or unload goods, such as coal or shipping containers. If it is a fixed crane, it can be tagged as a node or an area, with area being preferred. If a gantry crane, it can be tagged as a node at the center of the track or a way to the side of the track, with the way being preferred.

Key Value Property Description Default value
man_made man_made Crane A crane next to or above the track in order to load or unload goods, such as coal or shipping containers.
crane:type crane:type/crane:type Crane type If a fixed crane, it is a crane:type. If it is a gantry crane, it is a crane:type.
crane:mobile crane:mobile/crane:mobile Crane mobility Enter crane:mobile if it is a fixed position crane, or crane:mobile if it is a gantry crane.
crane:height <height> Crane height Crane height in meters. If using feet, suffix with  ft. Not required.
crane:maxradius <length> Boom length/working range In meters, how long the crane's boom is or how far it can move horizontally. If using feet, suffix with  ft. Not required.
name <name> Crane name If the crane has a specific name. Not required.
operator <operator> Crane operator The operator of the crane.

Weighbridge

node A weighbridge is a weighing scale used to weigh locomotives or rolling stock.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway track_scale Weighbridge A weighbridge is a weighing scale used to weigh locomotives or rolling stock. It is mapped as a node on the track at the center of the scale.

Transporter car

node A type of railroad car designed for loading different gauge railroad equipment on it, to allow said equipment to traverse a different gauge railway. This is usually a lager gauge over a smaller gauge.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway carrier_truck_pit Transporter car A type of railroad car designed for loading different gauge railroad equipment on it, to allow said equipment to traverse a different gauge railway. This is usually a lager gauge over a smaller gauge. It is mapped as a node on the infrastructure that allows the railroad cars to load onto the transporter car.

Bogie exchange

node A facility where the gauge of a car can be changed by exchanging its wheels and axles.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway gauge_conversion Bogie exchange A facility where the gauge of a car can be changed by exchanging its wheels and axles. It is tagged as a node on the junction of the larger and narrower track.

Gate

See main article Tag:barrier=gate

node A gate that blocks the track, such as at a factory.

Key Value Property Description Default value
barrier gate Gate A gate that blocks the track, such as at a factory. This is mapped as a node on the track. For multiple tracks, map a node on each track.
access private/no Access The restrictions on access for the gate. access=private should be used for private corporations and companies, and access=no should be for government-run facilities.

Railway museums

See main article Tag:tourism=museum

nodearea A museum that exhibits and restores various aspects of railroad history, including locomotives, rolling stock, and signalling equipment. It can be mapped as a node or an area, with an area being preferred.

If mapped as an area, map the museum grounds. If a node, map the node at the centre of the museum grounds.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway museum Railway museum A museum that exhibits and restores various aspects of railroad history, including locomotives, rolling stock, and signalling equipment. It can be mapped as a node or an area, with an area being preferred.
tourism museum Museum Indicates this is a museum.
name <name> Name The name of the museum
area area/area Area Tag if this is an area.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the museum (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<article name>, for example wikipedia=en:Illinois Railway Museum.

Container terminal

nodearea A transshipment facility for shipping containers. For uses to ORM, this is between ships and rail, or rail and truck. Mapped as a node or an area, with an area being preferred.

Key Value Property Description Default value
man_made container_terminal Container terminal General tag for a container terminal (can exist without rail transport).
railway container_terminal Container terminal Tag for a container terminal (this one has to involve rail transport).
landuse industrial Industrial Land uses for industrial purposes
name <name> Name The name of the container terminal.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of the container terminal.
owner <owner> Owner The owner of the container terminal.
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example wikipedia=en:Port Jersey.

Car shuttle

node A loading ramp to load cars onto trains. It is mapped as a node on the ramp where the access road meets the railroad track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway car_shuttle Car shuttle A loading ramp to load cars onto trains.
name <name> Name Name of the loading ramp.
uic_ref <code> UIC-Code The UIC (International Union of Railways) Code for this station.
uic_name <name> UIC-Name The UIC (International Union of Railways) Name for this station.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of this station.
network <network> Network The rail network to which this station belongs to.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the loading ramp (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

Rolling highway

node Loading ramp to load trucks onto trains. It is mapped as a node on the ramp where the access road meets the railroad track.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway rolling_highway Rolling highway A loading ramp to load trucks onto trains.
name <name> Name Name of the loading ramp.
uic_ref <code> UIC-Code The UIC (International Union of Railways) Code for this station.
uic_name <name> UIC-Name The UIC (International Union of Railways) Name for this station.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of this station.
network <network> Network The rail network to which this station belongs to.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the loading ramp (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).

Train ferry

See main article Tag:route=ferry

wayrelation A service to transfer rail cars across water. In this case, this can be either a train ferry or car float. This can be mapped as a way or a relation.

Key Value Property Description Default value
route ferry Ferry Indicates this route is a ferry.
railway ferry Train ferry Specifies the ferry route as one transporting railroad cars.
name <name> Name Name of the ferry route.
operator <operator> Operator Operator of the ferry route.

Ferry loading dock

See main article Tag:amenity=ferry_terminal

node Loading dock to load railroad cars onto a ferry. It is mapped as a node where the track and ferry route meet.

Key Value Property Description Default value
amenity ferry_terminal Ferry terminal Tag that says this is a ferry terminal.
name <name> Name Name of the ferry terminal.
uic_ref <code> UIC-Code The UIC (International Union of Railways) Code for this terminal.
uic_name <name> UIC-Name The UIC (International Union of Railways) Name for this terminal.
operator <operator> Operator The operator of this terminal.
railway ferry_terminal Railway ferry terminal Specifies this as a railway ferry terminal.

Station buildings

See main article Tag:building=train_station

area The building of a railway station. Mapped as an area.

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned station buildings can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:building=train_station).
building train_station Station building A building of a railroad station.
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the building was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the building was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the station building. (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
ele <elevation> Elevation The height of the building above sea level, in meters. If using feet, suffix with  ft.

Companies with rail connection

area Factories, industrial plants, or other companies that have railway access. Please tag all buildings at the factory as having rail connections. If the building exists previously, please just add the below tags, if they aren't already present. The tracks themselves should be tagged with usage=industrial. The purpose of all of this is to specifically highlight these buildings in ORM.

The following tags are important to OpenRailwayMap rendering industrial sites specifically:

Key Value Property Description Default value
landuse industrial/commercial Landuse If the area is used for industrial purposes, or commercial purposes.
man_made works Factory An industrial production plant, also known as a factory. Only tag if it is a factory.
name <name> Factory name The name of the factory.

The following tags are helpful in OpenStreetMap at large, and should be added if not present and are known values:

Key Value Property Description Default value
Note: Disused and abandoned buildings can be mapped by adding the prefix disused: or abandoned: (Example: disused:building=yes).
operator <operator> Operator The operator of this factory. May very well be the same as the owner.
owner <owner> Owner The owner of this factory. May very well be the same as operator.
building yes/commercial/industrial/warehouse Building type The use of the specific building. Tag as building=yes if type is not known.
brand <brand_name> Brand name The name of the brand of the product produced or sold here.
start_date <date> Date of opening Date the building was put into service. For formatting, see start_date=*.
end_date <date> Date of closing Date the building was taken out of service. For formatting, see end_date=*.
image <URL> Image The URL of an image of the building. (If possible, images from Wikimedia Commons should be used).
ele <elevation> Elevation The height of the building above sea level, in meters. If using feet, suffix with  ft.
wikipedia <lang>:<article name> Wikipedia article Article on Wikipedia. Tag the key in the format <language_code>:<Article name>, for example wikipedia=en:Highland Park Ford Plant.
architect <name> Architect name If the building had a single architect, put their name here, or if an architect firm, put that firm's name here.

Electrical facilities

For tagging of how a track is electrified and its voltage see the track section of this page.

Catenary mast

node Catenary masts can be mapped and tagged with power=catenary_mast.

way Catenary portals can be mapped and tagged with power=catenary_portal.

Joints

node Joints are points of catenary or electric rail which disconnect two electric circuit.

Key Value Property Description Default value
railway:electricity joint Joint This point in catenary or electric rail disconnects two electric circuit.
railway:electricity:jumpering jumpered/possible/no Status of jumpering Describes default status of this joint. Use jumpered if this joint does usually not disconnect two sections. Use possible if this joint usually disconnects two electric circuits but can be jumpered if one power supply fails or an electric train has a breakdown in an insulated section. Use no if this joint can never be jumpered.

Neutral sections

way Track section where the catenary is grounded (can be found at joints) and where the main switch has to be turned off, should be tagged with railway:main_switch_off=yes.

Track sections where pantograph has to be lowered

way Track section where the pantograph has to be lowered (e.g. moveable bridges) should be tagged with railway:lower_pantograph_section=yes.

Power supply

node Power from a power line is supplied at this point into catenary or electric rail. Use railway=power_supply. It is tagged onto nodes of a track.

Related tagging schemes

Links