Key:operator
 operator
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| Description |
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Сompany, corporation, person or any other entity who is directly in charge of the current operation of a map object 
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| Group: Properties |
| Used on these elements |
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| Documented values: 12 |
| Useful combination |
| See also |
Status: approved
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| Tools for this tag |
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| Wikidata |
| Property:P137 |
The operator tag is used to name a company, corporation, person or any other entity who is directly in charge of the current operation of a map object.
How to use
When choosing the appropriate value for the operator=* tag, it is beneficial to use exactly the same text including capitalization across all entities managed by the same structure. Please refer to taginfo, or the title of the associated Wikipedia article for the organization as a starting point.
If the vast majority of a certain object in an area is operated by a certain organization and only very few by others then it may be sufficient to only tag the exceptions.
For example, when nearly all roads in an area are managed by a local authority then it would be sufficient to only tag those that are not with an operator tag.
Owner or brand name aren't necessarily the operator
An operator isn't necessarily the owner of the map feature. Many chains (store, restaurants...) use a franchise system, where the brand does not operate the point-of-presence.
For example, a lot of transport and communication networks had been built by public administrations and are now operated by private companies.
Power grid infrastructure (power lines, towers, substations) in some countries that have deregulated their electricity sector may be another example, e.g. those in the Philippines, where the transmission system is owned by a state-owned entity (National Transmission Corporation, or TransCo), while operated by a private company (NGCP) by franchise.
Examples
Fast food
Subway is one of the biggest franchise system in the US.
- name=Subway
- brand=Subway (The name of the chain, as displayed to customers)
- branch=Paris Notre-Dame
- operator=Some company (The company operating the restaurant. Usually visible on bills)
Hotel
Some amenities are directly managed by the company having the brand name.
- tourism=hotel
- name=Le Méridien (the name of the hotel)
- operator=Le Méridien (the name of the company that manages the hotel, and which maybe manage other hotels too).
- brand=Le Méridien (The name of the chain, as displayed to customers)
- branch=Piccadilly
Sometimes, it's more complicated. In this example; the company that manages the hotel is not the same company that owns the building. In other cases; there is another party between the owner and management company that rents or leases the building.
- tourism=hotel
- name=Holiday Inn
- brand=Holiday Inn
- branch=Burlington
- operator=Westmont Hospitality Group
- owner=InnVest REIT
Postal Services
Due to the emerging of private postal service providers, it may be useful for map readers to know which postal services provider operates a certain amenity=post_box.
In Germany there are already some private companies like PIN or Stadtbrief who install their own post boxes. Whomever wants to ship a letter has to choose the post box of their postal service provider.
Other
Other examples are pubs, restaurants and hotel chains, maybe also streets maintained by private companies where a fee is required.