Tag:surface=tarmac

From OpenStreetMap Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Public-images-osm logo.svg surface = tarmac
Description
Specifies that object is paved with tarmacadam - often incorrectly used for asphalt/concrete surfaces, actual tarmacadam is very unusual Edit this description in the wiki page. Edit this description in the data item.
Group: properties
Used on these elements
may be used on nodesmay be used on waysmay be used on areas (and multipolygon relations)should not be used on relations (except multipolygon relations)
Status: in use

Sometimes shortened incorrectly to 'Tarmac' (the brand), or contracted to 'tarmac', the full industry name is actually tarmacadam — a combination of tar (a black, sticky organic binder) and ‘macadam’ (a surfacing type using layers of compacted aggregate and/or crushed stone, named after creator John Louden McAdam).

This surface is mostly historical.

Note that "tarmac" is used also for modern asphalt concrete and for airport surfaces, even concrete ones. It is likely that vast majority of uses of this tag are result of such confusion.

In unusual case of actual tar-based surface using surface=tarmacadan may be a better idea.

See also

  • surface=chipseal - combines one or more layer(s) of asphalt with one or more layer(s) of fine aggregate, without premixing them
  • surface=asphalt - modern asphalt concrete, sometimes referred to as "tarmac"
  • surface=concrete - concrete surface at airports are sometimes referred to as "tarmac"