I think chilly has a good idea of landuse=highway, this though is not yet a supported tag and ultimately I think this is the only way to unify the one-dimensional concept that is a highway in OSM and two-dimensional landuse areas.

There are a number of users I note that will use bing or GPS mapping information to define boundaries as well as a few arguments in these comments to using this data for accuracy - unfortunately this is just a fallacy, this information is not precise. Even if precise information could be obtained it does not address the dimensional mismatch. Some users are going round and unlinking ways (very annoying) with comments of “removing from road-centreline”, which again just doesn’t make any sense as the concept of “centre” means two dimensions.

We also get into the sticky situation of mapping landuse over property boundaries. A residential area will have roads through it, the conversation above relates largely to the final edge before the landuse changes and whether it is sensible to use the road as a defining barrier. I think this is entirely acceptable - the land use is residential up to the road line, but the property boundary may end earlier with a fence or something.

Seav - that looks quiet a feat!

I agree the buildings look good - but they do clutter the map and make other features harder to spot. Richard, I agree with what you're saying about being able to render what you wish, but this is a fallacy of open source - the great thing is you can change it yourself, but most people wouldn't have the foggiest how to do it. And then there are the practicalities of hosting.

I would suggest OSM.org should be the poster-boy for what is possible with OSM data. But then I suppose that would discourage people from taking load of their tile servers ;)

Thanks for the comments all.

That's an excellent idea. I generally stash my GPS traces, but never really thought about storing individual (large) edits. I may start doing that. Thanks for the tip burto.

It's tricky, as anybody could maliciously go in and delete a whole load of work. A version history would be good though, even if you can't roll back yourself on bulk. Just details of who made the change. At least then you can message them.

As it happens, I think I need my eyes checked, it all seems to be back. I guess my cache was funny or something, doesn't explain the lack of data though.

Strange... this appears to have resolved itself!

Thanks for looking EdLoach, it was I who added the brook thanks to Mark's suggestion of the old OS map trace.

I've added a number of missing roads to that area. The more I check and compare with other maps the more I notice discrepancies with their work. It's taken for granted that maps are correct, but short of the OS maps I'm not so sure.

Still I think Mark has it spot on. There is vastly more detail in areas with focus, and it does have a lot of benefits for users and business. The ability to quickly update is a major feature in keeping something alive.

Is it enough though? Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell - the more time the more chance it will be!

The UK is especially lucky with the detail and quality of mapping thanks to the OS. Where this site really has it's advantages is in areas such as DrMark's (too may Mark's already) situation.

Thanks for your comments all. I get the impression I may just happen to be unlucky with the area I live.

Some interesting suggestions Mark, I'll try some of those methods out, thanks.

It seems that the cities have far more detailed coverage, but the "gaps" such as quiet suburbs are missing. Playing devil's advocate for rorym, compare these two:
osm.org/?lat=53.2994&lon=-3.7098&zoom=13&layers=B00FTF
and
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=53.296824,-3.72076&spn=0.056531,0.181789&z=13

Don't get me wrong, I think this is a very good idea, but still has a long way to come generally.

Spot on! I have consumed much of my time today seeing what it's like. I'm sure having addictive and perfectionist in my list of personality traits doesn't do me any favours...