WikiAdvocates/Programs/WikiBridges
The Importance of Documenting Bridges on Wikidata
[edit]Documenting bridges in Philippines on Wikidata is crucial for data accessibility, preservation, and community collaboration. By creating entries for these bridges, you contribute to a global, structured database that benefits researchers, government agencies, and the public.
Currently, information about bridges in some of the regions are limited and scattered. The most detailed data, such as designs and maintenance records, is often held in offline records by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and is not publicly accessible. Online information is sparse and found in unstructured formats like news articles, social media posts, and travel blogs. Much of the local knowledge, including the history and significance of these bridges to communities, is not formally documented.
This lack of a centralized, open database makes projects like creating Wikidata entries so vital. It addresses this fragmentation by bringing all available information into one place. Some of the bridges included here were originally gathered from the available list on Wikidata that was run through this query.
Linking to OpenStreetMap
[edit]Documenting bridges on OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a different but equally important process compared to Wikidata. While Wikidata focuses on structured data and connections, OpenStreetMap is a collaborative project for creating a free and open map of the world.
Here's how you would go about documenting bridges on OpenStreetMap, and how it complements the work on Wikidata:
The OSM Process
[edit]- Locate the Bridge: Find the exact location of the bridge on the OpenStreetMap website or a mapping application like JOSM. The easiest way is to use the geographic coordinates if you have them, or by visually searching the map.
- Add the Bridge as a "Way": On OSM, a bridge is typically drawn as a line or "way." You would trace the path of the road as it crosses the river or other obstacle.
- Add Tags (Properties): This is the most important step. Tags are key-value pairs that describe the object. For a bridge, you would add tags like:
bridge=yes(This is the primary tag that identifies the object as a bridge).layer=1(This tag is used to show the bridge is above the ground level of the road below it).name=Baraca Bridge II(The name of the bridge).highway=road(If the bridge is part of a road).location=Baraca, San Fernando, Camarines Sur(For geographical context).
- Connect to Wikidata (Optional but Recommended): Once the Wikidata entry for the bridge is created, you can add a
wikidatatag on the OSM bridge object. The value for this tag would be the Q-number (e.g.,wikidata=Q135905200). This creates a direct link between the map data and the structured data, making both more powerful.
How OSM and Wikidata Complement Each Other
[edit]- OSM for Geospatial Data: OpenStreetMap is excellent for providing the precise geographic location and shape of the bridge on a map. It shows where the bridge is in relation to roads, rivers, and surrounding buildings.
- Wikidata for Structured Information: Wikidata is designed to store non-geographical details, such as the official bridge number, kilometer post, construction date, and the type of construction (e.g., concrete-steel).
By documenting a bridge on both platforms, you create a comprehensive digital record: the what and where are on OpenStreetMap, and the who, when, and why are on Wikidata.
Objectives
[edit]- Data Accessibility and Preservation: Wikidata acts as a central repository for data that is often at risk of being lost. This ensures the data is preserved for future use, allowing researchers, historians, and engineers to easily access it to study infrastructure development in the region.
- Enhancing Public and Government Knowledge: The structured data on Wikidata can be used to generate visualizations, maps, and reports. A complete list of bridges in Camarines Sur can assist government agencies like the DPWH with asset management and maintenance planning. For the public, it provides an open source of information that can be linked to other open-source maps, improving navigation and general local knowledge.
- Community and Global Collaboration: Wikidata is a collaborative project that provides a foundation for others to build upon. When you create an entry, you enable Filipino Wikimedians and people worldwide to add more details, such as construction dates, materials used, photos, and historical context. This collective effort ensures the data becomes more comprehensive and accurate over time, fostering a community dedicated to documenting and sharing knowledge about the Philippines' infrastructure.
.jpg)
.jpg)
