Proposal:Access key

access_key
Proposal status:	Proposed (under way)
Proposed by:	Isi17
Tagging:	access_key=yes, access_key=no, access:key=unknown, access_key=master, access_key:operator==*
Statistics:
Draft started:	2024-10-15
RFC start:	2024-10-15

Proposal

This proposal introduces the `access_key` tag to describe places that are accessible using a (centralized) key system. If a place uses a master key system, this information can be added as well (such as RADAR, Eurokey, Master Locksmiths Association (Australia), or other similar systems).

The tag aims to standardize the way such systems are tagged in OpenStreetMap, providing a more intuitive and internationally understandable method for indicating key-based access requirements.

Rationale

Many facilities, especially those designed for accessibility, require a specific key to unlock them.

For example: There are about 12.000 toilets in Germany, using the eurokey as a master key system.

The proposed `access_key` tag offers a more generic and scalable solution, making it easier to tag various key-based access systems consistently across different regions. It also allows you to tag places that are using a key system (such as petrol station toilets).

Examples

The `access_key` tag can be used to indicate:

• Accessible toilets, parking spaces, or elevators that require a specific key for entry.
• Facilities for people with disabilities or other restricted-access areas controlled by a centralized key system.
• Any facility that needs to be unlocked, such as private toilets.

Tagging

The `access_key` tag will be used as follows:

• `access_key=yes`: The facility requires some kind of centralized key, but the exact system is unknown or general access is assumed.
• `access_key=no`: No key system is required for access.
• `access_key=unknown`: If there is no information about a key system.
• `access_key=master`: A master key system is being used (such as RADAR key or other)
• `access_key:operator=…`: Organization that is responsible for the master key scheme. See https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Key:operator.
• `access_key:operator:wikipedia=…`: Organization that is responsible for the master key scheme. See https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Key:operator.
• `access_key:operator:wikidata=…`: Organization that is responsible for the master key scheme. See https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Key:operator.

Applies to

• A toilet with a Eurokey system: `amenity=toilets + access_key=yes + access_key=master + access_key:operator=eurokey`
• A parking space for disabled people with a RADAR key system: `amenity=parking_space + access_key=yes + access_key=master + access_key:operator=radar`
• A facility with no key system required: `amenity=facility + access_key=no`

Possible operators that can be referred to with this tag:

• RADAR-key
• Euro-Key (german: "Euro-Schlüssel").

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia

• MLAK (Australia)

Features/Pages affected

If this proposal goes through, we will activate a changeset that changes all 1.500 places with the tag “centralkey=...” to access_key. https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Proposal:Centralkey - old and referred proposal

External discussions

We took a closer look at the proposal from 2009 (https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Proposal_talk:Centralkey) and tried contacting the original owner. Moreover, centralkey=eurokey is a germanizism and does not appeal to all master key systems or key systems with individual locks, which is why we aimed to improve the old proposal.

The existing tag key:access (https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Key:access) is not used for key systems.

Comments

Please comment on the discussion page.