Talk:المصطلحات المحلية لوصف بعض المظاهر الطبيعية والبشرية

Regarding the proposed deletion of this page

I noticed this page, `المصطلحات المحلية لوصف بعض المظاهر الطبيعية والبشرية`, has been tagged for deletion with the reason "not related to OSM".

I would like to argue strongly against this deletion, as I believe this content is highly relevant and directly beneficial to the OpenStreetMap project and its contributors, particularly those mapping in Saudi Arabia and potentially other Arabic-speaking regions.

Here's why this glossary is important for OSM:

1. Understanding Feature Names (`name=*`, `loc_name=*`): Many place names in the region incorporate these specific terms (e.g., *Wadi XYZ*, *Jabal ABC*, *Faydat ZZZ*, *Qarat 123*). This glossary allows mappers (both Arabic and non-Arabic speakers) to understand the *type* of feature indicated by the local name, adding crucial context that might not be immediately obvious from the generic part of the name or satellite view alone.

2. Improving Tagging Accuracy: Knowing the precise local definition helps mappers choose the most appropriate OSM tags. For instance:

   *   Distinguishing between `وادي` (valley/major watercourse - `natural=valley`/`waterway=wadi`), `شعيب` (smaller tributary/gully - often `waterway=stream`), `قاع` (dry clay pan - `natural=mud` or `natural=wetland`), and `سبخة` (`wetland=tidalflat`).
   *   Identifying specific landforms like `حَرّة` (volcanic field - `natural=volcanic_field`/`natural=bare_rock`), `جال`/`حافة` (escarpment/cliff - `natural=cliff`), or various dune types (`عِرق`, `نقا`, `قوز`).
   *   This leads to a richer, more accurate map database.

3. Resolving Regional Ambiguity: The page highlights how the same feature might have different local names (e.g., `شعيب`, `رجلة`, `شغية` for similar watercourses) and how one name (`خور`) can refer to different features (inlet, well, watercourse). Documenting this helps mappers standardize and avoid confusion when interpreting local data or names.

4. Assisting Interpretation Beyond Imagery: Especially in arid landscapes, satellite imagery can be difficult to interpret definitively. Is a flat depression fertile (`روضة`/`فيضة`) or barren (`قاع`)? Is a rocky outcrop a simple `natural=peak` or a specific formation like a `قارة`? The local terminology, often present in the name, provides vital ground truth clues.

5. Documenting Local Geographic Knowledge: OSM aims to capture the world's geography. This includes local terminology used to describe that geography. This page serves as a valuable repository of such knowledge, sourced from a credible authority (Saudi Geological Survey), ensuring the terms are geographically established.

6. Supporting the Mapping Community: The OSM Wiki is a place for knowledge sharing that *supports* better mapping. Glossaries like this directly empower mappers by providing them with contextual understanding necessary for accurate contributions. It helps bridge the gap between local language/knowledge and OSM's global tagging system.

This page isn't just a list of words; it's a practical tool for improving data quality and understanding within OSM for a specific, geographically significant region. Its removal would hinder mappers trying to accurately represent the local landscape.

Therefore, I kindly request that the deletion proposal be reconsidered. I am also open to suggestions for improving the page's structure or integration within the Wiki if that's deemed helpful.

Abdullah Abdulrhman (talk) 05:27, 13 April 2025 (UTC)

Thanks for the message. On the Wiki every page should have [[links]], categories and other pages should link to this page. Otherwise this is an "orphan" page and no one will find it. Could you add them? If you need some help, let me know. You mentioned some OSM tags in you message, but I can't see any in the article. maro21 17:32, 13 April 2025 (UTC)

Thanks to both of you for the useful discussion. I'ld like to mention that the same argument applies to the delete request for الشعراء which IMHO should also be reverted and have categories and links added. And not to forget, thanks to Maro21 for cleaning up ancient spam in multiple languages. --Lyx (talk) 20:06, 13 April 2025 (UTC)