The primary gist is that only Elkhart County actually uses purely numbered county roads. That is actually an easy case to use CR-xxx.
The more interesting point is for all of the others. When the number portion is a mileage-based reference, the usage isn’t as clear. In the usual case of {N/S/E/W} XXX {E/W/N/S}, the first directional is usually to disambiguate address number schemes. So, for example, E (or W) 100 N differentiates address increment/decrement east or west from a zero point. The street “name” is 100 N. But again, 100 isn’t exactly a county “route” designation, it is quite simply a name reference - a point that has bearing in a different context. Then we have to look at street name signage - aka LGS (little green sign).
Certainly if the signage uses CR, then use it. And if the signage doesn’t use the prefix E/W/N/S, then by all means, preserve this in the alt name so that address resolution can work properly. We get a fair number of URs about rural addressing being not very reliable - sometimes for this reason.
But, just because the basemap import or existing convention reflects “Co Rd”, you can’t automatically assume it should be converted to CR-xxx. And if the current signage uses the prefix direction, then the proper usage would be E/W or N/S CR-xxx N/S/E/W.
Since this usage is likely to be county-dependent, you might find the county boundary overlays for WME extremely helpful - especially if you are working near county boundaries with different conventions.
I’m posting this here to get more feedback before incorporating into the IN State wiki. The key point for this post is whether we can have better general guidelines than simply looking at county-by-county signage for counties other than Elkhart county.
There is also the problem of some counties using a mix of signs. In Floyd County in particular I have seen 100 N and County Rd XXX on signs. So, if you treat the lgs as the ultimate check there will be differences all over the county. Similar to the way there are SR-XXX and IN-XXX signs all over the place. No true standard from the state level or county level.
I certainly wouldn’t want to require that we inspect every LGS for use of CR on the sign, but if it is signed as CR- at some/most key intersections, then we can at least agree to CR usage for that county. Unless we get consensus to agree to use CR everywhere - for non State numbered or number-appearing roads.
My reason for raising this topic is simply to call attention to the fact that Indiana has no county-route/shielding mechanisms like other states do. Meaning that the use of CR in this fashion is more for cosmetic (name-wise) use only.
I have family in Johnson County and his address uses the format “#### S ## W” There isn’t a CR- prefix and adding it to the road may make addresses default to google more than they already do.
So what xander says brings another issue to the table. What is the ultimate authority on the road naming? I have seen Co Rd XXX, CR-XXX, XXX N, and also shielded County Rd XXX in Floyd County alone.
If we consider these as street names (whether numbered route or mileage-offset), then GIS is usually considered authoritative - at least at the county level.
While I know there are discrepancies and inconsistencies among sources, according to the statewide information this is done according to data-sharing cooperation with all 92 Indiana counties: https://gis.in.gov/apps/DOT/RoadwayInventory/
If we want/need this is to be considered the authoritative source, then we’ll need to clean-up the mapping resources section of our wiki and remove the localized ones?
I don’t see any reason to remove the localized GIS links. The localized ones come in really useful for addresses and have info listed before the statewide when a new subdivision comes in. But, at the same time it would be nice to go from one source for naming conventions. As long as it doesn’t mess up addressing of course.
Sorry, you are correct that local GIS resources are still the primary source for things like addressing.
So I would amend my statement to be that the statewide DOT Roadway Inventory map is the primary (sole) source for FC for roads not affected as IN and/or US routes. Exceptions made for obvious FC error or route continuity.
Since this is about naming, and regardless of county, I think we have 2 flavors:
Counties (routes) that use simple numbering assignment such as Elkhart county.
In this case, use CR-XXX. Preserve any cardinal directions in the alt-name, such as E/W CR-xxx, or N/S CR-xxx for addressing.
Counties which use {cardinal direction} XXX {cardinal direction}
In this case, preserve first cardinal in alt-name same as case 1 above. Then use CR-XXX {cardinal} for the primary name.
Since Indiana has no real county-shielding program, most people would understand the CR as superfluous for roads that are county roads without any other name.
Sorry, if the example wasn’t clear. Yes, that is what I meant.
I’d be curious if any LGS prominently features the first cardinal? I’m guessing most locals would start with the number?
I think names like CR-100 N/S or E/W would be preferable as a state-wide standard and less subject to interpretation. However, given the spotty rural addressing, preserving the initial cardinal in the alt name is critical to preserving/improving that.
As an aside, for rural addressing issues, we have no choice but to check/correct google maps. It is way too easy for the google pin to be too far from actual location - in which case according to current resolution protocols, google wins.
To clarify - When finding roads with {N/S/E/W} Co Rd XXX {E/W/N/S}, omit the CR-XXX rename, unless CR is confirmed signed? Which will result in {N/S/E/W} XXX {E/W/N/S}. Or, also omit the leading indicator, resulting in XXX {E/W/N/S}.
Here is “E Co Rd 1000 N” and “N Co Rd 600 E”. Here is an image of the LGS: http://goo.gl/CCcPxp. Would be it be correct to label the roads 1000 N and 600 E?
Checking the INDOT Roadway Inventory, it looks like the county standard for Ripley is no CR prefix.
The LGS you posted supports that. As an objective standard, if LGSs differ within a county, follow references according to INDOT.
Just for re-emphasis (not just to you), if the first cardinal is removed - not just for CR references, but any street - it should ALWAYS be preserved in an alt name. Those cardinal references are required for proper addressing location references and minimizing reliance on external address resolution. The second cardinal is always considered part of the name and should never be removed. You may find roads where the first cardinal was removed without preserving in an alt name. If you find those, it would be best practice to update the alt name with the proper information.
For your example, you are correct for Ripley county to use primary as 1000 N and 600 E respectively on the primary as you indicated.
TTS Jane pronounces Co Rd as Co-Road. CR- is pronounced “County Road”. Also addressing issues as above.
Recently, counties have changed their road names to fit their new E911 system.
Indiana is slowly abolishing their township system and all roads not in a municipality are under the jurisdiction of the county highway department, are therefore “county roads.”
The principal artierial roads in Indiana are determined by the municipalities and counties in unincorporoated areas. Changes are submitted by planning organiztions in urban areas and county commissioners in rural counties and approved by INDOT.