Template of topic 380525, post 1
This page discusses the “ranks” or “levels” held by Waze map editors. These form a part of the editing permissions system. The Waze Help page outlines the points awarded for various edits, and at this stage, it is separate from the ranking system. The Your Rank and Points topic on the US wiki provides additional details on ranking and points.
The terms “rank” and “level” are often used interchangeably. In this topic, we will use the term “level”.
Changes and Points vs Edits
Map edits are listed in your scoreboard and affect your total number of points. “Editing the map” means making a change to road segments. If you correct the spelling on three different segments of the same road you will earn three map edits. If you edit the same segment more than one time in a day (24 hours) you will only receive credit for the edit one time.
For example, if you correct the city name at the same time or a little later in the day, you have made two changes to the segment but will receive credit for one edit to the segment.
In the Waze Map Editor (WME), any change is counted by the counter on the “Save” button in the top right corner. A change is not the same as an edit. A change is any action that can be undone with the “Undo” button. For example, if you select 10 segments at one time, correct the spelling of the name on all 10 segments, and select “Apply”, the change counter will increase by one. Why? Because you made one single, undo-able change. If you change one segment by moving 10 geometry points around a curve, each time you drag and drop a geometry point, that is a change and the change counter increases because you can undo each of these actions.
In the first example, those 10 segments changed all at once will get you credit for 10 edits. In the second example, those 10 changes will get you credit for 1 edit. In the first you changed 10 different objects but in the second, you changed only a single object.
As a final, extreme example, if you update an existing long segment, give it a new name, change the city, change the road type, the direction, the lock level and elevation, then adjust the location of 100 geometry points, the save counter may show 160 changes. When you save, that is counted as a single edit to that segment. You have only changed a single object.
Editing Levels
Your editing level increases based on your edit count. As your editing level grows so do your permissions and editing abilities. These are discussed further below.
Promotions
Level promotions are evaluated based on a combination of related factors including:
- Edit count
- Editing quality and finish
- Editing skill and knowledge
- Suspicious or damaging edits
- Proper etiquette in communication
- Community involvement
- Mentoring participation
- Adherence to the Waze Community Terms of Service.
These factors are weighted differently at different promotion levels. Promotion to levels 2 and 3 often focus more on knowledge, skill, and quality of edits (with edit count used as a proxy). Promotion to level 4 and above often requires more communication, community involvement, mentoring, and leadership.
Edit count therefore is of diminishing importance to promotion at higher levels. If one edits with the requisite skill and communicates with integrity and etiquette, and other level-associated criteria are satisfied, one may be promoted before achieving the listed edit count for a given level. Conversely, a lack of effective editing practices with quality edits and proper decorum, promotion may not occur even after one has achieved the listed edit count.
Note that promotion to levels 2 and 3 is automatic based on the edit count. Automatic promotions can be turned off for an editor, though, if an Australian Coordinator is of the belief that the editor has not yet gained the essential skills to progress to the next editing level. Promotions to level 4 and higher require both an ongoing fulfilment of the above mentioned factors for promotion and processing by an Australian Coordinator - more on that below.
Formal mentoring is a great tool to help you learn the skills and knowledge you will need to be eligible for a level promotion. Get in touch with your State Manager before you are eligible and have a discussion about where you need to focus to become eligible for the promotion.
If you feel that you might be eligible for a level promotion, review the above list of factors, reflect on your progress, and contact one of the Australian Leadership Team to initiate a review and the promotion process. Promotions aren’t the decision of a single Local Champ, but are discussed amongst all Local Champs.
Demotions
Editors may receive a level reduction, which can be initiated by Waze Staff or the Waze Australia Leadership Team at their sole discretion. While the Waze Australia Leadership Team often attempt to contact editors to communicate issues or concerns before taking adverse action on an account, we are not required to do so. Level reductions may occur in instances of map abuse, failure to follow mapping guidelines, or failure to adhere to the Waze Terms of Service.
A temporary reduction in editor level can occur while an editor works to realign their editing skills with the requirements for holding their assigned editing level. For example, an editor who makes frequent and ongoing errors, is not competent in using a particular feature, or whose edits cause considerable damage to the map and impact drivers, may receive an editor level adjustment from 3 to 2 while they undertake additional training and mentoring.
As mentioned in Promotions above, if an editor no longer meets the ongoing requirements for a higher editing level, they may be demoted. For example, a level 4 editor stops editing for 12 months or ceases engaging with the community may be subject to demotion. Each case is assessed on individual circumstances before any action is taken.
Breakdowns
| Badge | Editing Level | Suggested Edit Count | Editable Area Radius * | Unlocked App Mood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New editor |
1 | 0 plus | 1.6 km (1 mile) |
All editors start in this group. | |
Beginner |
2 | 3,000 plus | 3.2 km (2 miles) |
Editors with 3,000 edits may be automatically promoted to level 2. | |
Proficient |
3 | 25,000 plus | 4.8 km (3 miles) |
Editors with 25,000 edits may be automatically promoted to level 3. This level is often held by emerging Area Managers. |
|
Advanced |
4 | N/A | 6.4 km (4 miles) |
Promotion to level 4 requires a request to, and review by, Local Champs before approval. This level involves more community involvement, mentoring and leadership. It is often held by senior Area Managers, as well as State and Country Managers. |
|
Expert |
5 | N/A | 6.4 km (4 miles) |
Promotion to level 5 requires a request to, and review by, Local Champs before approval. This level involves more community involvement, mentoring and leadership. It is often held by State and Country managers. |
|
Champion |
6 | N/A | Country Wide | Local Champs lead and manage whole-country communities, forming part of the leadership team. Global Champs must be nominated to the position and then approved by staff and the international Global Champ community. |
|
Staff |
7 | N/A | Global | This level is only held by Waze Staff. |
- November 2025 - Your drive-based editing areas will now expire on the 63rd day
Community Roles
The editing community isn’t the only Waze role. In addition to editing the map our global community is also made up of volunteers who keep it, and related functions, running smoothly. These volunteers fulfil different roles and specialise in specific areas of Waze. You can find out more at The Waze Community.