Naming Format Change - "MA-##" to "SR-##"

Map Editors Community United States Massachusetts
1

Waze has quicken the pace on providing Highway Shields for state routes in the App. It looks like this will take place within the next couple of updates, if not sooner.

However, in order for MA users to get a vocalized response they understand, we need to make some changes to the map. Currently, the state standard is naming numbered state routes as “MA-###”. This produces the Text to Speech response of “Massachusetts ###”.

Since almost every numbered route in MA is referred to as “route ###,” this is something that needs to be changed.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that MassDOT also refers to numbered state highways as SR##.

After working with GizmoGuy on the TTS issues, and naming issues, we determined that the State Highways in MA need to be changed from “MA” to “SR” for consistency, and better interfacing with MassDOT.

2

And this is on hold for now.

Spelling errors are courtesy of large thumbs and a small smartphome keyboard.

3

Sounds like a bit of debate in the background.

How should (or just “Should”) the naming of a numbered route be reflected in the address entered for a place? How might this affect searching?

4

Just so it’s formally stated… We’re using SR-## in Mass. (per the SM)

5

Yes. All instances of “MA-” or “State Route” or “State Hwy” or similar are to be replaced with “SR-###.”

This is the new format for the state.

6

All of us who have editing rights for mHs and MHs should be working on the name changes already. In my area, they are usually the alt names. We need to check at our area borders to make certain the process continues.With the numerous SRs, this won’t be a quick fix. Onward!