Aim:

To improve the accuracy of the depiction on OSM of Rights of Way and permissive routes in West Dorset.

Methodology:

Path alignments come from walked GPS survey with adjustment to improve accuracy from aerial imagery where needed. Where a depicted route deviates from definitive this is noted in the description. Path furniture and other features come from walked survey or local knowledge. Where time permits I may add nearby features, e.g. hedges, etc. from aerial imagery. Unless I’m aware of (local knowledge) or find indication that permissive access exists for other tracks & paths, I record access as private. I have indicated in the Note field the definitive date of the route based on public records:
DM&SS - Definitive Map and Supporting Statements, latest version of the sealed map is 1989.
S119 - Highways Act 1980, Section 119 diversion.
S118 - HA1980, Section 118 extinguishment.
DMMO - Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, Section 53 Definitive Map Modification Order.
S257 - Town & Country Planning Act 1990, Section 257 diversion.
S258 - TCPA1990, Section 258 extinguishment.

Commentary:

In West Dorset, for historic reasons, the route currently available to be used does occasionally deviate from that recorded as “Definitive” for this reason while paths may designated as public. The only legally definitive repository is the sealed Definitive Map & Supporting Statements held by Dorset Council. The working version (Not Definitive) is available online as Dorset Explorer.

The majority of paths in rural West Dorset have very low footfall so caution is advised in the interpretation of aerial imagery as the “wear lines” may originate from livestock or agricultural vehicle movements.

With Footpaths, Bridleways & Restricted Byways, I specify the permitted users this is because it appears a number of outdoor navigation applications draw their route planning data from OpenStreetMap and not all the developers of these seem to be aware of the permitted use of the various PROWs or that cycling is not permitted on the footways/pavements of adopted highways.