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UER Mobile > UE Tutorials, Lessons, and Useful Info > Database (Viewed 16880 times)

post by RescueMe1060   |  | 
Database
< on 7/12/2011 6:26 AM >

RailGuy made a thread very long ago in the Rookie Forum dedicated to "How to Become a Full Member", complete with step by step guidelines and suggestions of how to apply/when to apply...

Would someone mind creating one like his in regards to the Database, so that I (and future FM's) will know what type of locations are appropriate to add, and whether or not they should be kept public or private by their creator...

If my request is not in the right place (or not needed) can a MOD move this to where it belongs please, or if a thread has already been created would someone mind directing me to it?

-rescue


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post by victoria-   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 1 on 7/12/2011 6:30 AM >

Is it old? - add to DB
Is it cool? - add to DB
Is it demolished? - add to DB
Do you think anyone should view it? - no - make it fm only and vice versa.
If A mod doesn't approve the location clearly you've done some thing very wrong.


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post by metawaffle   |  | King of Puns

Re: Database
<Reply # 2 on 7/12/2011 7:12 AM >

Moved to UE Main


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post by Brind   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 3 on 7/12/2011 2:16 PM >

Do you not care about the integrity of the location? Add it to the DB
Do you want to see what the place looks like on fire? Add it to the DB
Do you think it would look better covered in spraypaint? Add it to the DB


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post by Steed   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 4 on 7/12/2011 2:44 PM >

Alright, I'll give you a bit of an FAQ. If I missed anything, let me know. Moderators, feel free to add to this, or move it to a more appropriate forum.

> What is the LDB?

The UER Location Database is a database of locations for urban exploration, categorised by region. Its content is created and edited by UER full members. Basic members and non-members are only able to see locations which are marked Publically Viewable or Demolished, but there are many other locations in there.

> Who can contribute to the location database?

Any full member may create a new entry or modify any existing entry.

> What do I need in order to create a new entry?

You should know its geographic location and have pictures you've taken there. That's the bare minimum for a fully-validated location.

And of course, this link:
http://www.uer.ca/....asp?action=newloc

> Should I add a location if I haven't been there yet?

No. You're obviously just squatting on the space so that when other people visit, they'll be obligated to post in your entry.

> Should I add a location if I have been there, but don't have any pictures?

If you have information about it, it can be useful for getting others to visit. Hopefully someone else will have pictures to put up. Until then, don't be surprised if it only gets conditional validation.

> Should I add a location if I've visited, but only got exteriors and couldn't get inside?

Yes, and it will probably remain conditionally validated until you update with pictures of the interior. Consider this a reminder to do it.

> What doesn't belong in the location database?

There's no one single rule. Some locations that are public are okay. We do frown on tourist locations, even if they are of ruins like the Pyramids of Giza.

Active locations aren't a great idea, unless they involve some sort of infiltration or you get somewhere interesting, such as the rooftop of an active building, or backstage in an amusement park.

Graveyards, while certainly UE-worthy locations, tend to get booted from the LDB unless they're (a) abandoned and (b) photogenic.

We occasionally have purges of locations that we don't want in there.

> What should I name the location?

It's best to use the real name if you know it. If the real name is too sensitive, you're always free to set its viewability to private. If you don't know the actual name, or there isn't one (ie for a house), a nickname is acceptable, and you can always change it later if you learn the real name.

> What's the purpose of the "Type" setting?

There are only four official types, Building, Drain, Tunnel, and Outdoors. If these aren't adequate for your location, you can type in your own.

Keep in mind that this field is used for certain types of searches, so if you come up with a name any more exotic it might not be easily found.

> What do I put for Street Address, City, Province / State, and Country?

Try to keep this information accurate. Don't use any abbreviations; ie for Texas, don't put TX. Street Address is an optional field.

> What if it's not in a city?

Take your best guess. You must put something in the City field. You can either put the closest city, or write something like "countryside."

> Should I put in the map coordinates?

If you know them, definitely. If you don't know the exact location, be sure to note that in Co-ordinate Accuracy.

> Should I fill out the Historical section?

This section is optional. If you have accurate information, definitely. If you're going to add rumours or unconfirmed information, make sure you note it as such.

> What should I put for the Status field?

You're given seven categories to choose from: Abandoned, Under Construction, Being Demolished, Closed, Active, Demolished, and Repurposed. Remember that if you select Demolished, the location will automatically be set to Publically Viewable.

If none of these apply, you can write your own in the field provided. Keep it brief.

> How do I set the Accessibility?

Go by your own frame of reference. Easy should mean you had no trouble walking right in, and Difficult should mean you had to challenge yourself.

> What should I put for Interesting Features?

Put anything here that you think would make this place really worth seeing.

> What do I put for Recommendation?

For this, you're given five options:
1) drop everything - must see
2) worth the trip
3) check it out if you're nearby
4) not very exciting
5) forget it
Although these can be a little esoteric, it's probably just best to think of this as a grade from 1 to 5.

> Do I need to fill in Media Coverage, Future Plans, Description, and Web Links?

You definitely should put something for Description, but all fields are optional.

> Do I need a Main Picture?

Yes. Even if you don't have pictures for a gallery, your location will not look complete without a Main Picture.

> Should I write a Story?

If you have something interesting to say about a visit there, a Story is a good idea. For everything else, you can just start a thread on the entry page. Note that you can link a story to a gallery, in case you're telling a story about a particular visit.

You can also edit stories later. Anyone has the privilege to edit other people's stories, but it's probably not a good idea to do so without their permission.

> Should I create a Panorama?

If you have one, sure. The site software is pretty intuitive.

> Should I add a Photo Gallery?

Yes, if you ever hope to get your entry out of Conditional Validation Hell.

> Should I make my gallery anonymous?

If you really must, sure, it's an option. However, why is it anonymous? Security reasons? You don't want to get caught? If you don't trust the full-member system of UER enough to post, maybe you shouldn't upload.

The software is a bit glitchy, so it would likely be possible for moderators to figure out who you are.

> Should I make this gallery available to the general public and Level 2 users?

I don't even know if this feature works. If the location entry itself is public or private, tagging this box or untagging it will have no effect.

> What format should my pictures be in?

They must be *.JPG format. You don't need to worry about them being too big, as UER will resize them. You also have the option to rotate your pictures after they've been uploaded, so if you don't have a lot of editing to do, you can just put them in as they are.

> Should I add my credit statement into each picture?

This just creates a very basic watermark in your image. It's mostly useful if you're concerned about your images being stolen from the LDB and used somewhere else. Probably bet to do it just to be safe.

> What's Step 2?

Photo captions, descriptions, and reordering the photos in the gallery if necessary.

> How many pictures can I upload?

You can upload up to ten at a time, to a total of 25 per gallery.

> But I want to upload more!

You should probably reconsider this. Why does your gallery need more than 25 photos? It will reduce the number of people willing to look through it all.

> What about creating multiple galleries?

There are a few exceptions. For instance, if you visited two distinctly different buildings. Or, if you've been on several visits. You cannot create two different galleries together: the site software makes you wait a few days. However, this can be overridden by a moderator.

If you need to upload more than the standard one gallery/25 photos, contact a moderator about overriding the limit. All we need to do is press a button.

> Can I upload content not originally created by me?

UER hopes that all content uploaded by its members to the LDB is owned by those members. However, sometimes historical photographs, newspaper articles, or articles from other websites appear in the LDB.

UER follows the general policies of "Fair Use" in these cases. The information or photographs will be displayed until the original owner or license holder requests for them to be removed.

> What content is not allowed in the database?

Any photographs depicting pornography are not allowed in the LDB, as there is a risk it could show up on the front page at an inopportune moment. I know I've been caught violating this one a few times.

Please ensure, if you are uploading photos containing unobscured faces, that you have the permission of the person(s) in those photographs.

UER reserves the right to selectively censor or delete any photographs which violate these policies.

Any kind of information which reveals entrance details (such as locations of fence holes, unlocked doors, etc) is not allowed.

> Who owns the photos once I've uploaded them?

When you upload photographs to the UER Location Database, you are granting UER a license to display the photos alongside your name or credit. This license can be revoked by you (and you only) at any time, and the affected photos will subsequently be removed as soon as possible.

This policy only applies if you are the owner of the photographs in question. Any photos uploaded for which you do not have the distribution rights (photos you did not take) are not affected by the preceding policy.

> What about stories?

When you create a new "story", you are granting UER a license to display the story alongside your name or credit. This license can be revoked by you (and only you) at any time, and the affected stories will subsequently be removed as soon as possible.

This policy only applies if you are the original author of the story. Any stories of which you are not the author (such as newspaper articles) are not affected by the preceding policy.

> I'm ready to show off my entry. What do I do now?

Before it's viewable by anyone, including moderators, you must click the Make Available button on the Location Gallery Edit page.

> How do I get my location validated? What does that even mean?

Once you've hit the Make Available button, the entry will enter a queue where moderators will see it. At some point over the next few days, depending on how lazy we are, it will receive validation.

Validation just means that it looks right to the moderator who validated it. We don't know if it's real or fake, or what its status is. All we can judge is whether it fits the criteria of a location entry.

> What is conditional validation?

Conditional validation is given if we have some sort of problem with the entry, but we figure you will get around to fixing it on your own if we're just patient.

The most common reasons for conditional validation are:
-no photo gallery
-no proof of entry
-looks like a crap location

Conditional validation grants the entry a provisional validation of three months, at which point it turns up in our queue again. At this point, we'll probably conditionally validate it again, but if it's been bouncing back here for a couple years without any updates, we might just delete it. If it's just an issue of not having enough pictures, we probably will still keep it in the hope that someone actually does visit and gets photos for an update. But if the information is weak or it doesn't look very interesting, it could get sent to the deletion queue.

> How do I bump my location's conditional validation up to full validation?

See what's wrong with it. Chances are you just don't have enough pictures. If it's not clear, feel free to contact the moderator who conditionally validated it to find out why.

> When should I make a thread in a location entry?

This is a good place to keep a conversation going. If you don't want to just modify an existing entry, but maybe want to confirm details, ask for updates, or something related, this is the place. If you have comments about the site that aren't related to the pictures in the gallery, you can start a thread.

> Can I modify someone else's LDB entry?

Of course, as long as you're not vandalising the entry. All contributions should be positive additions to the entry. For instance, a photo gallery, updates on status/hazards/etc, or more accurate descriptive information.

Removing or falsifying textual database information placed in the database by another member, or by yourself at a previous instance, shall be deemed as Vandalism of the Location Database, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

Remember, once created, an entry becomes part of the UER community and does not "belong" to the person who created it.

> Some jerk modified my entry! What the hell?

If they added pictures, great. If they improved on the information you provided, great. If they deleted info you put or changed it in a way you disagree with, you should send them a message or contact a moderator.

Remember that the information in the LDB is part of the community in the same way information on Wikipedia is.

> I found a duplicate of a site I created! What can we do?

Which came first? If yours is oldest, you should probably just contact a moderator. If the other is oldest, you'll need to move your gallery into theirs.

Technically, anyone can move any database gallery to any other location. The moderators will take notice, so it's probably best you only use this for moving your own pictures.

> Should I make my entry publically viewable or private?

If you only want UER full members to see it, mark it private. When in doubt, it's probably best to go with private.

If it's demolished, it will automatically be changed to public.

You always have the choice with any location to change its privacy setting.

> How do I search the database?

There are four search methods. The first is obviously clicking through based on continent/country/city names.

The second is the Location List Filter, which allows you to screen for particular contributors, particular names, Type, or Status.

The third method is the Location Map, which places all locations on an online map tool.
http://www.uer.ca/locations/gmaps/

Last, there is the more extensive Location Search feature.
http://www.uer.ca/locations/search.asp

> My location's been added to the deletion queue! What do I do?

You will have received an automated message from the moderator who moved it to the deletion queue, which contained an explanation. It will be sitting in a queue, possibly for quite a long time, so you have time to rescue it.

> My location's been demolished. What do I have to do now?

The only edit you really need to make is to change the status to Demolished. This will make it publically viewable. Don't bother changing every detail, such as Recommendation.

> Won't adding a location to the LDB ensure its destruction?

Possibly, but it may have happened if you didn't add it anyway.



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post by MutantMandias   |  | Perverse and Often Baffling

Re: Database
<Reply # 5 on 7/12/2011 2:57 PM >

Everyone who posts a comment on UER will die, therefore posting on UER causes death.


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post by decrepitude   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 6 on 7/12/2011 4:42 PM >

Posted by Brind
Do you not care about the integrity of the location? Add it to the DB
Do you want to see what the place looks like on fire? Add it to the DB
Do you think it would look better covered in spraypaint? Add it to the DB


I Lol-ered.




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post by Shawn W.   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 7 on 7/12/2011 5:59 PM >

Posted by Brind
Do you not care about the integrity of the location? Add it to the DB
Do you want to see what the place looks like on fire? Add it to the DB
Do you think it would look better covered in spraypaint? Add it to the DB

This doesn't apply to any location that I've added, nor a couple that I'm considering adding.


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post by Soldat   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 8 on 7/12/2011 9:28 PM >

Posted by Brind
Do you not care about the integrity of the location? Add it to the DB
Do you want to see what the place looks like on fire? Add it to the DB
Do you think it would look better covered in spraypaint? Add it to the DB


+1

But really I have added to the database.

However I only add places that are already trashed beyond harm, I am talking used up shells, or places that are about to get the wrecking ball.

Anything else is just going to be harmed by the DB.


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post by SinCalRyder   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 9 on 7/12/2011 9:35 PM >

I am about to start adding a few places to the DB, in fact I am uploading pics to a new gallery for updating an existing listing, but I am kind of being selective as well. But I do not plan on adding any new locations to the public database just for the easy access reason. But that said I guess I will just have to put some thought into which locations I add and which ones I save. Guess if someone wants to see one of my locations they can just ask and I am usually more than willing to share if they seem reputable and not an ass hat lol.


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post by ensimismada   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 10 on 7/13/2011 10:36 PM >

Rescueme, thanks for this thread. I have two or three locations I've been thinking about adding for a while now, but I've been hesitating because I wasn't sure what the consensus was on a) how "cool" a site needs to be to be considered worth entering and ii) if I should make them public or members only.

Steed's step-by-step explanation is particularly helpful, so perhaps a mod could stickyify it or copy it to the DB FAQ?


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post by geoff5093   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 11 on 7/14/2011 2:06 AM >

A place doesn't need to be "cool" to be in the database, lots of current listings will prove that, however as others have said if it's a place that you want to explore again while it remains in the same shape it's currently in, don't post it on the database. Now if it's already trashed, have at it.


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post by madcap   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 12 on 7/14/2011 5:05 AM >

super glad for this thread. thank you for making it, thank you for adding to it. i have wondered many of the things questioned & mentioned above & probably below this too!
so Alice & i have found places we know that other UERers have visited/found & we have found places(though very few) we are pretty sure others have not been to. we haven't added any of these sites. the first out of respect because we figured those whom were there before us probably had a reason, sometimes matching our own, that has kept it off the database. the latter we have worried about the potential destruction of by visitors we unknowingly send.
as a result we have by default typically just shared the places we have found/visited with those whom are curious enough to search for them after seeing a post of it. sometimes we give details, sometimes clues & sometimes we just take em there ourselves. we have been taken out to places by others & most of our inquiries have been met with openness. we try to take the same attitude & enjoy re-exploring places with people.
it seems to us once a site has been posted in a thread it isn't very hard to find. we don't mind the extra footwork especially if spares the location & if we have troubles we just ask. i look forward to the day we find the ideal entry & will not hesitate to take appropriate action.


-madcap


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post by RescueMe1060   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 13 on 7/14/2011 6:14 AM >

Steed, I think you answered the question I proposed very well, now all it needs is further simplification (do we even need a database?).

I'm hoping Avatar will someday take a look at this and add his 2 cents as well.


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post by Steed   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 14 on 7/14/2011 8:48 AM >

Posted by rescueme1060
Steed, I think you answered the question I proposed very well, now all it needs is further simplification (do we even need a database?).

I'm hoping Avatar will someday take a look at this and add his 2 cents as well.


That is a good question we're always wondering about. I'll see if I can get Av in here to give you guys his impression.


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post by Avatar-X   |  | Alpha Husky

Re: Database
<Reply # 15 on 7/14/2011 1:43 PM >

What do you need my two cents on? What Steed wrote is bang-on.

What is the purpose of the database? I guess I can tell you what my initial goal was for the DB, based on a suggestion of an old friend whose name I've forgotten (one of nvr2loud's exploring buddies).

So many different people visit a location over the course of time, and they all have their own experiences, stories, they take their own photos, and have their own impressions of a place. Maybe they went in the winter instead of the summer. Maybe the place has changed since the last time someone was there.

I wanted a place to collect all those photos, stories, and information. Sort of like Wikipedia, except for places, and with more structure rather than free-form pages. An emphasis on providing a free place to host photos (not considered a big deal now, but pretty revolutionary in 2003).

Make it categorized by location, so people can find things near them. Make it searchable and filterable, so you can find the type of places you like. Make it so you can ignore areas you don't care about, and make it so you can "subscribe" to places to keep an eye on the updates. Fully integrate a read-state system so you know the instant a new commend, photo, or anything else was changed or added.

These were the design goals and they're generally adhered to.

I don't like feeding trolls, but I will just point out that there are something like 300 locations listed in Toronto, none of which have been set on fire. Also, graffiti artists don't browse our private database to find places to tag... they just tag whichever building is nearest to them.


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post by RescueMe1060   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 16 on 7/17/2011 11:09 PM >

So can Steeds answer be posted in the Tutorial section?


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post by RescueMe1060   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 17 on 12/29/2012 4:25 AM >

If you want a general birds eye view of your specific state/country and every location that has up until now been added to the DB... then this is the link you'll want to follow.

http://www.uer.ca/...d=78151&currpage=1



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post by billgeorge   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 18 on 3/14/2014 2:41 AM >

Posted by RescueMe1060
Steed, I think you answered the question I proposed very well, now all it needs is further simplification (do we even need a database?).


This thread makes me sad.

As a noob, I wistfully assumed that a cornucopia of treasures awaited me in the full-members-only threads and locations database.

It seemed to make sense: You prove yourself to be not a complete schmuck by posting some photos and maybe meeting some other explorers in your area.

But if people don't trust other full members with location information, the question isn't, "Do we even need a database?," it's: "Do we even need UER?"

Why come here at all if not to share?




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post by GLP.   |  | 
Re: Database
<Reply # 19 on 3/14/2014 4:12 AM >

Posted by billgeorge


This thread makes me sad.

As a noob, I wistfully assumed that a cornucopia of treasures awaited me in the full-members-only threads and locations database.

It seemed to make sense: You prove yourself to be not a complete schmuck by posting some photos and maybe meeting some other explorers in your area.

But if people don't trust other full members with location information, the question isn't, "Do we even need a database?," it's: "Do we even need UER?"

Why come here at all if not to share?




I personally enjoy UER mostly for the conversation and the bullshit but seriously though Ive met some great people on here. Also the reason why people people dont put out all of their information on here is because many people have spent months even years making these things happen as well as trying to preserve locations you should read this. http://www.scribd....oundation-Concepts


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