In navigating OpenStreetMap, I recently noticed a discrepancy regarding the naming of a specific area. The locality appears under two different names: Shah Ali Banda and Shalibanda. This inconsistency can cause confusion for users and may impact the accuracy of data for navigation, research, and local reference.
Upon recognizing this issue, I conducted a thorough verification using various credible sources:
- Police Station Shah Ali Banda Signage: The official signage at the police station clearly displays “Shah Ali Banda.”
- Telangana Government Documents: Government records consistently use the name “Shah Ali Banda.”
- Google Maps: This widely used mapping service also refers to the area as “Shah Ali Banda.”
- Hyderabad Metro Rail (Social Media Posts): References made by the Hyderabad Metro Rail on their social media platforms align with “Shah Ali Banda.”
- Historical Maps (1780 & Nizam Era Maps): Both the 1780 map and Nizam-era documents from over 200 years ago label the area as “Shah Ali Banda.”
- Local Business Signage: Various local businesses use “Shah Ali Banda” in their addresses and promotional materials.
- School Signage: Educational institutions in the area also display “Shah Ali Banda” on their boards.
Given the overwhelming evidence supporting “Shah Ali Banda” as the correct name, it appears that the alternative spelling, “Shalibanda,” is a typographical error or a colloquial contraction that has mistakenly made its way into OpenStreetMap.
Recommendation:
I kindly request the OpenStreetMap community to review this information and consider updating the map to use Shah Ali Banda exclusively. Correcting this will enhance the map’s accuracy and provide users with reliable and standardized information.
Let us ensure that OpenStreetMap remains a trustworthy and precise mapping tool for everyone.
