Vejtype

Vejtype is a hypothetical data-type concept used in geographic information systems to model road classifications within road-network datasets. The goal is to replace free-text labels with a validated, type-safe representation that supports consistency, validation, and efficient querying across sources.

Etymology: The word combines Danish vej, meaning road, with type, reflecting its domain focus on road classification.

Implementation and semantics: Vejtype is typically implemented as an enumeration or discriminated union, listing standard categories such as motorway, trunk, primary, secondary, tertiary, residential, and service. Each value may be associated with optional attributes like typical speed ranges or access rules. In a GIS workflow, vejtype enables type-safe indexing, styling rules, and automated validation of road classifications.

Interoperability and mapping: When exchanging data with external standards, vejtype values can be mapped to established tags (for example, motorway maps to motorway; residential to residential). This mapping improves cross-dataset compatibility while allowing local refinements.

Limitations and usage notes: Vejtype is not a globally standardized term and is primarily discussed in design documents and model proposals. Adoption requires agreement on category sets and mapping schemes, and care is needed to maintain alignment with external data and rendering pipelines.

See also: OpenStreetMap highway tags; geographic information systems; data modeling.