SKYDB
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317,029 tall buildings

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OpenStreetMap ID

The identification number of the corresponding node, way, or relation in the OpenStreetMap database.

OpenStreetMap stores everything as one of three elements. A node is a single coordinate, a way is an ordered list of nodes forming a line or an outline, and a relation groups elements into something larger such as a multipolygon. This field holds the number of the element that matches the record.

The number on its own is ambiguous, because each of the three kinds counts from one. A way numbered 12345 and a node numbered 12345 are different objects, so the kind has to be stored with the number.

A way id is a poor long-term key for a building. Redrawing the outline can replace the way and issue a new number, leaving the reference pointing at nothing. An official register code survives that.

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