Editor levels

Waze uses a level system (L1 to L6+) that determines the editing radius and the accessible segments.

Level	Editing radius	Minimum edits	Attribution
L1	1.6 km	none	Automatic
L2	3.2 km	3,000	Automatic
L3	4.8 km	25,000	Automatic
L4	6.4 km	100,000	Staff approval + local champions
L5	6.4 km	250,000	Staff approval + local champions
L6	6.4 km	500,000	Staff approval + local champions

Note

The thresholds are indicative minimums. Levels L4 to L6 are not earned by edit count alone: attribution follows community criteria detailed in How to reach each level. An editor who is particularly active in the community may be proposed for an early promotion: script development, helping other editors, participation in mapraids and events.

Segments locked at a level higher than yours require an unlock request via the forum or Discord.

How to reach each level

In Switzerland, progression follows a "Community Ladder" defined by community consensus. Progression is cumulative: each level assumes mastery of everything expected at the lower levels.

From L4 onwards, the criteria fall into four families, marked by a colour: editing skills, soft skills, community contribution and general.

L1 → L2

Automatic once you reach 3,000 edits.

L2 → L3

Automatic once you reach 25,000 edits. An early promotion is still possible for an editor who produces consistently high-quality edits, masters the WME and best practices, and actively participates in the community.

L3 → L4: The reliable contributor

Granted on criteria (staff approval + local champions). The 10 criteria:

Editing skills

• Area Manager: regular maintenance of your area (accurate segments/places/house numbers), prompt handling of URs and MPs, tracking of road changes
• Closures: mastery of road closures (or completed training)
• Junction Box (JB): understanding their impact on routing (or completed training)
• Lane Guidance: ability to add lane guidance and navigation instructions
• Suggest an Edit: moderating suggestions with professional communication
• Permanent Hazards: a proven record of adding permanent hazards locally
• School Zones: knowing how to define the polygons correctly

Soft skills

• Forum: stay proactively informed and contribute feedback
• Chat / local groups: active and frequent participation

Community contribution

• Community endorsement: endorsement from local leadership

L4 → L5: The community mentor

9 criteria:

Editing skills

• Lanes on JBs: mapping lane guidance on junctions
• Paths (Far Lanes): adding paths and configuring turns
• Restrictions: extensive understanding of restrictions (days, hours, vehicles, permits, lanes, tolls)

Soft skills

• Crisis response & shelters: acting as a vital link to identify shelters during a crisis
• Mentoring: active 1:1 guidance or a trusted advisor role

Community contribution

• New editor retention: identifying and welcoming newcomers
• Welcoming newcomers: leading outreach with resources and support
• Wazeopedia & knowledge sharing: curating local documentation
• Community endorsement: endorsement from local leadership

L5 → L6: The strategic leader

7 criteria:

Editing skills

• Request Imagery ("The Button"): spotting outdated imagery and requesting an update

Soft skills

• Active in chat: initiating conversations and relaying staff announcements

General

• Leader & consensus builder: demonstrating leadership through consensus building
• Map raid organiser / project leader: driving mapping initiatives
• Relationship with the country coordinator: a strong, collaborative partnership with coordinators
• Additional active role: holding a second role (Community Booster, Partner Coordinator, Mentoring Coordinator, Beta Tester, Coordinator…). See Editor roles

Community contribution

• Community endorsement: endorsement from local leadership

Note

The selected criteria reflect the strongest consensus within the Swiss community. They are indicative: attribution remains at the discretion of staff and local champions.

Sources

• Community Ladder for Switzerland: https://www.waze.com/discuss/t/community-ladder-for-switzerland/408162

Lock levels by road type

The lock level of a segment is distinct from the editor level. Swiss standard:

Road type	Expected lock level
Freeway	L5
Major Highway	L4
Minor Highway	L3
Primary Street	L2
Street	L1

See Routing basics to understand the impact of road types on navigation.