Waze Editor Tools · WME BR

System disabled

A message to the Waze map editor community.

To my fellow Waze map editors

Since August 5, Waze has once again been using reCAPTCHA in the authentication process for accessing the Waze Map Editor. This mechanism is specifically designed to prevent automated access by bots.

wmebr.info depends on this type of automated access. The system uses bots that scan Waze maps, collecting and organizing information about URs, PURs, and other occurrences flagged on the map. This makes editors’ work easier and helps them identify where their attention is needed most.

I developed wmebr.info in 2018 and, since then, I have personally maintained its entire infrastructure and operation, without any external technical or financial support. Throughout these years, this has been my way of contributing to the Waze editor community.

What began as a tool for Brazilian editors grew far beyond what I had originally imagined. Today, wmebr.info provides map information for more than 100 countries and has a loyal community of approximately 350 editors who use the system regularly.

With the reintroduction of reCAPTCHA, the wmebr.info bots can no longer access the information required to keep the service running.

Although there are technical approaches that could be investigated in an attempt to work around this limitation, I have decided not to pursue them. I would not feel comfortable using reverse-engineering techniques or other methods intended to bypass a safeguard that Waze deliberately put in place in its authentication process.

For this reason, unless Waze provides an API or another official means of accessing this information—allowing wmebr.info to collect data in a properly authorized manner and in agreement with the Waze team—the system will remain disabled.

Naturally, I would be very happy if, in the future, it becomes possible to work with Waze to find an official way to restore the service.

I would like to thank everyone who, over the years, supported the project, sent suggestions, reported problems, and used the information provided by wmebr.info in their daily work.

Knowing that a tool originally created to help our Brazilian community came to be used by hundreds of editors in more than a hundred countries—helping improve map quality and the experience of Waze users around the world—has been a source of great satisfaction for me.

Thank you all very much.