Key:mimics

The key mimics=* is used as additional property for features mimicking something else, for example cellphone masts and towers that are camouflaged as natural or built features.

Usage

Since 1992 cellphone masts and towers have been disguised, to varying degrees of success, as trees, cacti, and other features of the natural and built environment. The key mimics=* may be used to categorize cellphone masts and towers that have been camouflaged in some way.

This key should not be used when communications infrastructure is hidden within an existing structure that serves the function it appears to, i.e., cellphone technology enclosed within an existing church steeple does not mimic the steeple and should be tagged with tower:construction=concealed.

Examples

Examples may be seen at the websites of commercial providers of these structures, such as:

• Cell Trees, Inc.
• Raycap | STEALTH®
• Valmont® Structures (formerly Larson Camouflage)

And at the websites of artists who study these structures, such as:

• Robert Voit's New Trees
• Scott Greene's Invasive Species

Values

Trees
Key	Value	Element		Comment
mimics	eucalyptus			An eucalyptus is a type of tree distinguished by sickle-shape leaves with visible oil glands and bark that peels off in strips, revealing yellow patches underneath.
mimics	oak			An oak is a type of tree distinguished by its broad-leaves and acorns.
mimics	palm			A palm is a type of tree distinguished by large, compound, evergreen leaves, known as fronds, arranged at the top of an unbranched stem.
mimics	pine			A pine is a type of tree distinguished by its needle-like leaves and conical shape.
mimics	tree			A fallback value to be used when it is unclear which type of tree is being mimicked.
Cacti
Key	Value	Element		Comment
mimics	saguaro			A saguaro is a type of cactus distinguished by its upward-bending branches, or arms.
mimics	cactus			A fallback value to be used when it is unclear which type of cactus is being mimicked.
Others
Key	Value	Element		Comment
mimics	chimney			A chimney with antenna hidden inside.
mimics	flagpole			A flagpole with antenna hidden inside, sometimes flags are not hung. Do not confuse with man_made=flagpole
mimics	light			A field light with antenna inside/outside. Usually seen around the ball field at schools or universities/colleges.
mimics	shroud			A shroud with antenna hidden inside.
mimics	silo			A silo with antenna hidden inside. If antenna is hung outside, please check if the structure is a real man_made=silo.
mimics	rock			A man_made=street_cabinet disguised as a rock of suspicious proportions.

Gallery

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  Cell tower mimicking water tank

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  Cell phone antenna mimicking brick wall

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See also

• Proposed features/Mimics the approved proposal for mimics=*
• Wikimedia Commons category Camouflaged antenna towers and masts