OpenStreetMap is grappling with ongoing attempts to rename a gulf, with contributors arguing for a wait-and-see approach until societal usage shifts. Key voices like Clifford Snow emphasize the platform's aim for accuracy and neutrality amidst differing opinions. Similar disputes have occurred regarding Denali, highlighting the difficulties of reaching consensus without causing offense. While Google and other mapping providers refer to the U.S. Geological Survey's Geographic Names Information System, updates on name changes remain pending, raising questions about the official mechanisms for geographic name decisions according to established law.
Under a 1947 law, decisions about which geographic names the US government will use are to be made by the Secretary of the Interior and the Board on Geographic Names, or BGN.
I do not believe that OSM will ever be able to pick one [name], without offending some user somewhere. We need a path out of this quagmire that does not involve edit wars.
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