Method and device for automatically segmenting geospatial airport data and storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for automatically segmenting geospatial airport data and a storage device. The method includes obtaining a centre axis of a buffer around a guideline of a taxiway of an airport. The buffer defines a taxiway polygonal representation of the taxiway. The method includes identifying a plurality of intersections of the central axis. The method includes segmenting the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines based on a plurality of intersection points, where a particular segmentation line associated with the intersection points is offset from the intersection points by a distance and at a particular angle with respect to a median axis extending from the intersection points. The method further includes generating a map of the airport, the map including taxiway segments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for automatically segmenting geospatial airport data. Background Art

[0002] Airport map databases provide geographic information about airports that can assist in land-based navigation of aircraft at airports. Entries for the database can be generated based on geo-rectified satellite images or engineering drawings to produce a polygonal representation of the airport that depicts taxiways and other features of the airport. Because the segmentation of polygons is domain-specific, the polygons generated for the airport are manually segmented to identify and name specific taxiways at the airport. Manually segmenting the polygonal representation of the airport can be time consuming, expensive, and can result in inconsistencies in the designation of taxiways at the airport that include features of the same type. Summary of the invention

[0003] In a specific implementation, a method includes obtaining a median axis of a buffer zone around a guideline of a taxiway of an airport. The buffer zone defines a taxiway polygonal representation of the taxiway. The method includes identifying a plurality of intersection points of the median axis. The method includes: based on the plurality of intersection points, segmenting the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines, wherein a particular segmentation line associated with an intersection point is offset from the intersection point by a distance and at a particular angle relative to the median axis extending from the intersection point. The method further includes generating a map of the airport, the map including the taxiway segments.

[0004] In another specific implementation, a device includes a memory configured to store a digital representation of a guide line of a taxiway of an airport. The device further includes a processor configured to obtain a median axis of a buffer zone around the guide line of a taxiway of the airport. The buffer zone defines a taxiway polygonal representation of the taxiway. The processor is configured to identify multiple intersections of the median axis. The processor is configured to segment the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines based on the multiple intersections. A specific segmentation line associated with an intersection point is offset from the intersection point by a distance and is at a specific angle relative to the median axis extending from the intersection point. The processor is further configured to generate a map of the airport. The map includes taxiway segments.

[0005] In another specific implementation, a computer readable storage device stores instructions executable by one or more processors to obtain a median axis of a buffer zone around a guide line of a taxiway of an airport. The buffer zone defines a taxiway polygonal representation of the taxiway. The instructions are executable by one or more processors to identify a plurality of intersections of the median axis. The instructions are executable by one or more processors to segment the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines based on the plurality of intersections. A particular segmentation line associated with an intersection is offset from the intersection by a distance and at a particular angle relative to the median axis extending from the intersection. The instructions are further executable by one or more processors to generate a map of the airport. The map includes the taxiway segments.

[0006] The features, functions, and advantages described herein can be achieved independently in various implementations or may be combined in yet other implementations, further details of which can be found with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A is a diagram illustrating steps for automatic segmentation of geospatial airport data.

[0008] Figure 1B is a diagram illustrating steps for automatic segmentation of geospatial airport data.

[0009] Figure 1C is a diagram illustrating steps for automatic segmentation of geospatial airport data.

[0010] Figure 1D is a diagram illustrating steps for automatic segmentation of geospatial airport data.

[0011] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating steps for automatic segmentation of geospatial airport data.

[0012] Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating steps for automatic segmentation of geospatial airport data.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for automatic segmentation of geospatial airport data.

[0014] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment configured to support aspects of automatic segmentation of geospatial airport data methods and computer-executable program instructions (or code) according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] An airport map database provides geographic information about airports that can assist in land-based navigation of aircraft at airports. Entries for the database can be generated based on geo-corrected satellite images or based on engineering drawings. An automated system converts data from geo-corrected satellite images, engineering drawings, or processed polygons to generate segmented polygons that meet relevant industry standards. Technical benefits of a system for providing entries for an airport map database based on segmentation of polygons for airport taxiways include removal of subjective selections performed by humans who segment polygons, increased consistency in segmentation for similar features at different airports, reduced time for generation of entries, reduced costs associated with generation of entries, and ease of modification of entries in an airport map database based on changes to taxiways at one or more airports.

[0016] As used herein, different terms are only used for the purpose of describing specific implementations and are not intended to be restrictive. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms. In addition, the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" are used interchangeably with "include", "includes" or "including". In addition, the term "wherein" is used interchangeably with the term "wherein". As used herein, "exemplary" indicates examples, implementations and / or aspects, and should not be interpreted as limiting or indicating preferences or preferred implementations. As used herein, ordinal terms (e.g., "first", "second", "third", etc.) used to modify elements (such as structures, components, operations, etc.) do not themselves indicate any priority or order of the element relative to another element, but (using ordinal terms) only distinguish the element from another element with the same name. As used herein, the term "set" refers to a grouping of one or more elements, and the term "plurality" refers to a plurality of elements.

[0017] refer to Figure 1A , a map 100 of a portion of an airport is shown. The map includes guide lines 102 (102A, 102B, 102C) of the airport. In some implementations, the guide lines 102 include center lines of taxiways of the airport. The guide lines 102 may be extracted from a geo-rectified satellite image, an engineering drawing, or another file that provides a digital representation of the location of the guide lines 102. Although Figure 1A Only guide lines 102 are shown, but the extracted guide lines 102 may be overlaid with additional data, such as georectified satellite images or engineering drawings, either in file storage or in the visual representation of the map 100 .

[0018] refer to Figure 1B , map 100 is shown after a buffer zone 104 is determined around guideline 102. Buffer zone 104 may form a taxiway polygon. Guideline 102 may begin near one or more terminals at an airport and may end at the threshold of a runway. The edges of buffer zone 104 may correspond to physical objects at the airport (e.g., the edge of a taxiway or a portion of a barrier associated with an airport terminal that extends into a taxiway), may be generated as an offset distance 103 on each side of guideline 102, or a combination thereof. The edges of buffer zone 104 form a taxiway polygon for the airport. Although Figure 1B Only guide lines 102 and buffer zones 104 are shown, but guide lines 102 and buffer zones 104 may be overlaid with additional data, such as georectified satellite images or engineering drawings, either in file storage or in the visual representation of map 100 .

[0019] refer to Figure 1C , the map 100 is shown after the central axis 106 has been determined for the buffer zone 104. The central axis 106 is determined based on the midpoint between the edges of the buffer zone 104. The central axis 106 can be half the width 110 between the two edges of the buffer zone 104 and stop at a position half the width before the edge of the buffer zone 104 in front of the central axis or on the edge of the buffer zone 104 when the corresponding guide line 102 ends at the edge of the buffer zone 104. The central axis 106 is different from the guide line 102. The central axis 106 includes a plurality of central axes 106 intersecting at an intersection 108 including a first intersection 108A and a second intersection 108B. The intersection 108 can be defined as a point where at least two of the central axes 106 intersect at a non-zero angle. Although Figure 1C Only buffers 104, median axes 106, and intersections 108 are shown, but may be overlaid with additional data, such as georectified satellite images or engineering drawings, either in file storage or in the visual representation of map 100. Guide lines 102 may also be included.

[0020] refer to Figure 1D , the map 100 is shown after the buffer 104 is segmented. Based on the segmentation line 114, the buffer 104 is segmented into a first polygon 116 corresponding to the first intersection 108A, a second polygon 118 corresponding to the second intersection 108B, and a third polygon 120. The segmentation is performed based on the intersections 108A, 108B. The segmentation line 114 is drawn to be offset from the intersection 108 by a distance 112. The distance can be measured along the median axis 106. The segmentation line 114 can be drawn approximately 90 degrees relative to the intersection with the median axis in the median axis 106. The buffer 104 is segmented into a first polygon 116, a second polygon 118, and a third polygon 120 based on the segmentation line 114. Although Figure 1D Only the first polygon 116, the second polygon 118, the third polygon 120, the medial axis 106, and the intersection 108 are shown, but the first polygon 116, the second polygon 118, the third polygon 120, the medial axis 106, and the intersection 108 may be overlaid with additional data, such as a geo-rectified satellite image or engineering drawing, in a file storage or in a visual representation of the map 100. In some implementations, the guide line 102 is shown but the medial axis 106 is not shown.

[0021] refer to Figure 2A , a map 200 of a portion of an airport is shown. The map has drawn a segmentation line 114 offset from the intersection 108 by a distance 112. The map 200 has a first potential segmentation line 201 and a second potential segmentation line 202 in the segmentation line 114. The distance between the first potential segmentation line 201 and the second potential segmentation line 202 is compared to a threshold distance 204. If the distance between the first potential segmentation line 201 and the second potential segmentation line 202 along the median axis 106 is greater than the threshold distance 204, then the segmentation generates a fourth polygon 205.

[0022] refer to Figure 2B , shows a map 200 in which the first potential segmentation line 201 and the second potential segmentation line 202 do not meet the threshold distance 204. Therefore, a composite segmentation line 206 is identified based on the first potential segmentation line 201 and the second potential segmentation line 202. The composite segmentation line 206 may intersect the midpoint between the first potential segmentation line 201 and the second potential segmentation line 202 along the medial axis 106. Segmentation may generate a first composite polygon 208 and a second composite polygon 210 based on the composite segmentation line 206. The guide line 102 is shown on the map 200.

[0023] refer to Figure 3 , a specific example of a method is depicted and generally designated as 300. In a specific implementation, the operations of method 300 are performed by a processor (such as by executing instructions Figure 4 One or more processors 420) initiated, executed or controlled.

[0024] The method 300 includes obtaining the center axis of the buffer zone around the guideline of the taxiway of the airport at block 302. Obtaining the center axis may result in the following: Figure 1C and Figure 1D The center axis 106 is shown.

[0025] Block 302 may include analyzing a geospatial image of an airport at block 310 to determine guidance lines for taxiways of the airport. The geospatial image may be obtained from a satellite, a database of satellite images, or any other source that can provide data of sufficient resolution. The guidance lines may correspond to guidance lines visible in the geospatial image, landmarks in the geospatial image, or any other identifier in the geospatial image that provides information about the location of the guidance lines. Determining the guidance lines may result in the following: Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2B Guide wire 102 is shown.

[0026] Block 302 may further include determining a buffer zone around the guidance lines of the taxiway at block 312. The buffer zone may be generated by generating a taxiway polygon having edges at a threshold distance from the guidance lines, by using the edges of the taxiway determined from satellite imagery, or both. Generating the buffer zone may also include applying a filter to the taxiway polygon to smooth any rough edges, uneven polygon edges, or any other unusual features in the polygon edges. Determining the buffer zone may result in Figure 1B and Figure 1C Buffer 104.

[0027] Block 302 may further include determining a median axis of the buffer zone at block 314. The median axis may be determined by identifying the median axis between two edges of the buffer zone. Determining the median axis may produce Figure 1C and Figure 1D The center axis 106.

[0028] The method 300 includes identifying a plurality of intersections of the medial axes at block 304. The intersections may be identified based on a plurality of medial axes intersecting at a given location. The intersections may be identified in response to two or more medial axes intersecting. Identifying the intersections generates Figure 1C , Figure 1D and Figure 2A The intersection point is 108.

[0029] The method 300 includes, at block 306, segmenting the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using a segmentation line based on the plurality of intersection points. The segmentation line may intersect one of the medial axes at a threshold distance from the intersection point. If the segmentation lines are within a second threshold distance of each other, two of the segmentation lines may be combined to produce a combined segmentation line between the locations of the two constituent segmentation lines. The segmentation line may include Figure 1D and Figure 2A The segmentation line 114, Figure 2A The first potential segmentation line 201 and Figure 2A The second potential segmentation line 202. The composite segmentation line may include Figure 2B The composite segment line 206. Segmenting the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments can produce Figure 1DThe first polygon 116, Figure 1D The second polygon 118, Figure 1D The third polygon 120, Figure 2A The fourth polygon 205, Figure 2B The first composite polygon 208 and Figure 2B The second composite polygon 210 .

[0030] The method 300 includes generating a map of the airport at block 308, the map including the taxiway segments. In addition to the taxiway segments, the map may further include geospatial images of the airport, guide lines, center axes, intersection points, segmentation lines, or a combination thereof. An identifier (e.g., a name, letter, number, or a combination thereof) is assigned to the taxiway segments to facilitate subsequent identification of the taxiway segments.

[0031] The method 300 includes an optional step of calculating the shortest route between two points in the airport based on the map at block 316. The shortest distance may be determined based on a distance deviation along the guide line. Alternatively, the shortest distance may be determined based on a plurality of transitions between taxiway segments. The shortest path may be identified based on an instruction to transition from a first taxiway segment to a second taxiway segment, wherein the transition between the segments is identified as valid in response to the first taxiway segment and the second taxiway segment having overlapping edges.

[0032] The method 300 includes the optional step of instructing the aircraft to follow the shortest route at block 318. The instructions may provide a specific distance for the aircraft to travel, or may identify a specific taxiway segment through which the aircraft is instructed to travel.

[0033] Figure 4 is an illustration of a block diagram of a computing environment 400 that includes a computing device 410. The computing device 410 is configured to support embodiments of computer-implemented methods and computer-executable program instructions (or code) according to the present disclosure. In some examples, the computing device 410 or portions thereof execute instructions to initiate, perform, or control the operations described herein (e.g., Figure 3 Method 300).

[0034] Computing device 410 includes one or more processors 420. One or more processors 420 are configured to communicate with system memory 430, one or more storage devices 442, one or more input / output interfaces 450, one or more communication interfaces 460, or a combination thereof.

[0035] Depending on the specific implementation, the system memory 430 includes a volatile memory device (e.g., a random access memory (RAM) device), a non-volatile memory device (e.g., a read-only memory (ROM) device, a programmable read-only memory, or a flash memory), one or more other memory devices, or a combination thereof. Figure 4In the system memory 430, the operating system 432 is stored, which may include a basic input / output system for booting the computing device 410 and a complete operating system that enables the computing device 410 to interact with users, other programs, and other devices. Figure 4 The specific example also depicts system memory 430 storing one or more application programs 434 executable by one or more processors 420. In some examples, one or more application programs 434 include instructions executable by one or more processors 420 to transmit signals between components of computing device 410 (such as system memory 430, one or more storage devices 442, one or more input / output interfaces 450, one or more communication interfaces 460, or a combination thereof). Figure 4 The specific example also depicts system memory 430 (eg, one or more memory devices) storing program data 436. Program data 436 may include any data necessary for the operation of one or more application programs 434.

[0036] In some implementations, program data 436 may include data for a digital representation of guidance lines, a geospatial image of an airport, or a buffer zone defining a polygonal representation of a taxiway at an airport.

[0037] In some implementations, one or more storage devices 442 include non-volatile storage devices, such as magnetic disks, optical disks, or flash memory devices. In some examples, one or more storage devices 442 include removable memory devices, non-removable memory devices, or both. In some cases, one or more storage devices 442 are configured to store operating systems, images of operating systems, applications, and program data. In specific examples, system memory 430, one or more storage devices 442, or both include tangible computer-readable media. As used herein, a storage device (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as storage device 442) is a hardware device and is not merely a signal.

[0038] exist Figure 4In an example, one or more processors 420 are configured to communicate with one or more input / output interfaces 450 to enable the computing device 410 to communicate with one or more input / output devices 470 to facilitate user interaction. In some implementations, one or more input / output interfaces 450 include a serial interface (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) interface or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface), a parallel interface, a display adapter, an audio adapter, one or more other interfaces, or a combination thereof. In some examples, one or more input / output devices 470 include a keyboard, a pointing device, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a touch screen, one or more other devices, or a combination thereof. In some examples, one or more processors 420 are configured to detect interaction events based on user input received via one or more input / output interfaces 450.

[0039] In a specific example, the one or more processors 420 are configured to communicate with (or send signals to) one or more devices 480 using one or more communication interfaces 460. In some implementations, the communication interface 460 includes one or more wired interfaces (e.g., an Ethernet interface), one or more wireless interfaces that conform to the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol, one or more other wireless interfaces, one or more optical interfaces, one or more other network interfaces, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the one or more devices 480 include a host computer, a server, a workstation, a line replaceable unit of an aircraft, one or more other computing devices, or a combination thereof.

[0040] Although Figures 1A to 4 One or more of the foregoing illustrate systems, devices, and / or methods according to the teachings of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to these illustrated systems, devices, and / or methods. Figures 1A to 4 One or more functions or components of any one of the Figures 1A to 4 For example, the operation may be performed in combination with other operations described herein. Figure 3 Therefore, no single implementation described herein should be interpreted as limiting, and the implementations of the present disclosure may be appropriately combined without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As an example, refer to Figures 1A to 4 One or more of the operations described may be optional, may be performed at least partially concurrently, and / or may be performed in an order different from that shown or described.

[0041] Various aspects of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the following set of related examples:

[0042] Example 1 includes a method comprising obtaining a median axis of a buffer zone around a guide line of a taxiway of an airport, wherein the buffer zone defines a taxiway polygonal representation of the taxiway, identifying a plurality of intersection points of the median axis; based on the plurality of intersection points, segmenting the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines, wherein a particular segmentation line associated with an intersection point is offset from the intersection point by a distance and at a particular angle relative to the median axis extending from the intersection point; and generating a map of the airport, the map including the taxiway segments.

[0043] Example 2 includes the method according to Example 1, further comprising: analyzing a geospatial image of an airport to determine taxiway guidance lines of the airport; determining a buffer zone around the taxiway guidance lines; and determining a central axis of the buffer zone.

[0044] Example 3 includes the method of Example 2, wherein the buffer is based on features depicted in the geospatial image, based on a specific offset distance from the guide line, or both.

[0045] Example 4 includes the method of any of Examples 2 and 3, wherein the map overlays the geospatial image.

[0046] Example 5 includes the method of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the guide wire and the medial axis are different.

[0047] Example 6 includes the method of any one of Examples 1 to 5, further comprising: applying a filter to the buffer before determining the medial axis.

[0048] Example 7 includes a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein segmenting the taxiway polygon includes: identifying a first potential segmentation line associated with a first intersection point and a second potential segmentation line associated with a second intersection point, and wherein, in response to the first potential segmentation line being not within a threshold distance of the second potential segmentation line along the central axis, the taxiway polygon is segmented by the first potential segmentation line and the second potential segmentation line.

[0049] Example 8 includes the method according to Example 7, further comprising: in response to the first potential segmentation line being within a threshold distance of the second potential segmentation line along the medial axis, identifying a composite segmentation line between the first potential segmentation line and the second potential segmentation line, and wherein the taxiway polygon is segmented by the composite segmentation line.

[0050] Example 9 includes the method of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the taxiway segment includes a particular polygon that does not include any intersection point of the plurality of intersection points.

[0051] Example 10 includes the method of any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the specific intersection point among the plurality of intersection points is identified in response to three or more line segments being directly coupled to the specific intersection point.

[0052] Example 11 includes the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the specific angle is 90 degrees relative to the central axis.

[0053] According to Example 12, an apparatus includes: a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor configured to execute the instructions to perform the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11.

[0054] According to Example 13, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11.

[0055] According to Example 14, an apparatus includes means for performing the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11.

[0056] According to Example 15, a device includes: a memory configured to store a digital representation of a guide line of a taxiway of an airport; a processor configured to: obtain a central axis of a buffer zone around the guide line of a taxiway of the airport, wherein the buffer zone defines a taxiway polygon representation of the taxiway; identify multiple intersection points of the central axis; based on the multiple intersection points, segment the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines, wherein a specific segmentation line associated with the intersection point is offset from the intersection point by a distance and at a specific angle relative to the central axis extending from the intersection point; and generate a map of the airport, the map including the taxiway segments.

[0057] Example 16 includes an apparatus according to Example 15, wherein segmenting the taxiway polygon includes: identifying a first potential segmentation line associated with a first intersection point and a second potential segmentation line associated with a second intersection point, and wherein the taxiway polygon is segmented by the first potential segmentation line and the second potential segmentation line in response to the first potential segmentation line being not within a threshold distance of the second potential segmentation line along the central axis.

[0058] Example 17 includes an apparatus according to Example 16, wherein the processor is further configured to identify a composite segmentation line between the first potential segmentation line and the second potential segmentation line in response to the first potential segmentation line being within a threshold distance of the second potential segmentation line along the medial axis, and wherein the taxiway polygon is segmented by the composite segmentation line.

[0059] Example 18 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 15 to 17, wherein the processor is further configured to analyze a geospatial image of an airport to determine guidance lines for a taxiway of the airport.

[0060] Example 19 includes the apparatus of Example 18, wherein the buffer is based on features depicted in the geospatial image, based on a specific offset distance from the guide line, or both.

[0061] Example 20 includes an apparatus according to Example 18 or Example 19, wherein the map overlays the geospatial image.

[0062] According to Example 21, a computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: obtain a central axis of a buffer zone around a guide line of a taxiway of an airport, wherein the buffer zone defines a taxiway polygonal representation of the taxiway; identify multiple intersection points of the central axis; segment the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines based on the multiple intersection points, wherein a specific segmentation line associated with an intersection point is offset from the intersection point by a distance and at a specific angle relative to the central axis extending from the intersection point; and generate a map of the airport, the map including the taxiway segments.

[0063] Example 22 includes the computer readable storage device according to Example 21, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to analyze a geospatial image of an airport to determine guidance lines for a taxiway of the airport.

[0064] Example 23 includes the computer readable storage device of Example 22, wherein the buffer is based on features depicted in the geospatial image, based on a specific offset distance from the guide line, or both.

[0065] The above examples are illustrative and do not limit the present disclosure. It should be understood that many modifications and variations are possible according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0066] The illustrations of the examples described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structures of various implementations. These illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all elements and features of the devices and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. After reviewing this disclosure, many other implementations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other implementations may be utilized and derived from this disclosure so that structural and logical replacements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, method operations may be performed in an order different from the order shown in the figure or one or more method operations may be omitted. Therefore, this disclosure and the accompanying drawings are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.

[0067] In addition, although specific examples have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar results may replace the specific implementations shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various implementations. Combinations of the above implementations and other implementations not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing this description.

[0068] The abstract of the present disclosure is submitted with the understanding that it is not used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the aforementioned specific embodiments, for the purpose of streamlining the present disclosure, various features may be combined together or described in a single implementation. The above examples illustrate but do not limit the present disclosure. It should also be understood that many modifications and variations are possible according to the principles of the present disclosure. As reflected in the following claims, the subject matter claimed for protection may involve fewer features than all the features of any disclosed example. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for automatically segmenting geospatial airport data, comprising: Obtaining a median axis of a buffer zone around a guideline of a taxiway of an airport, wherein the buffer zone defines a taxiway polygonal representation of the taxiway; identifying a plurality of intersection points of the medial axis; segmenting the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines based on a plurality of the intersection points, wherein a particular segmentation line associated with the intersection point is offset from the intersection point by a distance and at a particular angle relative to a median axis extending from the intersection point; and A map of the airport is generated, the map including the taxiway segments.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: analyzing a geospatial image of the airport to determine the guidance lines for the taxiways of the airport; determining the buffer zone around the guideline of the taxiway; as well as The medial axis of the buffer zone is determined.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The buffer is based on features depicted in the geospatial image, based on a specific offset distance from the guide line, or both.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The map overlays the geospatial image.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The guide wire and the medial axis are different.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A filter is applied to the buffer prior to determining the median axis.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Segmenting the taxiway polygon includes identifying a first potential segmentation line associated with a first intersection point and a second potential segmentation line associated with a second intersection point, and wherein, in response to the first potential segmentation line being not within a threshold distance of the second potential segmentation line along the medial axis, the taxiway polygon is segmented by the first potential segmentation line and the second potential segmentation line.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: In response to the first potential segmentation line being within the threshold distance of the second potential segmentation line along the medial axis, a composite segmentation line between the first potential segmentation line and the second potential segmentation line is identified, and wherein the taxiway segment is segmented by the composite segmentation line.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The taxiway segment includes a particular polygon that does not include any intersection point among the plurality of intersection points.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: A particular intersection point among the plurality of intersection points is identified in response to three or more line segments being directly coupled to the particular intersection point.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The specific angle is 90 degrees relative to the central axis.

12. An apparatus for automatically segmenting geospatial airport data, comprising: a memory configured to store a digital representation of a guidance line for a taxiway of an airport; The processor is configured as: obtaining a median axis of a buffer zone around a guideline of the taxiway of the airport, wherein the buffer zone defines a taxiway polygonal representation of the taxiway; identifying a plurality of intersection points of the medial axis; segmenting the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines based on a plurality of the intersection points, wherein a particular segmentation line associated with the intersection point is offset from the intersection point by a distance and at a particular angle relative to a median axis extending from the intersection point; and A map of the airport is generated, the map including the taxiway segments.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: Segmenting the taxiway polygon includes identifying a first potential segmentation line associated with a first intersection point and a second potential segmentation line associated with a second intersection point, and wherein, in response to the first potential segmentation line being not within a threshold distance of the second potential segmentation line along the medial axis, the taxiway polygon is segmented by the first potential segmentation line and the second potential segmentation line.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The processor is further configured to identify a composite segmentation line between the first potential segmentation line and the second potential segmentation line in response to the first potential segmentation line being within the threshold distance of the second potential segmentation line along the medial axis, and wherein the taxiway segment is segmented by the composite segmentation line.

15. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The processor is further configured to analyze the geospatial image of the airport to determine the guidance lines of the taxiways of the airport.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The buffer is based on features depicted in the geospatial image, based on a specific offset distance from the guide line, or both.

17. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The map overlays the geospatial image.

18. A computer readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: Get the median axis of the buffer zone around the guide line of the airport's taxiway, where The buffer zone defines a taxiway polygonal representation of the taxiway; identifying a plurality of intersection points of the medial axis; segmenting the taxiway polygon into taxiway segments using segmentation lines based on a plurality of the intersection points, wherein a particular segmentation line associated with the intersection point is offset from the intersection point by a distance and at a particular angle relative to a median axis extending from the intersection point; and A map of the airport is generated, the map including the taxiway segments.

19. The computer readable storage device of claim 18, wherein: The instructions further cause the one or more processors to analyze a geospatial image of the airport to determine the guidance lines for the taxiways of the airport.

20. The computer readable storage device of claim 19, wherein: The buffer is based on features depicted in the geospatial image, based on a specific offset distance from the guide line, or both.

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