Ambiguous Search Processing in Geographic Information Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geographic information systems (GIS) have limited flexibility and utility in handling search requests, requiring users to disambiguate search scopes and are hardwired to specific types of information, limiting their effectiveness in providing comprehensive and flexible search capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method for processing ambiguous search requests in GIS by receiving an arbitrary string, estimating the intended search scope using pre-established rules, and conducting a search within that scope, with options to clarify ambiguity and present results visually, including geospatial location data and markers with relevant information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional GIS requires users to disambiguate search scopes explicitly, then search precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically analyzes the search string to determine the search scope without requiring user intervention. The server examines the search string, identifies patterns (addresses, phone numbers, zip codes, etc.), and autonomously selects the appropriate search scope, making the system self-serve the disambiguation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary analysis layer between the user's search string and the search execution. This intermediary component analyzes the search string, estimates the intended scope using predefined rules and patterns, and acts as a mediator to translate ambiguous user input into precise search queries.
2Device complexity
If conventional GIS is hardwired to specific information types, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to handle multiple types of search requests (addresses, phone numbers, zip codes, parcel tracking codes, flight numbers, etc.) through a single universal interface. The server can adaptively process different information types without requiring separate systems or complex configuration, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The search scope is not fixed but dynamically determined based on the content of the search string. The system adapts the search scope in real-time by analyzing the input and selecting the most appropriate scope from multiple possibilities, making the system flexible and adaptable to different search scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Interactive geographic information systems (GIS) and techniques are disclosed that provide users with a greater degree of flexibility, utility, and information. A markup language is provided that facilitates communication between servers and clients of the interactive GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (time-based and/or view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. Also, “virtual tours” of user-defined paths in the context of distributed geospatial visualization is enabled. Streaming and interactive visualization of filled polygon data are also enabled thereby allowing buildings and other such features to be provided in 3D. Also, techniques for enabling ambiguous search requests in a GIS are provided.