Composite Indexable Linear Data Structure for Map Element Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current map rendering systems restrict selection of map elements along streets, paths, or trails due to slow GIS database spatial queries and limitations in raster-based tile rendering, especially in three-dimensional maps where overlays are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to generate a composite indexable linear data structure that allows selection of map elements by receiving map data, extracting and indexing elements within a bounding box, correlating them with sub-segments of linear elements, and creating a data structure using spatial indexing, enabling efficient selection and visualization of map elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GIS database spatial queries are used for selecting map elements, then selection capability is provided, but query speed is too slow for effective interactive rendering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite indexable linear data structure in advance that pre-organizes map elements along linear features (streets, paths, trails). This pre-processing allows the system to quickly retrieve and select map elements during interactive rendering without performing slow spatial queries on the full GIS database at runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the linear element into multiple sub-segments and creates separate indexable structures for each segment. This segmentation allows for more efficient querying by dividing the search space, enabling faster selection of map elements along linear features compared to querying the entire GIS database.
2Ease of manufacture
If raster based tiles are used for map rendering, then rendering is simplified, but selection and visualization of elements are limited to overlays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simplicity of raster-based tile rendering with the flexibility of vector-based selection by creating a composite data structure that maintains spatial relationships. This allows map elements to be selected and visualized along linear features while working within the raster tile rendering framework, rather than being restricted to simple overlay operations.
3Ease of operation
If overlays are used for visualizing map elements in raster maps, then element display is enabled, but underlying map elements cannot be changed in three dimensional maps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the two-dimensional overlay concept into three dimensions by creating a composite indexable linear data structure that captures spatial relationships along linear features. This enables the system to select and modify underlying map elements in three-dimensional space while maintaining the simplicity of overlay-based visualization in raster maps.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for generating a composite indexable linear data structure to permit selection of map elements based on linear elements. In the context of a method, map data and a selected linear element indication are received. The map data comprises a list of map elements. The method also includes extracting map elements within a bounding box, and indexing the extracted map elements. The indexing is spatial indexing. The method also includes correlating the indexed map elements with a plurality of sub segments of the linear element, and generating a composite indexable linear data structure based on the correlation of map elements with the plurality of sub-segments of the linear element.