Automatic Geocoding for Dataset Map Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in generating map views of data due to the lack of geographical coding, as they may not have access to latitude and longitude values, write permissions, or the time to perform geocoding, and often need to geocode data at multiple geographical levels.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that automatically identifies geographical fields in a dataset, associates geographical codes with these fields, and generates map views by positioning marks on a geographical map based on these codes, allowing for dynamic adjustment of geocoding levels and overcoming the need for explicit geocoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual geocoding is performed to add latitude and longitude values to a dataset, then map views can be generated, but users require write permissions and significant time investment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service geocoding by automatically identifying geographical fields in the dataset and adding corresponding latitude and longitude codes without requiring user intervention or write permissions. The geocoding process is executed autonomously by the system, transforming the manual task into an automatic operation that resolves both the ease of operation and time consumption issues.
2Ease of operation
If geographical codes are added to enable map views, then data can be visualized geographically, but users may not have write permission on their dataset
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism where the analytical application acts as a mediator between the user and the dataset. Instead of requiring the user to directly modify the dataset (which would need write permissions), the application autonomously performs the geocoding operation on behalf of the user, adding geographical codes to the dataset without requiring user write access. This intermediary approach resolves the permission complexity issue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data is geocoded at multiple geographical levels (state, county, ZIP code), then comprehensive geographical analysis is enabled, but the geocoding process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic geocoding where the level of geographical detail is adaptable and adjustable. Users can dynamically select the desired geographical level (state, county, ZIP code, or other levels) based on their specific analysis needs. The system automatically adjusts the geocoding process to provide the appropriate level of detail without requiring separate manual geocoding operations for each level, thereby enabling comprehensive geographical analysis while keeping the process simple and flexible.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of generating a map view includes accessing a dataset having multiple records and multiple fields. One or more of the multiple fields are identified as geographical fields. Geographical codes are automatically associated with a first one of the identified geographical fields. A geographical map is generated for the dataset. Generating the geographical map includes generating a first plurality of marks on the geographical map. The first plurality of marks is positioned on the geographical map in accordance with the geographical codes associated with the first one of the identified geographical fields.