Geographic Feature Ranking via Viewshed Visibility Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geographic information systems face challenges in effectively ranking and prioritizing geographic features due to the vast volume of data, which affects search results and information display in applications like Google Goggles and map imagery.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method determines a ranking score for geographic features by analyzing their viewshed, including the set of points from which the feature is visible, and evaluating characteristics such as viewshed size and skewness, to prioritize information display and search results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If geographic information systems store and index vast volumes of data according to geographic coordinates, then the quantity and completeness of geographic feature data is improved, but the difficulty of ranking and prioritizing information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing viewshed characteristics (visibility area, viewshed volume, average visibility distance) as new parameters for ranking geographic features. These parameters transform the ranking process from handling vast volumes of unstructured geographic data to evaluating specific quantitative metrics that directly measure prominence and visibility, thereby simplifying the complexity of prioritization while maintaining data completeness
2Productivity
If geographic features are ranked without considering visibility characteristics, then the processing speed is improved, but the accuracy and relevance of search results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing viewshed characteristics (visibility area, viewshed volume, average visibility distance) for each geographic feature before search operations. This allows the ranking system to quickly retrieve and compare pre-computed visibility metrics during search operations, maintaining high processing speed while ensuring accurate and relevant ranking results based on actual visibility characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for ranking geographic features in a geographic information system are provided. In particular, geographic features can be assigned ranking scores based on characteristics of viewsheds associated with the geographic features. In particular, characteristics of a viewshed associated with a geographic feature can be analyzed to assess the visibility of the geographic feature. A ranking score can be assigned to the geographic feature based on the characteristics of the viewshed. The ranking score can be used prioritize information in a geographic information system.