View-Independent Geospatial Entity Tagging in Map Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to identify and transfer information about specific locations or buildings in mapping programs, as the image region corresponding to a location or building varies with the view, making it challenging to correlate data across different images or maps.
Innovation Solution
A system that tags geospatial entities in map images, allowing users to select locations, display outlines and tag data, and create records mapping entity models to tag data, which are independent of the map view or device, enabling consistent data representation across multiple images and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If map images are displayed from different views (ground level, bird's eye, top down), then users can see different perspectives and details of locations, but the image region corresponding to a particular location or building varies, making it difficult to identify and transfer information about specific locations across different views
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding vertical elevation data to the traditional 2D map view. Buildings and structures are represented with height information, allowing users to visualize 3D structures on 2D maps. This dimensional enhancement enables consistent location identification across different view perspectives (ground level, bird's eye, top down) by providing elevation context that remains valid regardless of viewing angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses outline graphics as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between different map views and location identification. These outlines are generated based on building footprint data and elevation information, serving as view-independent markers that consistently identify specific locations across various perspectives. The outlines act as a mediator that translates 3D spatial information into 2D visual representations that remain recognizable from any viewpoint.
2Measurement precision
If information about geospatial entities is tied to specific image regions in particular views, then the information is accurate for that view, but the information cannot be transferred to different images or maps of the same location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal geospatial entity records that serve multiple functions across different views and devices. Each record contains view-independent attributes (name, address, elevation, footprint coordinates) that can be used to identify the same location whether viewed from ground level, bird's eye, or top down perspectives. This universality enables the same information to be accurately displayed across multiple images and devices without being view-specific.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing building footprint data, elevation information, and geometric characteristics before the actual mapping display. These pre-computed attributes are stored in a database and can be quickly retrieved and applied to generate consistent location representations across different views. This preliminary preparation enables fast, accurate location identification without requiring complex real-time calculations for each view change.
3Loss of information
If detailed building and location information is displayed on maps, then users can identify specific locations, but the complexity of processing and maintaining view-specific information across multiple devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts view-independent attributes (name, address, elevation, footprint coordinates) from complex 3D spatial data and stores them as separate, simplified records in a database. By separating the essential identifying information from view-specific rendering details, the system reduces processing complexity while preserving complete geospatial entity information. This extraction allows the same core data to be used across multiple views without duplicating complex view-specific information.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, locations of geospatial entities in a map image are identified. A record of entity model-to-tag mappings is accessed so that tag data corresponding to a geospatial entity in the map image can be identified. Both the tag data and an outline surrounding the location of the geospatial entity corresponding to the tag data is displayed on the map image. In other aspects, a user selection of a location on a map image is received. A record of entity models is accessed to identify an entity model corresponding to a geospatial entity at that location on the map image. An outline of the geospatial entity is displayed on the map image and tag data for the geospatial entity is identified. The tag data is also displayed on the map image, and a record mapping the tag data to the identified entity model is created.