Hexagonal Map Overlay for Scalable Geographic Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a convenient and scalable mechanism to provide beneficial information to users on computerized devices that is presented on maps, specifically related to geographic areas, with existing technologies not effectively overlaying information in a way that is visually clear and scalable.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and component that render a plurality of hexagons sharing common borders above an underlying map image, allowing for scalable and configurable display characteristics, with each hexagon associated with unique geographic information, enabling efficient presentation of data related to cellular network quality, population density, and other geographic-specific information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If information is overlaid on map displays using conventional methods, then information can be presented to users, but the visual clarity and scalability of the information display is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into discrete hexagonal units that can be independently controlled and rendered. Each hexagon represents a specific geographic area and can display information independently, allowing the system to divide complex geographic data into manageable, visually distinct segments that maintain clarity while scaling to different map views
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the display by implementing multiple levels of hexagonal aggregation. Individual hexagons can be grouped into larger hexagonal regions, creating a multi-scale visualization system that maintains information clarity across different zoom levels and geographic scopes without increasing underlying system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a static grid of polygons is rendered as overlay to convey geographic information, then information can be displayed for different areas, but the scalability and configurability of the display characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rendering system is made dynamic by allowing hexagons to be configured with adjustable display characteristics such as color, opacity, and size that can change based on the data being visualized and the user's interaction with the map. This dynamic configurability enables the same underlying system to adapt to different information types and display requirements without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hexagonal overlay system is designed as a universal platform that can display multiple types of geographic information (cellular network quality, population density, weather patterns, etc.) using the same rendering mechanism. This multi-functionality is achieved through configurable parameters rather than separate rendering systems for each data type, reducing overall system complexity while increasing adaptability
3Illumination intensity
If hexagons are scaled in size to improve information visibility, then display clarity improves, but the relationship between hexagon size and map scale becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by allowing different hexagons to have different sizes and display characteristics based on their specific data requirements and their position on the map. This enables important or data-rich areas to be displayed with larger, more visible hexagons while maintaining appropriate scale relationships in other areas, achieving both visibility and scaling accuracy through localized adjustments rather than uniform scaling
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a computer implemented method and component defining a plurality of data structures, each data structure having a plurality of data elements. The method and component associate the plurality of data structures with a geographic area wherein each data structure of the plurality corresponds to its own unique sub-part of the geographic area. Each data structure of the plurality is rendered as a corresponding one of a plurality of adjacent, non-overlapping, mathematically regular hexagonal shapes. Each data structure is configured for programmatic loading of the plurality of data elements and display characteristics of each hexagon are specified based on data stored in the data elements of the data structure corresponding to each hexagon.