Immutable Geospatial References for Trusted Grid Data Queries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing geospatial databases lack mechanisms for verifying the source and integrity of geospatial data, leading to unstable analysis pipelines and questionable query results when data is mutable and can be changed by providers or administrators.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a discrete global grid (DGG) with immutable references to geospatial data, including a pointer to a unique label, storage location, and a checksum signed by the provider, ensures data authenticity and integrity by preventing changes post-publication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If geospatial data is stored in a traditional database allowing updates, then data can be maintained and corrected, but data integrity and authenticity cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata authenticityVSAvoiddata structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by generating immutable references with cryptographic checksums and digital signatures before data is published or modified. This preemptive approach ensures data authenticity is established upfront, preventing future tampering while maintaining a relatively simple storage structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the immutable reference structure containing checksums and signatures) between the stored geospatial data and the verification process. This intermediary enables authentication without requiring complex changes to the underlying data storage mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If geospatial data can be updated by providers, then data can be kept current, but analysis pipelines become unstable due to data changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis pipeline stabilityVSAvoiddata update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments data into two independent parts: the immutable reference (checksum, signature, metadata) and the mutable geospatial data content. This segmentation allows the reference to remain stable for pipeline consistency while the actual data can be updated, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a cryptographic copy (checksum and digital signature) of the original data that serves as an immutable fingerprint. This copy enables verification of data integrity without preventing updates to the original data, allowing both pipeline stability and data freshness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If geospatial data storage allows modifications, then data can be corrected, but query results become questionable due to undetected alterations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequery result trustworthinessVSAvoidverification mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical verification mechanisms (manual checking, administrative oversight) with cryptographic verification (checksum comparison and digital signature validation). This substitution provides automatic, reliable verification of data integrity with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service verification where the immutable reference contains all necessary information (checksum, signature, public key) for automatic authentication. This eliminates the need for external verification authorities or complex trust management infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If immutable references include cryptographic signatures, then data provider authenticity is guaranteed, but storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata provider authenticationVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making cryptographic verification essential only at critical points (data publication and query execution) rather than continuously throughout the system. The immutable reference structure is compact and only added once per data entry, minimizing overall storage overhead while providing strong authentication where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12481791B2Secure datastore of searchable heterogenous geospatial data

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for publishing immutable references to geospatial data. In embodiments, a method includes identifying geospatial data of a data provider, wherein the geospatial data is associated with a grid element of a discrete global grid (DGG); generating, in a grid element data store, an immutable reference in time to the geospatial data, the immutable reference including a pointer to a unique label of the grid element of the DGG and a storage location of the geospatial data; receiving a data request from a user, the data request including location information identifying the grid element; and providing a response to the user including the storage location of the geospatial data associated with the grid element to enable access of the geospatial data by the user, wherein the immutable reference provides a guarantee that the geospatial data is originating from the data provider.