Map-Based Real Estate Search Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Multiple Listing Service (MLS) databases lack location-based information aggregation, making it difficult to compare real estate properties and add personal notes or additional information like school ratings and traffic patterns in a geographic-specific manner, with no integrated map-based interface for searching.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that stores map information and real estate property data, allowing users to search and display results on a map, associate personal information with properties, and estimate lot sizes using GPS and area measurement units, while enabling image association with geographical information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MLS databases store location information and pictorial information together, then information storage capability is improved, but integrated browsing and searching capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments information into separate databases: a text-based MLS database for property details and a geographic information database for location data. These segmented databases are then integrated through a map interface that allows users to browse properties geographically while maintaining the organizational benefits of separate data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
A map interface acts as an intermediary between the text-based MLS database and the user. The map translates coordinate data from the MLS database into visual geographic representations, enabling integrated browsing without requiring changes to the underlying database structures.
2Measurement precision
If text search criteria are used to find specific houses, then search specificity is improved, but user effort and time required deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a geographic dimension to property searching by displaying properties as locations on a map. Users can visually identify properties of interest and retrieve detailed information through the map interface, eliminating the need to manually enter extensive text search criteria and review lengthy result lists.
3Ease of operation
If map-based interface is implemented for searching, then browsing ease is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The map interface is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying property locations, showing geographic context, enabling visual property selection, and providing access to detailed property information. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient location-based real estate property searching and comparison, allowing users to view properties on a map, add personal notes, and estimate lot sizes accurately, enhancing the browsing and searching experience.
Implementation Method 1
an area measurement unit having a GPS unit and a processor
Implementation Method 2
calculating the size of the area using the area measurement unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for searching real estate properties, a system and method for estimating the size of an area, and a system and method for associating an image with information relevant to the image is disclosed. A system for searching real estate properties comprises a data storage unit configured to store map information, additional relevant georeferenced information and information about real estate properties, including information identifying the locations of the real estate properties; and a display unit configured to receive a search request from a user, communicate with the data storage unit, and provide search results to the user, including a map showing locations of real estate properties, in response to the search request, the display unit being further configured to displaying a user interface with which the user may associate information, personal to the user, with a particular real estate property.