Electronic Map Discrepancy Identification via GPS Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic maps, particularly those for airports, often suffer from inaccuracies such as incorrect positions, orientations, and dimensions of taxiways and runways, which can disorient pilots and hinder safe navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize location data from computing devices, such as GPS, to identify discrepancies between the actual and displayed positions on electronic maps, allowing for real-time correction and updating of the maps to ensure accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electronic maps are created from initial airport plans and converted using provided measurements, then map creation is efficient and quick, but the position, orientation, and dimension accuracy of taxiways and runways deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system collects actual position data from multiple aircraft equipped with GPS receivers as they navigate the airport. This feedback data is then used to compare against the electronic map and automatically identify discrepancies in taxiway and runway positions, orientations, and dimensions, enabling continuous improvement of map accuracy without manual surveying
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic map system performs self-correction by automatically comparing its own data against actual aircraft position data collected during normal operations. The system identifies its own inaccuracies and generates discrepancy reports without requiring external intervention or manual verification, allowing the map to progressively improve its own accuracy
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed surveys are conducted to create accurate geo-referenced maps, then map accuracy is improved, but the time and resources required for map creation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of conducting periodic detailed surveys, the system continuously collects position data from aircraft during normal airport operations. This continuous data collection occurs whenever aircraft are taxiing or navigating, transforming routine operational activities into ongoing map verification and improvement processes without interrupting airport operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses aircraft as mobile intermediaries that naturally traverse the airport infrastructure. These aircraft serve as moving reference points that indirectly verify map accuracy by comparing their known GPS positions against the electronic map representation, eliminating the need for direct human surveying intervention
3Reliability
If electronic maps are updated frequently to maintain accuracy, then navigation reliability is improved, but the complexity of map management and discrepancy processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system updates only the specific portions of the electronic map where discrepancies are detected, rather than performing comprehensive map updates. When a taxiway or runway position error is identified, only that localized area is corrected and redistributed, minimizing the scope of changes and reducing management complexity while maintaining navigation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a threshold-based update mechanism where discrepancies are accumulated and processed in batches rather than immediately correcting every minor variation. By setting tolerance thresholds and processing updates partially rather than continuously, the system maintains adequate navigation reliability while avoiding the complexity of constant full-scale map management
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of electronic maps by aligning them with actual location data, reducing the risk of pilot disorientation and improving navigation safety, especially in complex airport environments.
Implementation Method 1
A position sensor, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, provides location data of the computing device
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems and methods for identifying and eliminating discrepancies in electronic maps. Embodiments of a method and system for correcting discrepancies in an electronic map includes receiving location information from one or more computing devices using the electronic map, identifying a discrepancy between the electronic map and the location information, and altering the electronic map to eliminate the discrepancy.