Map Indicators for Off-Screen Geographic Entities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing online mapping technologies do not effectively provide users with indicators for geographic entities located outside the currently displayed map area, making it difficult for users to orient themselves and identify specific locations when searching for places that may be off-screen.
Innovation Solution
The system generates and displays indicators on the electronic map that show the approximate direction, distance, or travel time to geographic entities located outside the current map area, allowing users to visualize the relationship between their current location and off-screen entities, and enabling them to disambiguate search results by providing directional and distance information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the map displays only the current geographic area, then the map remains simple and easy to read, but users cannot identify or orient themselves relative to off-screen entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information display by separating on-screen entities from off-screen entities. The map display is divided into the visible geographic area and indicators for off-screen areas, allowing users to understand both current and external locations without cluttering the main map view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the map display by incorporating indicators that represent off-screen geographic areas. These indicators provide directional and distance information, extending the two-dimensional map into a representation that includes external spatial relationships.
2Loss of information
If the map includes indicators for all entities, then complete information is provided, but the map becomes cluttered and harder to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of information detail for different locations. Entities within the current map area are displayed with full detail, while off-screen entities are represented by simplified indicators showing only directional and distance information, optimizing readability for each spatial context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by selectively displaying indicators only for off-screen entities, not all entities. This partial representation provides sufficient information for orientation and navigation without the excessive detail that would clutter the map interface.
3Ease of operation
If no indicators are shown for off-screen locations, then the map remains clean, but users cannot orient themselves or understand the relationship between current and target locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces indicators as intermediary elements that mediate between the user's current location on the map and off-screen target locations. These indicators serve as visual bridges, providing directional arrows and distance information that help users mentally connect their current position with external destinations.
4Measurement precision
If the system provides detailed information about off-screen entities, then search result disambiguation is improved, but the interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying directional and distance information for off-screen entities before the user requests detailed information. This preliminary orientation data helps users identify which off-screen entity they want to explore, enabling precise location identification without requiring complex interfaces until the user actually needs detailed information.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are system and methods for identifying first and second geographic locations, and providing for display of a geographic map including: a first geographic map of a first geographic area including the first geographic location, and a first indicator including a second geographic map of a second geographic area including the second geographic location, wherein the second geographic map is displayed as an overlay on the first geographic map in a position that indicates a direction to the second geographic location.