Map Marker Overlap Prevention Using Fanned Offset Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Overlapping graphical markers on map displays obscure data points, causing user confusion and making it difficult to view each location clearly, especially when large data sets are rendered with markers that overlap due to shared coordinates or zoom level changes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses a fanned technique to arrange overlapping graphical markers in a fan-shaped or hub-and-spoke manner to prevent overlap, ensuring each marker is clearly visible by converting geospatial data into pixel values and identifying sets of markers that would overlap, then displaying them in a non-overlapping arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If graphical markers are displayed at the same location to represent multiple data points, then data density is improved, but marker visibility deteriorates due to overlap and obscuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the marker display into multiple segments by introducing offset markers that are visually separated from the primary marker. Each data point at the same location is represented by a primary marker and associated offset markers, allowing all markers to be visually distinguishable while maintaining data density at the same geographic location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the two-dimensional marker overlap problem by introducing a visual dimensionality change through offset markers. The offset markers are positioned at different visual offsets from the primary marker, creating a multi-level visual structure that allows differentiation between markers at the same geographic coordinates without requiring additional spatial separation.
2Ease of manufacture
If markers are displayed in a standard grid arrangement, then simplicity is improved, but user confusion increases due to overlapping markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the marker arrangement different at different locations. At locations with multiple data points, offset markers are introduced to create a distinctive local pattern that indicates overlap. This localized modification maintains overall display simplicity while providing clear visual differentiation where needed, reducing user confusion about marker identities.
3Measurement precision
If zoom level is increased to view detailed locations, then location precision is improved, but marker overlap increases due to closer spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning offset markers alongside primary markers before the user zooms in. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the user increases zoom level for detailed viewing, the offset markers are already in place to prevent overlap and maintain visibility, eliminating the need for dynamic adjustment during zoom operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable code for rendering graphical markers in a manner that avoids overlap of graphical markers on a map display. The process identifies a plurality of points for display from data describing locations and associated data about locations. The process determines whether displaying graphical markers for a set of points in the plurality of points will result in graphical markers overlapping each other. If the process determines that displaying graphical markers for the set of points will result in graphical markers overlapping each other, the process displays the graphical markers for the set of points in an arrangement that avoids overlap. Each graphical marker representing a point in the set of points does not overlap with any other marker associated with the map display when displayed in the arrangement that avoids overlap.