Map Rendering Overlapping Points via Merging and Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mapping technologies fail to effectively render overlapping points on a map, often displaying them as being on top of each other and limiting user interaction with data associated with these points.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies overlapping points by their coordinates, renders a single geometry representing multiple points with shared coordinates, and provides user interface controls for interacting with each point, allowing visualization and manipulation of associated data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple points with the same coordinates are rendered individually, then each point can be displayed, but they overlap and become indistinguishable on the map
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple points with identical coordinates into a single visual marker on the map. Instead of rendering each point separately (which would cause overlapping and indistinguishability), the system combines them into one marker that represents all points at that location. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining data visibility through the marker while avoiding rendering complexity of managing multiple overlapping elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the consolidated marker with popup interface) that mediates between the visual representation and the underlying data. The marker serves as an intermediary that visually represents multiple points, while the popup interface acts as another intermediary layer that provides access to individual point data when users interact with it. This resolves the contradiction by preserving data visibility through the intermediary interface without requiring complex rendering of multiple overlapping points.
2Ease of operation
If a single geometry represents multiple overlapping points, then visual clarity is improved, but user interaction with individual point data becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the marker interactive and state-changing. When users click or hover on the consolidated marker, it dynamically transitions to display a popup interface that reveals individual point data. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by maintaining visual clarity through the single marker while enabling versatile data interaction through the dynamic popup interface that adapts to user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension (the popup interface layer) to the visualization. Instead of trying to display all point data directly on the map (which would compromise visual clarity), the system uses a second dimensional layer (the popup) that provides detailed information when activated. This resolves the contradiction by preserving map visualization clarity while enabling comprehensive data interaction through the additional dimensional interface.
3Reliability
If individual geometries are rendered for each point, then each point is distinctly visible, but overlapping points create visual clutter and reduce readability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual geometries into a single consolidated marker for points sharing the same coordinates. This reduces rendering overhead by eliminating redundant geometric calculations and drawing operations for overlapping points, while still maintaining reliable point representation through the unified marker that accurately indicates the location. The solution resolves the contradiction by reducing device complexity through merging while preserving representation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a non-transitory machine-readable medium that stores a program. The program receives from a computing system a plurality of data and a plurality of points associated with the plurality of data for display in a view of a map. Each point in the set of points includes location data specifying a location of the point. The program further determines that a subset of the plurality of points have the same location data. The program also renders in the view of the map a geometry representing the subset of the plurality of points and an indication that the geometry represents the subset of the plurality of points. For points in the plurality of points other than the subset of the plurality of points, the program further renders geometries that represent the points.