Dynamic Map Symbol Merging and Splitting for Data Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face difficulties in dynamically updating the display of location-specific data on maps, particularly when analysts zoom in or out, leading to inefficient representation and visualization of geographic information.
Innovation Solution
A method that allocates data into groups and displays non-overlapping symbols on a map, merging or splitting them based on zoom level and distance between symbols to maintain an optimal number of representations, allowing dynamic updates and density representation through symbol size and shading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the map is zoomed out and many symbols are displayed, then the coverage area increases, but the symbols overlap and become difficult to distinguish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges overlapping symbols into composite symbols when multiple data points are located in the same or adjacent map regions. This is achieved by detecting symbol overlap and combining multiple symbols into a single composite symbol that represents multiple data points, thereby maintaining map coverage while eliminating visual clutter and improving symbol distinguishability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the map is zoomed in to show more detail, then the symbol detail increases, but the number of visible symbols decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments composite symbols into individual symbols when the map is zoomed in. The system detects when a composite symbol should be divided based on zoom level and spatial relationships, splitting the composite symbol into multiple individual symbols that can be clearly distinguished. This allows detailed view of individual data points while maintaining appropriate map coverage.
3Loss of information
If the number of symbols is increased to represent more data points, then the data representation completeness improves, but the map becomes cluttered and harder to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number and form of symbols displayed on the map based on zoom level, data density, and spatial distribution. The system automatically transitions between individual symbols and composite symbols, and adjusts symbol sizes and positions in real-time as the user interacts with the map. This dynamic adaptation maintains complete data representation while optimizing map readability under different viewing conditions.
4Illumination intensity
If symbols are made larger to improve visibility, then the symbol visibility improves, but the number of symbols that can be displayed on the map decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple smaller symbols into larger composite symbols when data points are located in proximity to each other. This merging approach maintains high symbol visibility through larger composite symbol sizes while representing multiple data points within each composite symbol, thereby preserving both visibility and the quantity of represented data points.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for visualizing data comprises allocating the data to one or more groups. The method further comprises displaying one or more non-overlapping symbols on a map to represent the groups. The method further comprises merging the non-overlapping symbols into a lesser number of non-overlapping symbols when the map is zoomed out. The method also comprises splitting the one or more non-overlapping symbols into a greater number of non-overlapping symbols when the map is zoomed in.