Digital Map Updating Using Control Points for Position Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mapping technologies suffer from inaccuracies due to tectonic movements, camera distortions, and rubber-sheeting techniques, leading to imprecise geographic feature locations, which can cause costly infrastructure damage and safety risks during utility excavations.
Innovation Solution
A geographic map updating system that includes a base map element and an update element, utilizing geographic feature identification and positioning elements like laser rangefinders and GNSS, to accurately determine and update geographic feature positions, followed by data processing and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rubber-sheeting techniques are used to join contiguous image tiles, then seamless joining of map images is achieved, but geographic feature positions become distorted and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control point network as an intermediary framework between the rubber-sheeting distortion process and the final map product. These control points serve as reference markers that constrain the distortion, allowing seamless joining while preserving the accuracy of geographic feature positions relative to the control point network.
2Measurement precision
If high resolution aerial photographs are indexed with RTK satellite navigation to create precise maps, then map position accuracy is improved, but the cost and labor required for map generation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the map into multiple image tiles that can be processed independently. Each tile is joined to others through the control point network, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall labor requirements while maintaining high precision through the RTK-GPS controlled point system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a network of control points with known precise positions before performing the actual map joining operation. This preliminary establishment of reference framework enables automated processing of image tiles, reducing subsequent labor and computational costs while ensuring accuracy.
3Duration of action of moving object
If tectonic plate movements and ground shifting occur over time, then geographic feature locations change, but existing maps become increasingly inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic control point network that can be re-measured and updated over time. Rather than treating the map as static, the system allows for periodic re-surveying of control points to account for tectonic movements and ground shifting, thereby maintaining accuracy throughout the map's operational lifetime.
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
Enhances map feature position accuracy, ensuring precise utility location for safe excavations and reducing the risk of infrastructure damage and human injury.
Implementation Method 1
a user may direct a laser rangefinder device working in tandem with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to determine the position of geographic features
Implementation Method 2
global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to determine the position of geographic features
Implementation Method 3
Such positioning elements may further include light detection and ranging (LiDAR)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for updating digital maps by refining map feature positions and improving map position accuracy are disclosed. One embodiment includes identifying a point of interest's position data and updating the map data within a map region surrounding the point of interest.