Maplet Index for Scalable Mobile Map Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for distributing map content to mobile devices result in non-linear data growth due to lack of scalability, excessive bandwidth consumption, label clutter, and inadequate geocoding, leading to inefficient rendering and caching of map data.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Maplet data structure that allows for selective downloading of map data based on user context and area of interest, using local caching and context filtering, along with a Maplet Index to reduce bandwidth usage and enhance rendering efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bit-mapped flat file map graphics are delivered at specific zoom levels, then the map content can be displayed on the device, but the data is not scalable and requires non-linear growth in download size for pan or zoom operations
Solution Approach 1:
The map data is segmented into multiple zoom levels, with each level containing map graphics at a specific resolution. The system delivers only the necessary zoom level segments to the device, allowing scalable pan and zoom operations without requiring non-linear data downloads. This segmentation enables the device to request specific map segments at different zoom levels as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large amounts of map data are downloaded to provide scaling capability, then the map can be displayed at multiple zoom levels, but significant OTA bandwidth is consumed and download time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Map data at multiple zoom levels is pre-processed and organized on the server before delivery. The system prepares map segments at various zoom levels in advance, so when a device requests map data, it can immediately receive the appropriate pre-prepared segments without requiring time-consuming on-device processing or downloading excessive data.
3Loss of information
If labels are merged with delivered map graphics, then the map display is complete, but labeling that extends between DMG files is cut off and bandwidth is wasted on discarding unlabeled label sets
Solution Approach 1:
Labels are extracted as separate entities from the map graphics. The system identifies labels that extend across multiple map segments and extracts them for special handling. This allows the system to deliver complete label information separately, avoiding the waste of bandwidth from discarding incomplete label sets while ensuring label continuity across map boundaries.
4Device complexity
If the DMG is not geocoded with latitude/longitude association, then the data structure is simpler, but device features like dynamic updating of current position and position resolution of location tags cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
Geocoding information is applied locally to specific map segments and features rather than requiring a complete geocoding of all map data. The system adds latitude/longitude associations to the extent necessary for supporting location-based features, keeping the data structure as simple as possible while enabling dynamic position updates and location tag resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are set forth for distributing map content from a server to a communication device by transmitting a request from the communication device to the map server for a maplet index of map data covering a specified area and identified by coordinates for defining the map data, receiving the request at the map server and in response transmitting the maplet index to the communication device, wherein the maplet index defines content available the maplet without including all of the data points therein.