MLS Map Search with Spatial Filters and Route Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional real estate websites lack advanced geographic mapping features that enable users to efficiently search and plan driving tours with real property listings as destinations, limiting their ability to utilize geographic information for property searches.
Innovation Solution
A multiple listing service (MLS) system with a graphical user interface that includes a geographic map displaying user-defined spatial search filters, allowing users to input search criteria and view destination indicators on the map, along with features for searching and planning driving tours between multiple listings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional real estate websites provide basic mapping features, then users can view property locations on maps, but users cannot efficiently search and plan driving tours with multiple listings
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single geographic search platform: viewing properties on maps, defining custom search areas, filtering by criteria, and planning driving tours. This multi-functional approach transforms basic mapping into a comprehensive real estate search and planning tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial dimensionality to property search by displaying results on interactive maps and allowing users to define search areas geographically. This transitions from traditional text-based search to spatial-aware search, enabling users to visualize and select properties based on location and geographic criteria.
2Loss of information
If users search for properties using traditional text-based criteria, then search results can be obtained, but users cannot visualize locations or plan routes efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates geographic visualization by displaying property locations on interactive maps, allowing users to see spatial relationships between properties. This adds a visual dimension to search results, enabling users to assess locations, distances, and routes without leaving the search interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between text search results and physical locations by using map visualizations and destination indicators. This intermediary allows users to correlate textual property information with geographic positions, enabling better-informed search decisions and route planning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides comprehensive geographic mapping features, then search and route planning capabilities are enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a unified geographic mapping platform that handles multiple functions: displaying properties, defining search areas, applying filters, and planning routes. By building on existing mapping infrastructure, the system achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing mapping services and APIs as intermediaries to provide geographic functionality. This approach allows the real estate system to access sophisticated mapping, routing, and geographic data without developing these complex components from scratch, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides systems and methods for advanced features for online mapping, searching, and planning driving tours. A multiple listing service (MLS) system may include a map search feature. A user interface for a real property listing may include a geographic map, which may enable a user to define a destination search area. The destination search area may be displayed on the geographic map. The MLS system may enable a user to conduct a search utilizing spatial and/or non-spatial filters. A search entry interface may be provided on a user interface in conjunction with the geographic map. The geographic map and map search features may also be able to include additional geographic information.