Network Mapping Service with Centralized Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mapping applications lack the ability to efficiently share, categorize, and update geospatial data in real-time, especially during emergencies, limiting collaborative efforts and situational awareness among stakeholders.
Innovation Solution
A network-based mapping system that allows users to publish, share, and modify geospatial data through an internet communication service, enabling subscribers to access and update maps dynamically, with features like channel management, map context publishing, and collaborative editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mapping applications store and display geospatial data locally on individual devices, then data access speed is improved, but real-time collaboration and data sharing between users are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between users and geospatial data. The server stores master copies of geospatial datasets and provides real-time access to multiple users simultaneously. This mediator architecture allows users to access data quickly (maintaining speed) while enabling real-time collaboration through centralized data management (improving adaptability).
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and distributes copies of geospatial data to multiple users via the server. Each user receives a copy that can be displayed locally for fast access, while the server maintains the master copy for real-time updates and synchronization. This copying approach resolves the contradiction by enabling both fast local display and real-time collaboration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If geospatial data is shared across a network, then collaborative access is improved, but data synchronization and update management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a central intermediary that manages all data synchronization and update operations. Instead of users directly synchronizing with each other (which would be complex), the server mediates all data exchanges, maintaining a single source of truth. This centralization improves collaborative access while the server handles synchronization complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server monitors data access patterns, update requests, and user actions in real-time. This feedback allows the server to automatically manage data synchronization, resolve conflicts, and coordinate updates across all connected users, reducing the perceived complexity for individual users while enabling robust collaboration.
3Reliability
If mapping data is updated in real-time, then situational awareness is improved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server creates and distributes copies of updated geospatial data to users as needed. Instead of continuously transmitting all data to all users (which would consume excessive resources), the server sends updates selectively to users who need them, based on their current map views and subscription settings. This copying approach maintains real-time situational awareness while optimizing resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial updates where only the specific portions of geospatial data that have changed are transmitted to users, rather than redistributing entire datasets. This partial action approach provides real-time updates for critical areas (maintaining reliability) while significantly reducing network bandwidth and processing resource consumption compared to full data redistribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of publishing a map includes providing access to a plurality of map data files or mapping services between at least one publisher and at least one subscriber; defining a map in a map context comprising parameters and descriptors to substantially duplicate a map by reference to mutually accessible data or mapping services, publishing a map to a channel in a table file on server; accessing the channel by at least one subscriber, transmitting the mapping context from the server to the at least one subscriber, executing the map context by the at least one subscriber, and generating the map on a display software associated with the at least one subscriber by reconstituting the map from the references and other data in the mapping context.