Static-Scale Mapping With Reference Point Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mapping applications on mobile devices require frequent zooming in and out to maintain a sense of scale and orientation, which is inconvenient and time-consuming for users.
Innovation Solution
A novel mapping technique that displays a static-scale map anchored about a fixed reference point, using graphical indicators to divide the map into areas representing geographical discontinuities, allowing users to view multiple locations at the same scale without changing the zoom level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the user zooms in to view map details, then the map detail visibility is improved, but the user loses orientation and must repeatedly zoom out to maintain sense of scale
Solution Approach 1:
The map display is segmented into multiple regions: a main map area showing the reference point at a fixed overview scale, and one or more inset map areas that can be independently zoomed to show detailed views of specific locations. This segmentation allows users to view map details in the inset areas without losing orientation in the main map area, eliminating the need to repeatedly zoom in and out.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the user repeatedly zooms in and out to maintain sense of scale, then the orientation is maintained, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily establishes a fixed reference point and maintains a stable overview map display that continuously shows the user's location and orientation. By pre-configuring the main map area to always display the reference point at a fixed scale, the system eliminates the need for users to repeatedly adjust zoom levels to maintain orientation, thereby saving time and improving convenience.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the map displays multiple locations at the same static scale, then the user maintains orientation, but the map must use graphical indicators to represent geographical discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces graphical indicator elements as intermediaries to represent geographical discontinuities between the main map area and inset map areas. These indicators (such as fold lines, boundary markers, or transition graphics) visually communicate the spatial relationship and scale consistency between different map regions, making the discontinuities understandable without requiring complex explanations or additional user actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented mapping method comprises determining a fixed reference point, displaying a static-scale map on a display screen of a computing device such that the map always includes the fixed reference point, and displaying a graphical discontinuity indicator on the map to represent a discontinuity in the map, the graphical discontinuity indicator dividing the map into a first map area surrounding the fixed reference point and a second map area that is geographically spaced apart from the first map area.