Trail Network Map Generation Using Aggregated GPS Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mapping technologies face challenges in creating a globally comprehensive and accurate map of trail networks due to difficulties in accurately recording unpaved trails with GPS devices, which are prone to inaccuracies and changes over time, and the inability to traverse all branches of a trail network.
Innovation Solution
A system that aggregates GPS recorded activities to identify trail network regions, determine network points along trail branches, and generate trail network maps by using aggregated data to mitigate inaccuracies and account for changes in trail shapes over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If GPS devices are used to record trail networks, then automated mapping can be achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccuracies on unpaved terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple GPS recorded activities from multiple users and devices to create a collective trail network map. By merging numerous individual GPS traces that may each have inaccuracies, the system produces a more reliable and precise trail representation that overcomes the limitations of single-device GPS accuracy on unpaved terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of trail data from different GPS recordings and uses these copies to validate and refine the trail network map. By comparing and reconciling multiple copies of the same trail segment from different users and times, the system achieves higher measurement precision than any single GPS device could provide.
2Area of stationary object
If GPS devices traverse all branches of trail networks, then complete coverage can be achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows any GPS-enabled device to contribute trail data automatically without requiring specialized mapping equipment or expert operation. Each user's GPS device self-services the broader mapping goal by recording and submitting trail segments, enabling complete coverage through simple, ubiquitous devices rather than complex specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the trail network mapping task into numerous small segments, each recorded by individual GPS devices during normal use. Rather than requiring a single complex system to map entire trail networks, the approach segments the work across many simple device contributions, reducing individual device complexity while achieving comprehensive coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If trail networks are mapped on unpaved terrain, then comprehensive trail coverage is achieved, but measurement precision worsens due to GPS signal inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple GPS recordings of the same unpaved trail segments from different users and different times. By combining these multiple measurements, the system compensates for the inherent inaccuracies of GPS on unpaved terrain and produces a more accurate representation of the trail network coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Generating trail network maps, including: receiving a plurality of GPS recorded activities; identifying a subset of the plurality of GPS recorded activities that is associated with a trail network region; and generating a trail network map corresponding to the trail network region based at least in part on the subset of the plurality of GPS recorded activities.