Abstract: A method for operating a navigation system is disclosed. An ordered plurality of interconnected segments providing a route from an origin to a destination is obtained. A guidance message for each of the segments is formed. The step of forming the guidance message comprises determining whether to reference a previous segment and adding a reference to a current segment.

Abstract: A method for collecting geographic data for use with a navigation system is disclosed. A virtual pedestrian segment providing a path through an unorganized geographic area is identified. The unorganized geographic area lacks underlying organization into roads and paths. Data indicating a location of the virtual pedestrian segment is collected. Data representing the virtual pedestrian segment is stored in the geographic database, and the geographic database is provided for use with navigation related features.

Abstract: A method for collecting geographic data for use with a navigation system is disclosed. A pedestrian segment associated with a path is identified. A text description of the pedestrian segment is collected. The text description includes one of a predetermined number of phrases and a name of at least one feature visible from a location of the pedestrian segment. Data representing the pedestrian segment is stored in the geographic database.

Abstract: A method of operating a navigation system comprises providing an image of a geographic area through which a portion of a route between an origin and destination passes. The image is an approximate 360-degree image. The method provides a guidance information overlay on the image. The guidance information overlay may be a route highlight, a maneuver arrow, an indication of a path that has been traveled, an identification of a main route and an alternative route, and a label.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide traffic information to end users. The traffic information is contained in traffic data messages that use location reference codes to identify locations along roads. A data structure is formed that relates a set of location reference codes assigned to locations along roads by a first data supplier to another set of location reference codes assigned locations along roads by a second data supplier. The data structure is used to form traffic data messages containing location reference codes assigned by the first data supplier based on traffic data messages containing location reference codes assigned by the second data supplier.