Abstract: A method of encoding a shortened path definition of a path in a mapping system is described. In one embodiment, a shortened path definition includes only those routing points that are needed to eliminate valid alternate routes.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes determining algorithmically a a plurality of vehicle cost values for traveling a plurality of road segments in a vehicle based at least in part on vehicle cost data derived at least in part from position derivative data obtained from at least one vehicle that traveled the road segments (S1); associating each of the plurality of road segments with at least one of the vehicle cost values (S2); and storing the determined vehicle cost values in a memory device (S3). In at least one embodiment, a method for determining a route of travel from a first location to a second location is disclosed. Other embodiments include a map database, storable on a storage medium; a device including a memory (230) storing a map database, a processor (210) and an output device (260); and a device for use in a vehicle, where the device includes a GPS receiver (250), a memory (230) and a processor (210).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are methods for applying clothoid curve values to roadways in a geographic data information system. One embodiment is a method, comprising: selecting database segments in the geographic data information system, wherein the database segments describe roadways; determining segment chains from the selected database segments; preparing the segment chains for transition to curvature space; transitioning to a curvature function in the curvature space, by computing heading change at points along the segment chain, resulting in a transformation of the segment chains into clothoids; smoothing the curvature function; fitting the smoothed curvature function with a more generalized form which remains within a selected tolerance of the smoothed curvature function; and storing identified segments of straight lines, transition zones, and segments of constant curvature in the geographic data information system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention concern a way of using geographic-phonetic strings, such as modified geographic-phonetic strings, for constructing a geographic database for use with geographic applications.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and/or using a universal location referencing object (ULRO) with electronic files including electronic maps. ULROs establish traversable links between a file-of-reference and third-party-files. In accordance with an embodiment, the ULRO comprises a universal location referencing code uniquely corresponding to the location, together with several optional components, including: a set of name information; a super-set of coordinates; a file-of-reference pointer field comprising a file-of-reference pointer; a third-party-file pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file pointers; a file-of-reference back-pointer field comprising a file-of-reference back-pointer; a third-party-file back-pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file back-pointers; and a metadata field.

Abstract: A system and method for multiple attribute concurrent searching using a visual paradigm. The system allows the user to locate and display a first data item in the database, graphically select attributes, values or other criteria associated with that data item, and instruct the system to use these criteria as a constraint in successive ordering and access of other data items either in a previously retrieved set of data items, or as a new search in the database itself. When the user clicks on a “next” icon, “next” button, or a similar search-initiation feature, the system uses the constraints previously selected to locate, organize, or place into a logical order the next data item matching those constraints. In accordance with an embodiment for use with digital maps and digital map databases, the system provides a graphical window screen by which a user can select attributes associated with a particular map item, and use these attributes and constraints in subsequent ordering and searching.

Abstract: A system and method for providing digital map or navigation information with need-based routing. In accordance with an embodiment, the system disclosed herein provides a means for suppliers, such as suppliers or retailers of goods and services, to provide information about the availability of those goods and services. When a user interacts with the system and a need is determined, the system can offer information, such as directing the user to an appropriate supplier, including where appropriate a map and/or route to the supplier. In accordance with an embodiment the system can take into account the user's location, and/or the supplier's locations, and/or a cost associated with an item, and/or other geographic and non-geographic information that can be stored and retrieved from a digital map or a supplier.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and/or using a universal location referencing object (ULRO) with electronic files including electronic maps. ULROs establish traversable links between a file-of-reference and third-party-files. In accordance with an embodiment, the ULRO comprises a universal location referencing code uniquely corresponding to the location, together with several optional components, including: a set of name information; a super-set of coordinates; a file-of-reference pointer field comprising a file-of-reference pointer; a third-party-file pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file pointers; a file-of-reference back-pointer field comprising a file-of-reference back-pointer; a third-party-file back-pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file back-pointers; and a metadata field.

Abstract: A driver-initiated warning device is described for communicating descriptive vehicle-to-vehicle warning messages. The device can be deployed within an automobile and can include an interface that receives input from a driver or passenger of a vehicle. The device also includes a vehicle-to-vehicle communications component that generates anonymous messages upon having received the input and broadcasts the anonymous messages to other vehicles within range. The anonymous messages have embedded electronic data regarding an event observed by the driver or passenger, such as location information of a road hazard. Based on receiving the messages, the device can make decisions as to whether to alert the driver of any upcoming dangers or other events. The location information contained in the messages can be used to filter the messages based on relevance. The messages can also be relayed to other vehicles in order to optimize information diffusion between moving automobiles.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching geographical markers to a variety of objects, including real-world objects, electronic documents, people, software applications, and other items of information, including stationary and moving entities. In accordance with an embodiment, the system provides an object location identifier (OLI), and can use additional forms of identifiers such as universal location referencing objects (ULRO) for mapping real-world objects, electronic documents, people, software applications, and other items of information. The object location identifier answers the questions of who and where a particular object may be. A mobile object location identifier (MOLI) feature can also be provided as a standardized way for specifying an object location identifier for user with mobile entities, including people, websites, and wireless applications.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining the geographic locations of events in a linear referencing system (LRS), such as a LRS for the Department of Transportation. The method and system utilize similarities between a LRS and the postal addressing system used in the United States. A LRS event geocoding database and schema are created from portions of the postal addressing system schema and geographic information system (GIS) schema. LRS data is encoded as postal address data as defined in the postal addressing system. The LRS data and GIS data are conflated to populate the LRS event geocoding database using similar transformation logic as for current postal address geocoding. The geographic location of a given LRS event is generated using geocoding software that utilizes the linear measure implicit in the LRS event identifier and the LRS event geocoding database.

Abstract: A system and method for causing a master operation that is executed on a master map, window, document, or database to also be automatically executed in its corresponding form on one or more slave maps, windows, documents, and/or databases. Embodiments of the invention can operate with masters and slaves that are initially either open or closed or both, depending on the operator's desires and the current state of the computing device. Embodiments of the invention are capable of opening masters and/or slaves that are closed. In some embodiments, the event handler capable of receiving the selections of master and slave(s) is part of the operating system and in other embodiments it is separate from the operating system. All embodiments operate with one master and with one or more slaves. In certain embodiments, the master and/or one or more slaves and/or the operation will be selected by default.

Abstract: A system and method for using universal location referencing objects (ULRO) to provide geographic information. As described herein, an embodiment of a ULRO comprises a permanent identification code designed to identify a selected location. A location in turn may be associated with one or more geographic items. A ULRO can be employed to establish traversable links or connections between a file-of-reference and third-party-files for a broad range of database formats. A file-of-reference is a geospatial file used for permanent storage of a file owner's geographic data. A third-party-file is a geospatial file used for permanent storage of a third-party's geographic data. Whatever its format may happen to be, a file-of-reference or a third-party-file can typically be transformed into other formats that may be more appropriate for certain applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are methods for applying clothoid curve values to roadways in a geographic data information system. One embodiment is a method, comprising: selecting database segments in the geographic data information system, wherein the database segments describe roadways; determining segment chains from the selected database segments; preparing the segment chains for transition to curvature space; transitioning to a curvature function in the curvature space, by computing heading change at points along the segment chain, resulting in a transformation of the segment chains into clothoids; smoothing the curvature function; fitting the smoothed curvature function with a more generalized form which remains within a selected tolerance of the smoothed curvature function; and storing identified segments of straight lines, transition zones, and segments of constant curvature in the geographic data information system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are systems for applying clothoid curve values to roadways in a geographic data information system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a computer readable storage medium storing instructions for applying clothoid curve values to roadways in a geographic data information system.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and/or using a universal location referencing object (ULRO) with electronic files including electronic maps. ULROs establish traversable links between a file-of-reference and third-party-files. In accordance with an embodiment, the ULRO comprises a universal location referencing code uniquely corresponding to the location, together with several optional components, including: a set of name information; a super-set of coordinates; a file-of-reference pointer field comprising a file-of-reference pointer; a third-party-file pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file pointers; a file-of-reference back-pointer field comprising a file-of-reference back-pointer; a third-party-file back-pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file back-pointers; and a metadata field.

Abstract: Data related to changes in real-world geography are collected promptly for incorporating into a geographic database. Query strings are created using keywords targeted to detect data related to changes in real-world geography. Automatic Web search technology is utilized to search the World Wide Web for instances that match the created query strings. References to Web pages, references to Web pages accompanied by brief abstracts, Web pages, and hard copies of documents by mail are automatically collected that potentially refer to changes in real-world geography.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for differentiating duplicate addresses within a locality. A relational database of geographical features is constructed where each geographical feature has related attributes which can be used to differentiate among multiple same-named features. Precedence hierarchies of such attributes can be created within the database where each precedence hierarchy is constructed based on a combination of user type and situational scenario information. Upon receiving a mapping destination from a user, the system may identify the input as being ambiguous. The user and situation can be analyzed in order to select the precedence hierarchy best fit to resolve the ambiguity in this particular situation. The selected hierarchy can then be traversed until an attribute is found that exists for both features and serves to distinguish between them. The attributes can be presented to the end user along with information regarding the ambiguity.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing and editing digital maps using a plugin data abstraction layer for different digital map formats. An embodiment of the present invention is generally related to systems for accessing, displaying, editing and using digital maps. The system includes a viewer application together with a data abstraction layer and a plurality of different data abstraction interfaces. The data abstraction layer can be used to allow different map formats to be parsed and viewed. This allows the system to receive data in any of a variety of different input map formats. The map can then be edited, viewed, displayed on a display screen, or output. The map can also be used to create or display a map in a universal display format that is independent of the original format.