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.

Abstract: A system and method for converting digital map information using displayable map information as an intermediary. An embodiment of the present invention is generally related to systems for accessing, displaying, editing and using digital maps. The system can receive data into the viewer application in a first map format and then provide or output that data in a second map format. Different map formats can be interpreted and/or optionally displayed in a universal display format. Depending on the particular embodiment the universal display format can include item coordinates, or higher level descriptions of geometry and topology in the map. In accordance with an embodiment, a map format legend associated with a particular map format can then be used to interpret the universal display format, and output the data into that map format. A plurality of different map legends can be used to allow different map formats to be output. In this manner the system allows for easy and universal converting of map formats.

Abstract: A system and method for using layers and grids to access, view, edit and store digital map data. An embodiment of the present invention is generally related to systems for accessing, displaying, editing and using digital maps. The system assists in previewing and outputting data to different map formats. Some maps include multiple levels of tiled map information. The map can be displayed on a display screen in a universal display format that is independent of the original format, and can then be parsed using a map legend. Features are provided to allow output of different types or sets of map data based on the currently displayed map. If a user modifies the map display to display a greater, or lesser, detail of resolution, then the set of map data that is output can be varied accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for providing efficient access to digital map data. An embodiment of the present invention is generally related to systems for accessing, displaying, editing and using digital maps. In some map data formats each map item is not necessarily stored or encoded using a consistent byte length. Instead, to save overall storage requirements, the map items can be stored as different byte length variables. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a bit stream processor that provides a staging area for efficient reading and writing of map data, and also provides security for adjoining data portions that use different byte length variables. An input map or map data can be read into the system, and optionally written to an output map. As map data is read into the system, instead of reading it directly from disk storage to the display screen, which takes time, the bit stream processor places the map data in memory and reads it from there.

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 opened 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 for tracking an object (for example tracking an automobile as it moves over streets) using an electronic map and a GPS receiver. The GPS receiver accepts data from a number of satellites and determines a GPS derived position and velocity. Based on the previous position of the object, the GPS derived position, the velocity, the DOP and the continuity of satellites for which data is received, the system determines whether the GPS data is reliable. If the GPS data is reliable, the previous position of the object is updated to the GPS derived position. The updated position is then matched to a map of roads.

Abstract: A navigation system comprising a relative positioning system (RPS) with dead reckoning and map matching and an absolute positioning system (APS) is provided and operated in such a manner that APS position information is used for updating RPS position and contour of equal probability (CEP) information as required. The APS may comprise a Loran-C or a global positioning system (GPS). Different criteria are used for resetting the RPS depending on whether or not the navigation system comprises a Loran-C or a GPS due to the different levels of precision of the Loran-C and the GPS. When the RPS is reset or updated, it is updated to the current APS position with its offset, if any. Its contour of equal probability (CEP) may also be adjusted.