Abstract: An approach is provided for generating and leveraging map layer(s) representing information associated with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) usage on mobile devices. The approach, for instance, involves determining LiDAR usage data generated by one or more mobile devices. The approach also involves generating a map layer of a geographic database based on the LiDAR usage data. The map layer indicates one or more locations where a LiDAR device was used by the one or more mobile devices based on the LiDAR usage data. The approach further involves providing the map layer as an output.

Abstract: An approach is provided for location sharing using a LiDAR-based location signature. The approach involves, for example, receiving a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scan of a location captured by a LiDAR sensor of a portable device. The approach also involves processing the LiDAR scan to generate a LiDAR location signature that is representative of the location of the portable device. The approach further involves transmitting the LiDAR location signature to another device to share the location of the portable device with the another device.

Abstract: An approach is provided for creating a LiDAR path signature. The approach involves, for instance, receiving a plurality of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scans captured by a LiDAR sensor of a portable device as the portable device travels on a path through an environment. The approach also involves processing the plurality of LiDAR scans to generate a LiDAR path signature that is representative of the path of the portable device through the environment. The approach further involves providing the LiDAR path signature as an output.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for calculating a friction index for an indoor space to identify routing through the indoor space that avoids high friction regions, where friction is impedance to movement caused by obstructions. The system collects and processes data from sensors that detect attributes of obstructions and/or sensors that detect environmental conditions that indicate the presence of obstructions to calculate the friction index. Sensors can be location based or carried by persons. The system provides a navigation route that avoids high friction regions as an output.

Abstract: A rights management module controls access to a data set by processing requests for flexibly defined types of access to the data set and determines if the requested access may be granted. The requester's right for the requested type of access is verified by a verification module that may be part of the rights management core or verified through expansion rights verification modules. Extension verification modules may be contained within the data set itself or obtained from a separate store. Extension verification modules are authenticated by the rights management core.

Abstract: A rights management module controls access to a data set by processing requests for flexibly defined types of access to the data set and determines if the requested access may be granted. The requester's right for the requested type of access is verified by a verification module that may be part of the rights management core or verified through expansion rights verification modules. Extension verification modules may be contained within the data set itself or obtained from a separate store. Extension verification modules are authenticated by the rights management core.

Abstract: A rights management module controls access to a data set by processing requests for flexibly defined types of access to the data set and determines if the requested access may be granted. The requester's right for the requested type of access is verified by a verification module that may be part of the rights management core or verified through expansion rights verification modules. Extension verification modules may be contained within the data set itself or obtained from a separate store. Extension verification modules are authenticated by the rights management core.

Abstract: A rights management module controls access to a data set by processing requests for flexibly defined types of access to the data set and determines if the requested access may be granted. The requester's right for the requested type of access is verified by a verification module that may be part of the rights management core or verified through expansion rights verification modules. Extension verification modules may be contained within the data set itself or obtained from a separate store. Extension verification modules are authenticated by the rights management core.