Abstract: A wireless communications device has a processor coupled to a memory for reconstructing a map feature from discrete sets of map data that provide redundant labels for the map feature to thereby generate a reconstructed map feature having only a single instance of the label, wherein the memory stores a run-time label cache for caching the reconstructed map feature and the label associated with the reconstructed map feature for reuse in rendering a subsequent map that also includes the reconstructed map feature. As new map data is received for each subsequent map, for example when the map is panned, the reconstructed map feature is modified by trimming off portions of the map feature that have moved outside the area of interest and by stitching to the reconstructed map feature portions of the map feature that have moved into the area of interest.

Abstract: Dynamically updated route information is provided to a user of a wireless communications device. The method involves receiving a destination location, determining a current location of the device, generating a route from the current location of the device to the destination location, and providing route information to the user representing the route from the current location to the destination location. Dynamic updating can be achieved by updating the current location of the device and dynamically updating the route information based on an updated current location of the device so as to provide dynamic route information to the user.

Abstract: A wireless communications device generates a message from a map application to enable a recipient of the message to view a location on a map. After a user selects a location to be sent to the recipient, the map application determines location information associated with the location and generates the message to be sent to the recipient. The message contains a link to enable the recipient to download the map showing the location and further contains the location information embedded as text within the message. The map application can determine whether the location is based on a GPS position fix, whether it is a Point of Interest or whether it is part of a map route. In each case, predetermined text is automatically embedded in the message to convey the location information to the recipient.

Abstract: In displaying a map on a wireless communications device, a method is provided that resolves labelling of sharp curves. The method entails a determination of whether a curvature of a map element associated with the map feature exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g. whether a rate of change in slope of a path or the change in angular orientation of each successive character in the label exceeds a threshold that is a function of zoom level. If the curvature exceeds the threshold, the label is rendered on the map in a new map location that avoids the map location where the curvature exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A method of displaying a map on a wireless communications device includes steps of obtaining map data for rendering the map to be displayed on the wireless communications device, generating corrected map data by applying a spherical correction factor to the obtained map data, and rendering the corrected map data to display the map on a display of the wireless communications device. The spherical correction factor corrects for map distortions that occur at northerly (or southerly) latitudes. Since the spherical correction factor is a simple correction to a 3×3 transformation matrix, this spherical correction can be easily applied without taxing the CPU limitations of small handheld devices.

Abstract: A method of stitching converging path segments to aesthetically label Y-intersections, path bifurcations or splits in roads or the like entails determining which pair of adjacent path segments subtend the largest angle. The path segments subtending the largest angle are reconstructed (stitched together) and a single instance of the label is then rendered along the reconstructed path. Although this stitching can be performed on the client device, pre-stitching server-side is even more efficient in terms of economizing over-the-air bandwidth and onboard processing resources.

Abstract: A method of displaying a map on a wireless communications device includes obtaining map data for rendering the map to be displayed on the wireless communications device, the map data including label data for rendering labels on the map. The device generates a collision-avoidance array representative of the map to be rendered for testing potential label positions prior to actually rendering the labels on the map. The collision-avoidance array is populated by provisionally designating, for each successive label to be rendered, a label space in the collision-avoidance array that corresponds to a map space that is to be occupied by the label on the map. The device then determines whether each successive label to be rendered collides in the collision-avoidance array with any previously designated label spaces. If no collision exists for a given label, the label can be rendered on the map.

Abstract: A spacecraft adapter having embedded resources for supporting a non-primary payload on a launch vehicle. The spacecraft adapter includes a battery, a power distribution and control system, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the non-primary payload. Other modules/subsystems such as data storage, sensor and data interface and communications may be included to suit the needs of a particular non-primary payload and/or particular mission of the non-primary payload. The adaptor does not require any interfacing with the bus of the primary payload and can be scaled/modified as needed to provide only that degree of functionality needed for a given non-primary payload being carried by the launch vehicle.