Abstract: A method for updating a geographic database is disclosed. Data collecting equipment is installed in each of a plurality of vehicles each of which also has a navigation system. The data collection equipment is used to collect data while the vehicles are being driven along roads by their respective users. In addition, a method for assigning a confidence level to geographic data is disclosed. The confidence level is assigned to the geographic data as an attribute. In addition, a method for determining a position of a vehicle by sensing roadside structures is disclosed. Data indicating positions of roadside structures are contained in a geographic database. By matching positions of sensed roadside structures to data in the geographic database that indicates the positions of the structures, the position of the vehicle while traveling can be determined.

Abstract: A system for updating, enhancing and/or refining a geographic database is disclosed. The system uses a plurality of data collecting sensors, each of which is installed in a separate one of a plurality of vehicles, each of which travels on roads in a geographic region. Each data-collecting sensor provides outputs indicative of the sensing of one or more features in the geographic region as the vehicle in which it is installed travels. A computer program process compares the outputs of the data collecting sensors to previously obtained data that represent the physical features, determines the significance of the comparisons, and updates, enhances, or refines the data in an existing geographic database accordingly. Data that have been updated, enhanced, or refined, are provided back to end users.

Abstract: A data collection system including a data glove is used by a researcher to safely and efficiently collect and input data for a geographic database. The data collection system is transported by the researcher along roads in a geographic area. As the data collection system is being transported, the positions of the data collection system are determined. The researcher inputs data into the data collection system through the glove by hand and/or finger gestures. The data collection system stores data indicating a determined position with a type of data associated with the gestures. The data obtained by the data collection system is displayed so that the researcher can add or modify data records in the geographic database. The data obtained by the data collection system is used to add data to or modify data in the geographic database.

Abstract: A data collection system including a data glove is used by a researcher to safely and efficiently collect and input data for a geographic database. The data collection system is transported by the researcher along roads in a geographic area. As the data collection system is being transported, the positions of the data collection system are determined. The researcher inputs data into the data collection system through the glove by hand and/or finger gestures. The data collection system stores data indicating a determined position with a type of data associated with the gestures. The data obtained by the data collection system is displayed so that the researcher can add or modify data records in the geographic database. The data obtained by the data collection system is used to add data to or modify data in the geographic database.

Abstract: A system for updating, enhancing and/or refining a geographic database. A geographic database includes data representing physical features in the geographic region, and, optionally, attributes of such features. The system includes a plurality of data collecting sensors. Each of the data collecting sensors is installed in a separate one of a plurality of vehicles each of which is capable of traveling on roads in a geographic region. Each of the data collecting sensors provides outputs indicative of one or more features in the geographic region as the vehicle in which it is installed travels on the roads in the geographic region. A computer program executes a feedback process on the geographic database using the outputs of the data collecting sensors. A first part of the feedback program compares the outputs of the data collecting sensors to the data identifying the physical features and provides results representative of the comparisons.

Abstract: A data collection system including a data glove is used by a researcher to safely and efficiently collect and input data for a geographic database. The data collection system is transported by the researcher along roads in a geographic area. As the data collection system is being transported, the positions of the data collection system are determined. The researcher inputs data into the data collection system through the glove by hand and/or finger gestures. The data collection system stores data indicating a determined position with a type of data associated with the gestures. The data obtained by the data collection system is displayed so that the researcher can add or modify data records in the geographic database. The data obtained by the data collection system is used to add data to or modify data in the geographic database.

Abstract: A method for updating a geographic database is disclosed. Data collecting equipment is installed in each of a plurality of vehicles each of which also has a navigation system. The data collection equipment is used to collect data while the vehicles are being driven along roads by their respective users. In addition, a method for assigning a confidence level to geographic data is disclosed. The confidence level is assigned to the geographic data as an attribute. In addition, a method for determining a position of a vehicle by sensing roadside structures is disclosed. Data indicating positions of roadside structures are contained in a geographic database. By matching positions of sensed roadside structures to data in the geographic database that indicates the positions of the structures, the position of the vehicle while traveling can be determined.

Abstract: A data collection system is used by a researcher to collect data for a geographic database. The data collection system is transported by the researcher along roads in a geographic area. As the data collection system is being transported, the positions of the data collection system are determined. Programming in the data collection system recognizes a vocal command from the researcher. The data collection system stores data indicating a determined position with a type of data associated with the vocal command. The data obtained by the data collection system is displayed so that the researcher can add or modify data records in the geographic database. The data obtained by the data collection system is used to add data to or modify data in the geographic database.

Abstract: A feature provided by a data collection system that can be used by a database researcher is disclosed. As the database researcher travels through a geographic area and observes geographic features (such as roads), the database researcher uses the data collection system to collect and store data that represent attributes of the geographic features. The data collection system includes a feature whereby the database researcher can define a profile of one or more attributes of one or more geographic features. The profile is stored in a memory of the data collection system. Then, as the database researcher travels through the geographic area and new geographic features are encountered, the data collection system automatically applies these attributes to each new geographic feature, thereby eliminating the need on the part of the database researcher to separately specify each attribute of a newly encountered geographic feature.

Abstract: A data collection method for a geographic database that represents geographic features in a region, and a system and program for performing the method. The data collection method includes obtaining a first copy of data from the geographic database without locking the data in the geographic database and performing an updating process using the first copy. A second copy of data from the geographic database is obtained. A determination is made whether application of the updating process to the second copy of data conflicts with any changes made to the geographic database since the first copy of data was obtained. If application of the updating process does not conflict with any changes made to the geographic database, the updating process is applied to the second copy of data from the geographic database. Then, the updated second copy of data is restored back in the geographic database.

Abstract: A system for updating, enhancing and/or refining a geographic database. A geographic database includes data representing physical features in the geographic region, and, optionally, attributes of such features. The system includes a plurality of data collecting sensors. Each of the data collecting sensors is installed in a separate one of a plurality of vehicles each of which is capable of traveling on roads in a geographic region. Each of the data collecting sensors provides outputs indicative of one or more features in the geographic region as the vehicle in which it is installed travels on the roads in the geographic region. A computer program executes a feedback process on the geographic database using the outputs of the data collecting sensors. A first part of the feedback program compares the outputs of the data collecting sensors to the data identifying the physical features and provides results representative of the comparisons.