Abstract: A method and system for representing multiple road properties with a single multi-dimensional parametric spline curve is disclosed. A B-Spline is generated to represent a first road dimension. The B-Spline is written mathematically in vector format. One or more road dimensions to be added to the B-Spline are selected. Depending on the selection, the road dimensions are created in a format compatible with the B-Spline. For example, the road dimensions may be created using curve fitting, B-Spline merger, or direct assignment. Once the road dimensions are created, they are added to the original B-Spline vector. The new B-Spline vector is then stored in a data storage unit for use by systems, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of operating a navigation system to provide road curvature is provided. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of spline control points representing a two-dimensional geometry of a portion a road segment and obtaining data indicating a road grade of the portion of the road segment. The spline control points and data indicating road grade are obtained from a geographic database associated with the navigation system. The method further comprises projecting the spline control points onto a slope provided by the road grade to obtain a representation of a restored true road curvature of the portion of the road segment.

Abstract: A method and system for representing multiple road properties with a single multi-dimensional parametric spline curve is disclosed. A B-Spline is generated to represent a first road dimension. The B-Spline is written mathematically in vector format. One or more road dimensions to be added to the B-Spline are selected. Depending on the selection, the road dimensions are created in a format compatible with the B-Spline. For example, the road dimensions may be created using curve fitting, B-Spline merger, or direct assignment. Once the road dimensions are created, they are added to the original B-Spline vector. The new B-Spline vector is then stored in a data storage unit for use by systems, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

Abstract: A reporting program and system for updating a master copy of a geographic database is disclosed. According to the method and system, reports are obtained that relate to data contained in a geographic database. Satellite images of the geographic locations represented by the data in the reports are obtained. The satellite images are analyzed to confirm a need to make changes to the master copy of the geographic database based on the reports. After confirming the need to make the changes, the master copy of the geographic database is updated.

Abstract: Cartographic data is represented using polynomial splines. To improve representation accuracy and reduce storage requirements, a database storing data points (shape points and nodes) is converted into a database of spline control points. The spline control points are computed by fitting a polynomial spline to the geographic features using a least squares approximation. The control points associated with each geographic feature are stored in a computer-usable database. The geographic features can be displayed by computing the spline functions using the stored control points.

Abstract: A method and system for creating geometry for ADAS are described. Link chains, which are a sequence of segments, are created. The link chains are used to create 2D splines. The link chains, the 2D splines, and height data are used to create 3D splines. The 3D splines and possibly the 2D splines are converted to Bezier curves, which can be used to create a 2D polyline. ADAS applications can use the Bezier curves and the 2D polylines to provide ADAS functions.

Abstract: A method and system for using Bezier curves in vehicle positioning and electronic horizon applications for providing data to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) applications are disclosed. The Bezier curves are obtained from B-splines. The obtained Bezier curves are subdivided in a manner that allows the vehicle positioning application to derive a polyline representation in real time. Using the Bezier and polyline geometry, the vehicle positioning application provides a vehicle position approximation to the ADAS applications. Using the Bezier curves, the electronic horizon application provides curvature, slope, and heading profiles to the ADAS applications.

Abstract: A way to represent roads as data is disclosed. Vehicle systems that provide driver assistance features relating to road curvature, such as curve warning systems or lane departure systems, use data that indicates road shape and data that indicate road position. To support these vehicle systems, a dual data representation of road geometry is provided. One road geometry data representation indicates the road position, e.g., road centerline or lane centerline, and the other road geometry data representation indicates the road shape, e.g., curvature and/or heading. Several different dual shape representations may be provided and can co-exist with existing and future database representations.

Abstract: A reporting program and system for updating a master copy of a geographic database is disclosed. According to the method and system, reports are obtained that relate to data contained in a geographic database. Satellite images of the geographic locations represented by the data in the reports are obtained. The satellite images are analyzed to confirm a need to make changes to the master copy of the geographic database based on the reports. After confirming the need to make the changes, the master copy of the geographic database is updated.

Abstract: A reporting program and system for updating a master copy of a geographic database is disclosed. According to the method and system, reports are obtained that relate to data contained in a geographic database. Satellite images of the geographic locations represented by the data in the reports are obtained. The satellite images are analyzed to confirm a need to make changes to the master copy of the geographic database based on the reports. After confirming the need to make the changes, the master copy of the geographic database is updated.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data for a geographic database is disclosed. Data indicating a plurality of locations along roads including data indicating altitudes at the plurality of locations is provided. Road grade values for a plurality of subsections of the road are computed; each of the subsections is a portion of the road between two of the locations. A plurality of temporary change points are identified as joining two adjacent subsections having road grade values that differ by a value greater than a predetermined amount. Road grade values for each part of the road between adjacent temporary change points are computed. Consecutive parts of the road having road grade values that falls within a predetermined range are grouped into at least one constant road grade section. The geographic database stores data that define the constant road grade section.

Abstract: A method for representing shapes of road segments is disclosed. The shape of a portion of road that spans at least one intersection is represented using a single continuous non-uniform B-spline. The single continuous non-uniform B-spline is divided into separate sections by knot insertion at each position corresponding to the location of a spanned intersection. The separate sections of the single continuous non-uniform B-spline are each re-parameterized into multiple separate continuous non-uniform B-splines. Then, data indicating each of the separate non-uniform B-splines is used to represent each of the corresponding road segments in the portion of road.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data for a geographic database is disclosed. Data indicating a plurality of locations along roads including data indicating altitudes at the plurality of locations is provided. Road grade values for a plurality of subsections of the road are computed; each of the subsections is a portion of the road between two of the locations. A plurality of temporary change points are identified as joining two adjacent subsections having road grade values that differ by a value greater than a predetermined amount. Road grade values for each part of the road between adjacent temporary change points are computed. Consecutive parts of the road having road grade values that falls within a predetermined range are grouped into at least one constant road grade section. The geographic database stores data that define the constant road grade section.

Abstract: A reporting program and system for updating a master copy of a geographic database is disclosed. According to the method and system, reports are obtained that relate to data contained in a geographic database. Satellite images of the geographic locations represented by the data in the reports are obtained. The satellite images are analyzed to confirm a need to make changes to the master copy of the geographic database based on the reports. After confirming the need to make, the changes, the master copy of the geographic database is updated.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data for a geographic database is disclosed. Data indicating a plurality of locations along roads including data indicating altitudes at the plurality of locations is provided. Road grade values for a plurality of subsections of the road are computed; each of the subsections is a portion of the road between two of the locations. A plurality of temporary change points are identified as joining two adjacent subsections having road grade values that differ by a value greater than a predetermined amount. Road grade values for each part of the road between adjacent temporary change points are computed. Consecutive parts of the road having road grade values that falls within a predetermined range are grouped into at least one constant road grade section. The geographic database stores data that define the constant road grade section.

Abstract: A reporting program and system for updating a master copy of a geographic database is disclosed. According to the method and system, reports are obtained that relate to data contained in a geographic database. Satellite images of the geographic locations represented by the data in the reports are obtained. The satellite images are analyzed to confirm a need to make changes to the master copy of the geographic database based on the reports. After confirming the need to make the changes, the master copy of the geographic database is updated.