Abstract: A method for an online information system includes tracking user interactions with the online information system, storing profile information for the user based on the user interactions, and providing user access to modify the user's profile information. This system improves confidence in system for users who are reluctant to have their online activity tracked by the system operator. The user has access to all information that the system operator has for the user, and can edit or correct that information.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for identifying matching arcs in sets of geometric objects, such as a pair of electronic maps, without relying on attributes being assigned to the arcs. An arc in a first set of geometric objects is identified as matching an arc in a second set of geometric objects, when the arc in the first set is co-bounded on both sides by polygons which match the corresponding co-bounding polygons of the arc in the second set. A determination is made of which polygons in the first set of geometric objects match polygons in the second set of geometric objects, by computing and comparing a set of similarity metrics. Examples of characteristics for which similarity metrics are determined include, proximity, area, shape and rotation. Each similarity metric is determined in an isolated fashion, so that no other metric is reflected in the metric being measured.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for warping models made from geometric objects, such as electronic maps, to correct local distortions in the models without compromising model topology. A set of transformation functions are derived from relationships between points in a first model that match points in a second model. The transformation functions are then applied to the points in the first model to generate a new model with reduced distortion. In order to provide for reducing local distortions, warping is applied to selected corresponding regions of the first model and the second model by triangulating these regions and generating transformation functions for each corresponding pair of triangles. Topology preservation is achieved by identifying matching points in the first model and the second model that have a potential for causing topology deviations. Such matching points are then excluded from the process of developing transformation equations to be used in the warping process.