Abstract: Embodiments include a method of generating a three-dimensional (3D) image model using a game-based image acquisition. The method including determining a location of a user device, identifying images to be acquired to generate a 3D model of an area surrounding the location, displaying a virtual gaming view that includes targets corresponding to locations of the images to be acquired, wherein the targets move within the virtual gaming view relative to movement of the user device, and a goal of a game includes moving the user device to align a field of view of a camera of the user device with the targets, in response to determining that the field of view of the camera aligns with a target, acquiring an image depicting an image scene corresponding to the field of view of the camera, and generating a 3D image model of an area surrounding the location using the image.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable storage mediums encoded with computer programs executed by one or more processors for providing personalized mapping with photo-tours are disclosed. A mapping system provides a map of a geographic region that includes a plurality of selectable image locations within the region, with standardized images of the respective image location that accord with predefined parameters provided by the mapping system. An image location selection from the map is received and it is determined whether the selected image location is associated with one or more photo-tours of non-standardized images that do not according with the predefined parameters. A selection of a particular one of the photo-tours is received, and the set of non-standardized images corresponding to a selected photo-tour for the image location is provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer storage mediums are provided for incentivizing users to contribute content in a controlled manner. A method includes receiving content and metadata associated with the content from a user. The content relates to a geolocation and the metadata includes geolocation information that relates to the content. It is then determined whether the content and the associated metadata meet a threshold of specific criteria. The specific criteria is based on a set of rules that determines an amount of points awarded to the user for providing content that satisfies the specific criteria. The specific criteria include at least a geolocation or geolocated area. If the content meets the threshold of the specific criteria, points are awarded to the user. The amount of points is based on a comparison of the content and the associated metadata with the specific criteria.

Abstract: A data structure provides a framework for relating the levels of detail (LOD) of an object having multiple LODs. A designer is provided the flexibility to display different portions of an object in multiple LODs. An object is stored in different LODs. Each LOD includes one or more polygons, with each polygon representing a portion of the object. An example tree data structure includes nodes which correspond to portions of the object. All nodes at a particular level together represent an object at a corresponding LOD. A function is provided for each edge of a geometrical entity in each node. The functions are weighted according to several factors/attributes. The functions are evaluated dynamically to determine whether to replace a polygon with polygons at a finer LOD. By a proper choice of the functions in different nodes, different portions of the object may be displayed at different LODs.

Abstract: A system and method for storing a data representative of an object in various LODs. Each LOD representation is divided into a plurality of LOD cells and stored in a secondary memory. A designer designates a set of LOD cells with each of the plurality of LOD cells. When the projection of an eye point falls within a subject LOD cell, the set of LOD cells designated with the subject LOD cell are retrieved into a system memory. Thus, by properly designating the set of LOD cells, the designer may ensure that the desired LOD cells are in the system memory when required for processing. As a result, the data in the LOD cells may be accessed at a relatively high rate from the system memory when processing the LOD data. As only the required cells are retrieved into the system memory, the amount of memory required for storing the LOD data is also minimized.