Abstract: A method and apparatus for realizing videophone are provided in the present invention. The method includes setting different videophone modes; and selecting the videophone mode for a user to perform a video conversation by using the selected videophone mode. The apparatus includes a setting module and a control module which is connected with the setting module. With the method and apparatus for realizing videophone according to the present invention, the user can select a normal conversation or a preset audio/video mode according to requirements in the process of the videophone conversation so as to achieve different video effects.

Abstract: A method of aligning a vehicle sensor is provided. The sensor is arranged on a motor vehicle and is swivelable about at least one axis in the direction of an attention angle determined as a function of the actual driving situation. The presence of a traffic route leading into the probable driving route of the motor vehicle is detected, and the attention angle is selected such that the receiving range of the vehicle sensor resulting from the alignment in the direction of the attention angle at least partially contains the traffic route leading into the probable driving route of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation device that obtains the current position based on information from a satellite, and guides a travel path from the current position to the destination on a map image includes: a display unit that displays the map image; a touch sensor unit that is arranged on the front surface of the display unit; an icon generation unit that generates a smooth scroll operation icon which is available for continuous performs smooth scroll processing for the map image and displays the smooth scroll operation icon on the map image; and a scroll control unit that executes the smooth scroll processing when the touch sensor unit detects that the smooth scroll operation icon is touched to be operated, and executes a predetermined scroll processing when the touch sensor unit detects that a region other than the smooth scroll operation icon is touched to be operated on the screen of the display unit.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method, computer program product, and apparatus for presenting a position of a vehicle on a chart. In one advantageous embodiment, a method for presenting a vehicle on a chart is presented. A current position of the vehicle is identified. The method then determines whether the current position of the vehicle is on a path between two points in a plurality of points. A first indicator at a first location on the chart indicating a position of the vehicle on the path relative to the two points is presented responsive to a determination that the current position is on the path. A second indicator on a second location on the chart is presented responsive to an absence of a determination that the current position is on the path, wherein the second indicator points to a closest point in the plurality of points.

Abstract: A method and system for providing taxiway navigational information to a crewmember of an airplane taxiing at an airport. An airport taxiway navigation system (“ATNS”) that executes on an onboard computer system that displays a map of the taxiways of an airport, receives the name of each taxiway of the taxi route specified by the taxi clearance, and highlights the taxiways on a displayed map to provide a visual indication of the cleared taxi route for the crewmembers.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, articles, and means for updating radio models. For certain example implementations, a method for one or more server devices may comprise receiving at one or more communication interfaces at least one measurement that corresponds to a position of a first mobile device within an indoor environment. At least one radio model that is stored in one or more memories may be updated based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement to produce at least one updated radio model. The at least one radio model and the at least one updated radio model may correspond to the indoor environment. The at least one updated radio model may be transmitted to enable a second mobile device to use the at least one updated radio model for positioning within the indoor environment. Other example implementations are described herein.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an information display screen viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle. At least one camera is mounted at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle and is operable to capture image data. The information display screen is operable to display video images derived from image data captured by the at least one camera and the information display screen is operable to display other information. A capacitive touch sensor is actuatable by the driver of the vehicle, and the information display screen is operable to display at least the other information responsive to actuation by the driver of the vehicle of the capacitive touch sensor.

Abstract: A method determines the position of a vehicle on a carriageway, in which method data of a satellite signal sensor, of a digital map, of a line detection sensor and of a vehicle movement dynamic sensor and/or of a surroundings sensor are combined in such a way that the position of the vehicle on the carriageway is determined with at least lane-specific accuracy. In particular, the method can also be used to determine the number of lanes. A device determines the position of the vehicle on a carriageway, and a motor vehicle has such a device.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, articles, and means for updating radio models. For certain example implementations, a method for one or more server devices may comprise receiving at one or more communication interfaces at least one measurement that corresponds to a position of a first mobile device within an indoor environment. At least one radio model that is stored in one or more memories may be updated based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement to produce at least one updated radio model. The at least one radio model and the at least one updated radio model may correspond to the indoor environment. The at least one updated radio model may be transmitted to enable a second mobile device to use the at least one updated radio model for positioning within the indoor environment. Other example implementations are described herein.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, articles, and means for updating radio models. For certain example implementations, a method for one or more server devices may comprise receiving at one or more communication interfaces at least one measurement that corresponds to a position of a first mobile device within an indoor environment. At least one radio model that is stored in one or more memories may be updated based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement to produce at least one updated radio model. The at least one radio model and the at least one updated radio model may correspond to the indoor environment. The at least one updated radio model may be transmitted to enable a second mobile device to use the at least one updated radio model for positioning within the indoor environment. Other example implementations are described herein.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a driving directions subsystem configured to provide data representative of driving directions to an access device communicatively coupled to the driving directions subsystem. The driving directions subsystem is further configured to provide at least one print tool including a plurality of selectable map views to the access device, the print tool enabling a user of the access device to select, from the selectable map views, at least one map view for inclusion in a printing of at least a subset of the driving directions. In certain embodiments, the driving directions include textual driving direction steps, and the driving direction subsystem is configured to scale a font size of at least a subset of the textual driving direction steps based on a number of the textual driving direction steps included in the driving directions.

Abstract: A geographic database used by a navigation system includes data regarding which corners of an intersection are connected by a crosswalk and the type of crosswalk. The geographic database also includes data regarding locations of crosswalks at a location other than an intersection. Using this information, the navigation system can provide crosswalk information to a pedestrian regarding where to cross a road.

Abstract: Methods for linking two or more vehicles to achieve reduced aerodynamic drag while the vehicles are travelling on the road are disclosed. The disclosed methods utilize a dynamic linking system that not only physically connects the vehicles but also allows the driver of the leading vehicle to monitor and control essential functions of the trailing vehicles. Preferably, the driving mechanisms of the trailing vehicles, such as throttles, brakes, and gears, are fully operational so as not to put excessive burden on the driving mechanisms of the leading vehicle. Methods for linking individual vehicles as well as streamlining the operation of a fleet of vehicles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing audio conflicts and priorities is disclosed. A mobile device (110) initiates a navigation application (410) and an audio application (415), each configured to utilize audio input and/or output components. The mobile device identifies (430, 435) a priority of a communication associated with the audio application and manages (440, 445) the audio input and output components based on the priority and other factors. In particular, the mobile device or components thereof can delay (440) an indication of the communication until a sufficient break in a route traversal is reached, can mute (445) the audio input component while the navigation application utilizes the audio output component, and/or can perform other functions related to the audio conflicts and priorities of the applications.

Abstract: A digitized image of a map is stored in a data memory. At least one point of the image of the map is selected as reference point. Space coordinates of the location which corresponds to the reference point are determined and allocated to the reference point. A supplementary calibration information item which enables the image of the map to be calibrated in space coordinates is determined. A mobile radio telephone has a navigation device which is set up for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a position detecting unit detecting a position, an explanation information storage unit storing explanation position information and explanation information, a generation unit extracting the explanation information corresponding to a first explanation position from the explanation information storage unit and generating the extracted explanation information with a sound when the first explanation position is detected within a first distance from the detected position, and a group determining unit determining whether or not the first explanation position belongs to the same group as a second explanation position when the second explanation position is detected within the first distance from the detected position after the generation unit starts the generating of the explanation information corresponding to the first explanation position with a sound, wherein the generation unit continues to reproduce the explanation information with a sound when both explanation pos

Abstract: Probe data is analyzed to derive Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) and an Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) for each road segment or link in a digital map network. The Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) profiles are calculated during defined time spans whereas the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) is based on the LSP for the time span corresponding only to free flow traffic conditions. All of the LSPs can used to create a respective energy cost for each time span, or only the OLSP (18) can be used (or alternatively the RRDSL 16 or LRRDSL 17) to calculate an energy cost for the free flow conditions only. The energy cost can be used to predict the energy required by a vehicle to traverse the link. Navigation software can use the energy cost to plan the most energy efficient route between two locations in the digital map. Sensory signals can be activated if a driver strays from the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) to achieve extremely high levels of energy efficiency.

Abstract: A method and a system for dispatching vehicle are provided. The method for dispatching vehicle includes the following steps: A. obtaining the vehicle information, which includes vehicle numbers, vehicle states and relative positions; B. placing the vehicle icons corresponding to the vehicle numbers in the corresponding positions on the virtual line schedule map according to the vehicle states and the relative positions; C. displaying the virtual line schedule map refreshed via step B. The system for dispatching vehicle includes vehicle information obtaining unit, vehicle states judging and processing unit, displaying unit and dispatching unit. The system realize the visual vehicle dispatching method by utilizing the virtual line schedule map, so as to implement vehicle monitoring and dispatching.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for triggering events based on user location with respect to zones of influence is described. One or more zones of influence each having a plurality of points of geolocational data are defined. One or more user events are associated with each of the zones of influence. A location of a wireless device is identified based on geolocational data obtained by the wireless device. The geolocational data of the wireless device is compared with the geolocational data for one or more of the zones of influence. The user events associated with one such zone of influence are triggered when the geolocational data of the wireless device correlates with at least one of the points of geolocational data for that zone of influence.

Abstract: A communication controller transmits current location information of a subject apparatus to another pre-registered apparatus, and receives current location information of the another pre-registered apparatus. A location relationship determiner determines whether the subject apparatus precedes the another apparatus in a heading direction. An operation mode determiner operates the subject apparatus as a main device when it is determined that the subject apparatus precedes the another apparatus in the heading direction, and operates the subject apparatus as a sub device when it is determined that the subject apparatus does not precede the another apparatus in the heading direction. A function selector activates a function of transmitting heading direction information to the another apparatus when the subject apparatus is determined to be a main device, and activates a function of receiving the heading direction information from a main device when the subject apparatus is determined to be a sub device.

Abstract: Techniques for enabling video conferencing with interactive sharing of drawings and/or other information. In one set of embodiments, a system is provided that includes a drawing surface, a video camera embedded or integrated into the drawing surface, and a front projector. The drawing surface can capture drawings made on the surface by a user, and the video camera can capture a video stream of the user. The system can send digital information representing the captured drawings and the video stream to a remote system. The system can also receive digital information representing drawings made by a remote user and a video stream of the remote user from the remote system. The front projector can project a video signal onto the drawing surface that incorporates the captured drawings, the drawings made by the remote user, and the video stream of the remote user.

Abstract: A method of providing assistance for the blind or otherwise visually impaired is provided. A user utilizes a mobile device to communicate with a remote operator in the event that the user is in need of assistance in orienting themselves with their surroundings or locating and viewing objects. The mobile device connects to a remote server through a data connection, providing audio, video, and other data communication with an operator.

Abstract: Embodiment methods and systems enable personal navigation devices to warn drivers during turn-by-turn navigation directions when they are approaching a difficult turn. Personal navigation devices may report to a server when a turn is missed during turn-by-turn directions, including identifying the turn and situation information. The server may aggregate missed turn reports from many personal navigation devices to generate a difficult turn database. Personal navigation devices may access the difficult turn database when generating turn-by-turn directions to identify turns requiring enhanced directions. The difficult turn database may be stored on personal navigation devices, and/or may be maintained on the server. Personal navigation devices may be configured to recognize when turns are intentionally missed, and only report missed turns when they determined that the turn was missed unintentionally.

Abstract: The invention relates to wireless vehicle-to-X communication by means of radio key (RKE) with a transceiver. The radio key transceiver is designed to send and receive not only data associated with the keyless driving authorization but also vehicle-to-X communication data. The radio key X communication can be used between two vehicles equipped with this radio key communication technique in order to communicate data such as positions, weather conditions or warnings quickly and reliably. This wireless communication technique using radio keys can also be used for coordinating emergency services when searching for an accident scene.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method may be provided for validating communication for a wireless communications device. The system and method may include receiving a geographic location of a wireless communications device. A database comprising records correlating the geographic location with permissions may be accessed in order to determine, based upon the received geographic location information and the accessed database record, if there are restriction on communication associated with the wireless communications device. An indicator may be communicated in response to the determined restriction, effectively providing the information needed to inform the wireless communications device of any current restrictions.

Abstract: A method determines the position of a vehicle on a carriageway, in which method data of a satellite signal sensor, of a digital map, of a line detection sensor and of a vehicle movement dynamic sensor and/or of a surroundings sensor are combined in such a way that the position of the vehicle on the carriageway is determined with at least lane-specific accuracy. In particular, the method can also be used to determine the number of lanes. A device determines the position of the vehicle on a carriageway, and a motor vehicle has such a device.

Abstract: Movement guidance systems, devices, methods, and programs set a guidance branch point on a guidance route. The systems, devices, methods, and programs acquire a position and a shape of the guidance branch point and a prior branch point, and determine whether the prior branch point is adjacent based on the acquired information. The prior branch point is adjacent when the prior branch point exists within a first predetermined distance from the guidance branch point and is connected with a road in a same direction as the guidance branch point. When it is determined that the prior branch point is adjacent, the systems, devices, methods, and programs complete verbal guidance for the guidance branch point at a timing at which the movable body is located at a guidance end point that is located a second predetermined distance before the prior branch point.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for identifying location names within document text. Through an implementation of the concepts and technologies presented herein, functionality can be provided for identifying location names within articles, websites, travelogues, or other such documents. For instance, documents containing the names of cities, regions, countries, landmarks, or other locations may be associated with those locations. The location names may be unambiguously identified even when the location names may also have common word meanings that are not location associated or when the location name may be associated with more than one location.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method of guiding a traveler, comprising the activities of: obtaining a route from a first approach to a destination; selecting a sequential set of way points along said route, said sequential set of way points chosen to assist a traveler in following said route; capturing a visual image of each way point from said sequential set of way points to form a set of visual images; arranging said set of visual images into a static viewable sequential order; and in response to a user's selection of said first approach from a predetermined set of approaches to said destination, providing said set of visual images to said user.

Abstract: A vehicle locator system comprising: a remote keyless entry transmitter for vehicles (key fob) having a rechargeable battery, a timer, a GPS/RF locator circuit, a first, second and third button and a display window. When the key fob is inserted in the key hole or in the base cradle of the vehicle, the vehicle's main battery charges the rechargeable battery. The first button, when pressed, unlocks the vehicle at the same time it turns on the GPS/RF connection. The second button, when pressed, locks the vehicle and records the location of the vehicle. The timer maintains the GPS/RF circuit on for a predetermined period of time. The third button, when pressed, shows the location of the vehicle almost immediately on the display window of the key fob by showing the address of the location alongwith direction and the distance to the vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus has a road learning function. When a new road is learned and a new road link is connected to one of a map road link present in a ready-made map data and a previously-learned road link, the navigation apparatus designates the one of the map road link and the learned road link as a base link and generates a supplement link that extends along the base link from a base-link-side end point of the new road link to an end point of the base link. The navigation apparatus specifies an entrance link and an exit link connected to a process target point on the guidance route, and determines content of the route guidance by using the base link corresponding to the supplement link when the entrance link or the exit link is the supplement link.

Abstract: We have disclosed methods and computer program products for identifying prospective routes for an individual to traverse during a physical activity. The methods may include a server computer system receiving data describing the physical activity from a remote computing device, a server computer system identifying a prospective route in response to receiving data, and a server computer system transmitting data describing a map of a prospective route to a remote computing device for display of the map at the remote computing device in response to identifying the prospective route.

Abstract: A route may be created and provided to a client. A stopping point along the route is received, and a search is performed for at least one point of interest according to the stopping point. Further, a route is created and provided to a client, and at least one stopping point associated with the route is identified based on at least one of a distance along the route, an indication of a place on a map, a category search, and a key word search.

Abstract: The present invention provides the simple operation for displaying the information that is expected to be necessary for the user and the simplified procedure of the hands-free operation when displaying the map information on the screen. The display device 20 in which an arrangement state of the screen can be selected between a first state and a second state displays on the screen the detailed information of a destination or its surrounding area such as parking lot information, an access route guide to the transportation facilities, and information of the facility of the destination is displayed on the screen if a change of the arrangement of the screen is detected, if the destination has been set in advance, and if a distance between a current position and the destination is within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for generating address component synonyms. In one aspect, a method includes determining that a plurality of addresses cannot be geocoded by a geocoding system. Variants of the addresses that can be geocoded by the geocoding system are generated, wherein each variant of a respective address lacks a removed term. Name terms for each variant are provided by the geocoding system. Each removed term is associated with name terms received for all variants that lack the removed term, including determining, for each associated name term of each removed term, a count of the number of variants for which the geocoding system provided the name term. Whether a name term is an address term synonym for a removed term is determined based at least in part on the count of the number of variants.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept relates to methods and systems to select and display information on an avionics display screen. The systems and methods allow for the selection and display of information using knobs to highlight and select the desired information for display, eliminating the need for a cursor function. The systems and methods also provide for multiple pages and/or multiple windows or “tiles” within these pages and/or windows simultaneously on a single screen of a display, with each window, page, and/or tile being fully controlled independently when selected. The present general inventive concept also relates to systems and methods to provide multiple cues on an electronic display system altitude tape to a pilot in advance and impending approach to a predefined altitude. The present general inventive concept also relates to systems and methods to employ variable resolution topographical data based on display range for an avionics navigation display.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing map information to a user via a portable navigation device. The method may include displaying map information including at least one icon and a route to a desired destination, producing audible information related to the route, and altering the at least one icon for display when the audible information relates to the at least one icon. The portable navigation device includes a display device to display map information including at least one icon and a route to a desired destination, an output device to produce audible information related to the route, and a processor to alter the at least one icon for display when the audible information relates to the at least one icon.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle in response to the presence of one or more vehicle boundary. According to various embodiments, a system is provided that automates end-turns and sequence execution in real-time based on approaching boundaries. In various embodiments, no pre-planning is required once boundaries and a turn pattern have been defined. Once these items are defined, the system creates end-turns based on what type of boundary is approaching and the turn path prescribed. The system determines what vehicle functions to execute based on pre-recorded sequences and executes the turns and the sequences automatically based on the location and speed of the vehicle and its relationship to various boundaries.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for automatically entering favorite locations into a navigation system is provided. The method according to one embodiment includes receiving information regarding a location from an object within a vehicle using a navigation system. An identifier to the information and the information and identifier are stored in the navigation system. The user may retrieve the information from the navigation system using the identifier. The information from the objects may be received in various wireless formats, including RFID, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Abstract: To advance a dump truck quickly and smoothly to a position where target loading work will be performed relative to an excavating machine, the dump truck is placed in loading target position relative to the excavating machine. Geographic position is detected from GPS satellites of a GPS receiver of the dump truck. The position and direction of the geographic position is transmitted to the excavating machine as a target position image. The target position image and an approach route leading to the position are displayed on a dump truck display when the truck thereafter approaches the position. The dump truck thereafter approaches the position, and the truck is driven so that a current position image advances along the approach route to the target position image, whereby the dump truck is placed in the set loading image target position.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and displaying a navigation route on a navigation device from one vehicle position to a travel destination. The navigation device can include processor with RAM, a mass storage device for holding a database with geographic data, as well as a display. Depending on whether a complex intersection is present on the navigation route, the complex intersection can be shown on the display in the form of a single perspective view. Embodiments of the invention can provide a high level of correlation between the actual situation on the road as seen by the user and the corresponding navigation maneuver displayed on the screen. The graphic output of navigation devices for complex intersections can also be improved regardless of whether the navigation device is a high-performance or very simple device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus including a display device for displaying graphical information; a processor arranged to control the display device to display the graphical information; a store for color mapping information, the information being representative of a relationship between orientation-related information of a trajectory and color; and a trajectory-color module for determining orientation-related information of a trajectory and a color according to the determined information and the color mapping information. In at least one embodiment, the processor is responsive to the trajectory-color module to control the display device to display a graphical element at least partly in the determined color.

Abstract: A mobile device is described. The mobile device includes an electronic compass that generates compass data corresponding to an orientation of the mobile device relative to true north. A global positioning system (GPS) module receives a GPS signal from multiple satellites. The GPS module determines a heading direction of a vehicle transporting the mobile device relative to true north based on the position data when the vehicle is moving above a threshold velocity. A motion sensor generates motion data corresponding to a motion of the mobile device when the mobile device is moved. A processor adjusts the heading direction of the vehicle relative to true north based on the compass data when the vehicle is moving below the threshold velocity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, dynamic natural guidance is generated for a route between an origin and a destination. A controller receives data indicative of a location of the mobile device and data indicative of at least one movable object detected in a vicinity of the mobile device. The data indicative of at least one movable object may be collected by a camera and analyzed. The analysis may include one or more of image processing techniques, temporal measurement, and tracking of movable objects. The controller generates a guidance command based on the location of the mobile device. The guidance command references the at least one movable object detected in the vicinity of the mobile device.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture are provided for use in one or more mobile devices to provide positioning based, at least in part, on a routability graph comprising a predetermined number of weighted edges for estimating a trajectory of a mobile device. Various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture are provided for use in one or more electronic devices to support mobile device positioning based, at least in part, on a routability graph comprising a predetermined number of weighted edges for estimating a trajectory of a mobile device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated multi-lingual support are described herein. A relay service provides translation services between a hearing-impaired user and a hearing-capable user. The relay service includes a database with one or more entries. Each of the one or more entries is associated with a contact of the hearing-impaired user and includes one or more connection indicators for the contact and one or more spoken languages for the contact. A profile system determines an identified entry in the database using a calling connection indicator associated with the hearing-capable user to compare with the one or more connection indicators. A call distribution system establishes a calling connection over a voice-capable network with the calling connection indicator associated with the hearing-capable user and routes the calling connection to a translator capable in the one or more spoken languages associated with the hearing-capable user determined from the identified entry.

Abstract: An electronic device can provide an interactive map with non-visual output, thereby making the map accessible to visually impaired users. The map can be based on a starting location defined based on a current location of the electronic device or on a location entered by the user. Nearby paths, nearby points of interest, or directions from the starting location to an ending location can be identified via audio output. Users can touch a screen of the electronic device in order to virtually explore a neighborhood. A user can be alerted when he is moving along or straying from a path, approaching an intersection or point of interest, or changing terrains. Thus, the user can familiarize himself with city-level spatial relationships without needing to physically explore unfamiliar surroundings.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a sail assist device, which includes a wind direction sensor for measuring a wind direction, a ship position acquiring module for acquiring a latitude and a longitude of the ship, and a display module for calculating a layline based on the latitude and longitude of the ship, a latitude and a longitude of a target position of the ship, and the wind direction, with the target position being a reference, and displaying a target mark indicating the target, a ship mark indicating the ship, and the layline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mapping a moving direction by using sounds for people with visual impairments, in which a moving direction can be expressed multi-dimensionally by using sound information and can effectively assist people with visual impairments and the like in navigation tasks. A moving direction of a person carrying a device configured to output sounds is mapped by using a combination of sounds outputted from the device. A plurality of different sound information pieces are stored in association with three or more predetermined directions, respectively, a current position of the moving target device is identified, and then a moving direction of the device is identified. A sound obtained by combining two sounds in a ratio according to the identified moving direction is outputted on the basis of sound information pieces associated respectively with two adjacent directions sandwiching the identified moving direction among the predetermined directions.

Abstract: A proximity search engine for carrying out a proximity search with respect to a reference location uses as a reference frame the earth divided into tiles, which are predefined geographic regions of substantially equal areas. Records that are searched based on proximity to a reference location include location pointers, each of which identifies a particular tile that encompasses the physical location indicated by the corresponding record. When the proximity search is carried out, the tiles that are within a specified distance from the reference location are obtained and records having location pointers corresponding to such tiles are selected for inclusion in the search results.