Geographic information data base engine
US7430340B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09B29/106
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method to compress a very large original geographic database down to a manageable and economical size while preserving accuracy is herein described. Similarly, a method to quickly retrieve, decompress, and display data is herein described. An original geographic database is prepared for compression by dividing it into discrete regions called bounding boxes. The bounding boxes may be variable sized to improve accuracy and compression. Absolute map coordinate data is compressed by converting it to relative map coordinate data. Map files are named in a descriptive manner to allow determination of map file characteristics merely by inspecting the file name. Relative map coordinate data can be displayed without being converted to absolute map coordinate data. Alternately, relative map coordinate data may be quickly decompressed into absolute coordinate data. Retrieving compressed data is facilitated by forming view windows having adjacent load regions pre-decompressed and ready for user display.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.