Method and apparatus for a GIS based search engine utilizing real time advertising
First Claim
1. A method for associating a unified geocoding system coordinate with a search criteria, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a search engine associated with a geographic information system database and an information database;
receiving a query from an associated user;
searching for at least one search result;
identifying the at least one search result corresponding to a specified geographic area; and
, providing the at least one identified search result to the associated user.
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Abstract
The present invention provides for a global computer network geographic information system, or GIS, based search engine. The GIS search engine utilizes a geographic information system, or GIS, to extend the functionality of traditional databases by combining spatial features with information records. The GIS search engine correlates a business and its relevant information, such as its products and services, to a record in the database of the GIS system that corresponds to a unique geographical location. This correlation enables the GIS based search engine to limit its search results to user defined geographic criteria. In addition, the GIS based search engine can be combined with real time advertising to create a dynamic “yellow page reference.” Thus, the search engine will not only provide the name, phone number, and/or address of the business, but it can also provide additional information on the business. In other words, the search engine will provide advertising for the business. The advertising can vary from a simple text line to a full web page ad, depending on needs of the business. Further, the business can update the advertisements as often as it likes by uploading real time information to the databases used by the search engine.
149 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A method for associating a unified geocoding system coordinate with a search criteria, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a search engine associated with a geographic information system database and an information database;
receiving a query from an associated user;
searching for at least one search result;
identifying the at least one search result corresponding to a specified geographic area; and
,providing the at least one identified search result to the associated user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A computer readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a search engine associated with a geographic information system database and an information database;
receiving a query from an associated user;
searching for at least one search result;
identifying the at least one search result corresponding to a specified geographic area; and
,providing the at least one identified search result to the associated user. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A search engine comprising:
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a geographic information system database;
an information database;
means for searching the databases; and
,means for obtaining a search result corresponding to a specified geographic location. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification