Simplified Creation of Customized Maps

• US 20120120104A1
• Filed: 09/01/2010
• Published: 05/17/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/01/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Google Inc. (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: KUHNE, Stefan
• Granted Patent: US 8,902,260 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/634
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/006 Representation of non-cartographic information on maps, e.g. population distribution, wind direction, radiation levels, air and sea routes
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/106 using electronic means

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to providing a method for creating customized labeled maps that include displaying a map using a presentation device based on a selectable elevation value, where the map contains geocoded information and the user selects at least one position on the displayed map. The method continues by automatically creating and displaying at least one label located in proximity to the selected position, where at least one label is based on reverse geocoded information associated with the selected position.

Claims

1. A system for creating customized labeled maps, comprising:

a presentation device;

a mapping system configured to access map data and use the map data to display a map using the presentation device based on a selectable elevation value; and

a clickmap system configured to automatically create and display at least one label located in proximity to a user selected position on the map,

wherein the map data includes geocoded information, and

wherein the at least one label is based on reverse geocoded information associated with the user identified map position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one label is displayed as at least one of:

a fixed image overlay;

a placemark;

an animation;

three-dimensional text;

or

a billboard.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the placemark includes an image.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the label is associated with an elevation value that determines where the label appears in relation to a ground level of the map.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the orientation of the label is independent of the orientation of the map.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one label is further based on the elevation value of the view of the map.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein label content and position are editable.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a timeline configured to create a sequence in time including a plurality of maps and labels.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the display of a label is dependent on the elevation value of the map being displayed.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the displayed map is based upon a user input location identifier.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the clickmap system further comprises:

a control panel that enables a user to select a creation and display option associated with the at least one label including at least one or more of;

a label style option;

a text option;

ar image option;

a visibility option;

a balloon option;

or

a view option.

12. A method for creating customized labeled maps, comprising:

displaying a map using a presentation device based on a selectable elevation value, wherein the map is associated with geocoded information;

selecting at least one position on the displayed map; and

automatically creating and displaying at least one label located in proximity to the selected position, wherein the at least one label includes information based on reverse geocoded information associated with the selected position.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one label is displayed as at least one of:

a fixed image overlay;

a placemark;

an animation;

three-dimensional text;

or

a billboard.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the placemark includes an image.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the label is associated with an elevation value that determines where the label appears in relation to a ground level of the map.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the orientation of the label is independent of the orientation of the map.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one label is further based on the elevation value of the view of the map.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein label content and position are editable.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising creating a sequence in time including a plurality of maps and labels.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein display of a label is dependent on the elevation value of the map being displayed.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein display of a label is dependent on the visibility of an underlying feature.

22. The method of claim 12, wherein the automatically creating and displaying at least one label further comprises:

a step of displaying a control panel that enables a user to select a creation and display option associated with the at least one label including at least one or more of;

a label style option;

a text option;

an image option;

a visibility option;

a balloon option;

or

a view optior.

23. A system for creating customized labeled maps, comprising:

means for displaying a map on a presentation device based on a selectable elevation value, wherein the map contains geocoded information;

means for selecting one of more positions on the displayed map; and

means for automatically creating and displaying at least one label located in proximity to the selected position, wherein the at least one label is based on reverse geocoded information associated with the selected position.