Apple Looks to Improve Maps by Emphasizing More Important Areas

Apple is looking into improve Maps by implementing schematic maps that distort data to emphasize more important areas and deemphasize areas that are less important, according to a recent patent filing.

"The technology described herein presents maps, driving directions, and other map-related features in a schematic fashion. A schematic map on a computing device is similar to a subway map one would see on a subway train. While the subway track itself might wind and turn, a typical subway map represents the subway route as a mostly straight line. Further, the subway map often does not have any particular scale and frequently shows every destination approximately evenly dispersed along the route.

"Thus, a schematic map as discussed below is one that does not adhere to geographic "reality," but rather represents map features in a schematic fashion by illustrating directions as a route made of one or more roads, trails, or ways that can be represented as substantially straight lines instead of by their actual shapes (which would be represented in a non-schematic map by adhering to geographic reality). The schematic map can also be devoid of a particular scale. Thus, in some parts of the map, such as an area of the map representing a destination, such area can be "distorted" somewhat to clearly illustrate important details, while map areas that represent portions of a route where there are no turns or other significant features can be very condensed.


"In short, the map can be a schematic of the real world that can provide a simple and clear representation that is sufficient to aid a user in guidance or orientation without displaying unnecessary map features or detail that could otherwise clutter a small display space

Read More [via AppleInsider]