Abstract:
A computer-implemented system and method for generating waymarks is provided. A database of waymarks is maintained. Each waymark is associated with a category. A new waymark is generated. Geospatial data defining a location, metadata describing a physical object associated with the location, and at least one photograph of the location are received from a user. The geospatial data, metadata, and photograph are complied as the new waymark. One of the categories is assigned to the new waymark. The new waymark is added to the database. A search option is provided for accessing the waymark by at least one of the location and category.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,442,963, issued May 14, 2013; which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,467,147, issued Dec. 16, 2008; the priority dates of which are claimed and the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The invention relates in general to on-line data collaboration and, specifically, to a system and method for compiling geospatial data for on-line collaboration. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers have become increasingly popular as personal navigational aids and, more frequently, as features integrated into consumer electronics, such as cellular telephones and wireless personal data assistants, as well as automobile navigation systems. GPS signals are received from a constellation of navigational satellites and processed into locational coordinates. GPS receivers are passive devices that provide locational data only, which must be combined with maps, charts, and other navigational aids to bring meaning to the latitude and longitude coordinates. Integrating GPS receivers into consumer electronics or navigation systems has enabled users to retrieve helpful travel-related information and, in some configurations, to store additional information. However, such information generally remains personal to the user, unless specifically shared or posted through some form of digital data communications, such as e-mail, text messaging, or Web sites. 
     Recently, Web logs or “blogs,” have begun to proliferate as a new form of Web-based digital data communication. Blogs are on-line forums for the sharing of the personal thoughts of a “blogger,” as well as other types of information, such as images, sounds, and video clips. Blogs are publicly accessible journals or diaries that are often updated on a frequent basis. Blog readers are invited to post their comments and submit their own information for other readers to consider. 
     Blogs are a form of interactive Web site with content written and published by the individual blogger. Typically, blogs include an unstructured text narrative that might be organized by date or topic, yet can often cover rambling and wide-ranging topics, as reflected by the blogger&#39;s personal tastes. Still, blog information can be useful, such as where a blogger chronicles travels in a region of particular interest. Regular readers can generally identify pertinent travel information easily. However, other readers must use search engines or similar technologies to mine pertinent travel information out of the blog and, once found, such information may not be of the type or caliber sought. 
     While travel-themed blogs can potentially provide valuable personal travel insights, on-line databases of locational information can also provide travel information, but in a more structured and consistent form. These databases are often well-indexed and searchable, but esoteric information is rare and the sharing of personalized travel information is generally unsupported or unavailable. Furthermore, locations of arcane or limited interest, such as vacuum cleaner museums, may not be available in locational information databases. As well, these types of locations may not be of a sufficient interest level to warrant the time and expense of a dedicated Web site for those aficionados so inclined. 
     Moreover, such databases, when organized by geolocational data, such as available though a GPS, are frequently structured to address the narrow problem of providing an identity to a set of raw coordinates. Frequently, the geolocational data is indexed under pre-defined categories or key words without provision for adding additional information or user personalization. Moreover, the structure and content is generally managed by a private database administrator, which does not allow for shared on-line customization or collaboration. 
     Therefore, there is a need for an approach to providing an on-line compendium of arbitrary unstructured geolocational data and associated metadata. Preferably, such an approach would provide a customizable data collection navigable in outline form and searchable by coordinates and other parameters. Such an approach would preferably further accommodate different types of data in various formats as the metadata with controllable and transferable permissions. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system and method includes a centralized database for storing waymarks. Each waymark provides an unstructured cache of information that associates geospatial data with metadata. The waymarks are organized into a schema of directories, categories, and subcategories that can be navigated by, for instance, topic, and which can be searched, for example, by content or geolocational data. Variables and attributes can be individually specified for each category or subcategory to organize the types of metadata associated with particular waymarks. Permissions control the addition, editing, and deletion of waymarking data from the database. Waymarks can be posted into the categories and subcategories and a set of log entries allow user commentary and exchange regarding posted waymarks. In a further embodiment, the waymarking data can be exported as a portable schema that enables other applications to read, display, and download the waymarking data. 
     One embodiment provides a computer-implemented system and method for generating waymarks. A database of waymarks is maintained. Each waymark is associated with a category. A new waymark is generated. Geospatial data defining a location, metadata describing a physical object associated with the location, and at least one photograph of the location are received from a user. The geospatial data, metadata, and photograph are complied as the new waymark. One of the categories is assigned to the new waymark. The new waymark is added to the database. A search option is provided for accessing the waymark by at least one of the location and category. 
     Still other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein are described embodiments of the invention by way of illustrating the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing, by way of example, collection of geospatial data and metadata at a waymark. 
         FIG. 2  is a map diagram showing, by way of example, zones of influence overlaid on the waymark of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram showing an on-line geospatial data compilation and collaboration environment, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a data diagram showing a data hierarchy for use in the environment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a data diagram showing a metadata hierarchy for use in the environment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a Venn diagram showing ownership and control over the database of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a process flow diagram showing waymark category creation and ad hoc compilation of geospatial data for on-line collaboration in the environment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page for navigating a set of directories of waymarks. 
         FIG. 9  is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page for editing a category of waymarks. 
         FIG. 10  is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page for viewing category variables. 
         FIG. 11  is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page for editing category variables. 
         FIG. 12  is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page for ad hoc searching of waymarks. 
         FIG. 13  is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page for viewing search results. 
         FIG. 14  is a screen shot showing, by way of example, a Web page for a set of log entries regarding waymarks. 
         FIG. 15  is a functional block diagram showing a system for facilitating ad hoc compilation of geospatial data for on-line collaboration, in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Geospatial Data and Metadata Collection 
     In general, waymarks associate metadata about people, places, and things with geospatial data, although other types of geospatial data associations are possible.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing, by way of example, collection  10  of geospatial data  16  and metadata  17  at a waymark location  14 . An individual  11 , such as a traveler or local resident, decides to create a waymark  18  for a particular location  14 . A waymark  18  is an unstructured cache of information that includes metadata and geolocational data, such as GPS coordinates. The metadata includes digitally-storable information that can be used to describe or be associated with some physical object, such as narrative text containing comments, ratings, physical characteristics, construction, color, dimensions, and so forth, images, sound, video, and other forms of data or any combinations thereof. Other types of metadata are possible. As used herein, the terms “geospatial” and “geolocational” are interchangeable and imply the same meanings. In addition, the physical object described or associated using a waymark  18  can be a place, such as location  14 , or any other kind of physical object, including people and things, that can be associated with geolocational data. The physical object need not be stationary nor earthbound. Rather, a physical object could be moving or be temporarily still and could be found on the land, water, air, under ground, above ground, or in space. Other types of physical objects and spatial orientations are possible. 
     Conveniently, the individual  11  is carrying a GPS receiver  12  and a digital camera  13 . The individual  11  uses the GPS receiver  12  to receive geospatial data  16  from a GPS system  15 , which can include conventional out-of-doors GPS signals, as well as repeated GPS signals configured to be received indoors or from stationary beacons providing GPS-like signals from a stationary permanent position. Other types of geospatial data sources are possible. The geospatial data  16  includes, for instance, latitude, longitude, altitude, and precision, which can be used to identify the global location of location  14 . Other types of geospatial data are possible. The GPS receiver  12  could be a standalone device or integrated into a consumer electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, wireless personal data assistant, automobile navigation system, or other GPS-enabled device. 
     The individual  11  also uses the digital camera  13  to take a digital picture of the physical object, such as a lighthouse, appearing at the location  14 . The digital picture can be associated with the geospatial data  16  as metadata  17 . Other types of devices either in lieu of or in addition to a digital camera  17 , such as a personal data assistant or notebook computer, audio or video recorder, film camera, or any other type of device capable of fixing an expression describing or regarding the physical object in a tangible medium is possible. The geospatial data  16  and metadata  17  together form the waymark  18 , which can be compiled into a sharable on-line database of geospatial data with an exportable schema, as further described below beginning with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     Zones of Influence 
     In a further embodiment, the location  14  of a physical object described by a waymark  18  can be placed within a zone of influence.  FIG. 2  is a map diagram  20  showing, by way of example, zones of influence  22 ,  23 ,  24  overlaid on the waymark location  14  of  FIG. 1 . A zone of influence is stored geolocational data that forms a logically-enclosed physical space. Zones of influence can be defined in mutually exclusive, overlapping, and encapsulating or nested arrangements of various shapes and sizes, both immediately about or proximal to a particular waymark location  14 . In addition, events can be logically linked to one or more of the zones of influence and can be triggered based on locational, temporal, and independent conditions, such as described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,032 to Irish et al. on Feb. 10, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
     As an example, the neighborhood areas  21  proximal to the waymark location  14  can be surveyed to identify those physical areas around which zones of influence could be defined to supplement the waymark  18 . For instance, the immediate area surrounding the waymark location  14 , such as a lighthouse park, could be logically defined as a first zone of influence  22 . Similarly, a nearby waterfront beach area could be logically defined as another zone of influence  23 . Finally, a public playground that includes baseball diamonds could be logically enclosed in a further zone of influence  24 . 
     On-Line Geospatial Data Compilation and Collaboration Environment 
     Waymarks associate geospatial data  16  and metadata  17 , which can be shared by an on-line community of users.  FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram showing an on-line geospatial data compilation and collaboration environment  30 , in accordance with one embodiment. Shared waymarks  33  are centrally stored in a database  32  with an exportable schema  34  managed by a server  31 . In addition, the server  31  allows users to log their personal interactions with the physical objects described by or associated with waymarks  33  and publishes the waymarks  33  for on-line collaboration, as further described below with reference to  FIG. 15 . 
     On-line users can access the server  31  over an internetwork  37 , such as the Internet, to compile new waymarks  33  into the database  32  and to collaborate and share their personal experiences. To facilitate user navigation and searching, the waymarks  33  and the metadata  17  are organized into data and metadata hierarchies, as further described below respectively with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The structuring of the database  32  and the waymarks  33  stored in the database  32  together form waymarking data. 
     In addition, the server  31  provides ownership controls over the database  32  for each creator client  35 , Client C , owner client  36 , Client O , and user client  37 , Client U , as further described below with reference to  FIG. 6 . The clients  35 ,  36 ,  37  form the user community having direct management over and access to the waymarks  33 . The clients  35 ,  36 ,  37  are not necessarily separate computer systems, but are logically identified as separate ownership entities that affect the types of operations that can be performed on the database  32 . Other types of ownership entities are possible. 
     Finally, the server  31  exports a schema  34  to describe and validate the waymarks  33  and to enable other applications, such as executing on a third party client  38 , Client T , to access and download the waymarking data. In providing the schema  34 , the server  31  functions as a toolbox that facilitates distributed on-line sharing of ad hoc geospatial data. Waymark schemas can be dynamically created based on the variables and attributes for a particular waymark category or subcategory. For example, a schema for a lighthouses category could contain “DateBuilt” and “Color” variables, whereas a schema for a factory tours category could contain “Produces” and “HoursOfOperation” variables. Other types of waymark schemas are possible. 
     Data Hierarchy 
     The structure for storing the waymarks  33  is organized into a hierarchy that can form the exportable schema.  FIG. 4  is a data diagram showing a data hierarchy  40  for use in the environment  30  of  FIG. 3 . When posted into the database  32 , the data hierarchy  40  facilitates efficient user navigation and searching and provides control over ownership permissions. 
     In one embodiment, a set of top level directories  41  are used to root separate data hierarchies  40  for topical groupings of waymarks. For example, the directories  41  could include people, places, and things. Other directories are possible. Within each directory  41 , one or more categories  42  and, optionally, one or more successive layers of subcategories  43  can be added to narrow down the specific topical grouping of the waymarks. For example, a places directory could have categories and subcategories for countries, states or provinces, cities, and neighborhoods. Other categories and subcategories are possible. 
     The waymarks  44  are stored under appropriate categories  42  or, if provided, subcategories  43 , to form the leaves of the data hierarchy  40 . Other types of organizations for storing the waymarks in addition to or in lieu of a hierarchy, including linked lists and relational structures, are possible. 
     Finally, the data hierarchy forms an exportable schema  45 , which can be exported as a portable data definition schema implemented, for example, as an XML Schema Definition (XSD), to describe and validate the waymarking data for use in a portable, such as XML, environment. Using the schema  45 , third party applications can read and download the waymarks  44  in a structured format in which the waymarks  44  are exposed and accessed using the portable data definition schema. Other types of schema definitions and structured formats either in addition to or in lieu of XSD and XML are possible. 
     Metadata Hierarchy 
     The structure for storing the metadata  17  assigned to each particular form of waymark  44  is also organized into a hierarchy.  FIG. 5  is a data diagram showing a metadata hierarchy  50  for use in the environment  30  of  FIG. 3 . Metadata  17  is unstructured and can be uniquely defined for each particular category or subcategory  51 . One or more variables  52  can be associated with each particular category or subcategory  51  and each variable  52  is assigned one or more attributes  53  that describe the type of data storable under the variable  52 . For example, a variable for color could have attributes specifying color choices, such as red, green, and blue. Nested variables are possible. In addition, the variables  52  can be inherited by child objects from parent categories or subcategories  51 . In a further embodiment, the metadata hierarchy can be included in the schema  45 , described above with reference to  FIG. 4 , for the waymarking data. Other types of organizations for storing the metadata in addition to or in lieu of a hierarchy are possible. 
     Geospatial Data Ownership and Control 
     The ownership of categories  42 , subcategories  43 , and variables  52  can be controlled by the server  31 .  FIG. 6  is a Venn diagram  60  showing ownership and control over the database  32  of  FIG. 3 . Categories  42 , subcategories  43 , and variables  52  can only be created by a single creator  61 , which can be a logical group of one or more people. However, the ownership over the category or subcategory, which includes the ability to modify or remove schema properties, can be transferred to another single creator  61  to ensure, for instance, that the characteristics of each category or subcategory remain well-structured and suitable for collaborative use. Individual owners  62  can create, change, and remove specific instances of waymarks  44 , but, unless also a creator  61 , cannot alter the underlying schema employed for the corresponding category or subcategory. In addition, the roles of creator  61 , owner  62 , and user  63  can be mutually exclusive or overlapping. For example, a user  63  could simultaneously be the creator  61  and owner  62  for the same object. Other types of ownership and control schemes are possible. 
     Process for On-Line Collaboration 
     On-line collaboration of waymarks  44  occurs as an on-going and continuously evolving process.  FIG. 7  is a process flow diagram showing waymark category creation and ad hoc compilation  70  of geospatial data  33  for on-line collaboration in the environment  30  of  FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, the use of a hierarchy to structure the organization of waymarks  44  and metadata  17  implies a specific ordering of operations to facilitate waymark sharing. 
     During waymark category creation, categories  42  and subcategories  43  are first defined (operation  71 ) to set up the basic structuring for waymark storage under the directories  41 . One or more variables  52  can be associated with specific categories  42  or subcategories  43  (operation  72 ). Similarly, attributes  53  are defined for each of the variables  52  (operation  73 ). As the metadata  17  is unstructured, the variables  52  and attributes  53  are defined to channel the kinds of information submitted into ad hoc classes of information. Finally, the waymark categories  42  and subcategories  43  are published on-line (operation  74 ), which allow the user community access to post new waymarks  44  in those categories and subcategories. In one embodiment, the waymarks are published through a Web-based user interface, as further described below beginning with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
     During ad hoc compilation, the user community can post waymarks  33  (operation  75 ) and create log entries concerning the waymarks (operation  76 ), as further described below respectively with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Waymarks  33  are posted by navigating or searching through the categories and subcategories and entering or editing geospatial data  16  and metadata  17  for the selected waymark  33 . Log entries are similarly created navigating or searching through the categories and subcategories to a particular waymark  33  and entering or editing a log entry, which can include narrative text, a rating, further metadata, and other information. Other types of process flows are possible, as would be implied in part by the form of data organization implemented for the waymarks  44  and metadata  17 . 
     Example Web Pages 
     A standardized Web-based user interface allows on-line clients  35 ,  36 ,  37  that are executing Web browsers to manage, navigate, and search the waymarks.  FIG. 8  is a screen shot  80  showing, by way of example, a Web page  81  for navigating a set of directories  82  of waymarks  44 . To facilitate navigation in an outline format, the set of directories  82  are presented as links to Web pages of individual categories. In addition, the set of directories presented can be refined by applying a filter  83  to limit scope. 
     A creator  61  can edit their own categories.  FIG. 9  is a screen shot  90  showing, by way of example, a Web page  91  for editing a category  92  of waymarks. The creator  61  can edit the category to modify the properties that are displayed to waymark owners  62  and users  63 . Other options  93  could be available, for instance, to add variables, manage the category, transfer ownership, and view variables. 
     Similarly, a creator  61  can manage the variables currently defined for a particular category.  FIG. 10  is a screen shot  100  showing, by way of example, a Web page  101  for viewing category variables  102 . In one embodiment, a summary of each variable  102  is provided and includes a link  103  to Web pages for editing the attributes of the variable. Further options  104  could be available, for instance, to add new variables, edit the category, manage categories, and transfer ownership of the category. 
     As well, a creator  61  can edit the variables for each category.  FIG. 11  is a screen shot  110  showing, by way of example, a Web page  111  for editing category variables  112 . Depending upon the type of variable, a set of required attributes  112  and permissive set of options  113  can be provided to define the types of information that can be stored as metadata under the variable. For example, a variable for a lighthouse color could be provided as a dropdown list that includes four colors. Additional colors can also be defined and the entry of an answer by a user  63  can be specified as being mandatory or optional. Other types of variable attribute modifications and organizations are possible. 
     A user  63  can select a directory link to view the Web page for a particular category or subcategory.  FIG. 12  is a screen shot  120  showing, by way of example, a Web page  121  for ad hoc searching of waymarks  122 . A capsule summary  122  of the category or subcategory selection is displayed, which can include a set of links for any subcategories. In one embodiment, waymarks  44  can be searched directly thorough a search panel  123  that accepts geolocations, such as postal code, state, or country, as well as coordinates. In a further embodiment, the ability to search on metadata within variables can also be included, such as by color or other metadata variables. Additional options  124  could be available, for instance, to record a new waymark under the category, add a new category, or edit an existing category. 
     Searching via the search panel  123  generates a set of search results.  FIG. 13  is a screen shot  130  showing, by way of example, a Web page  131  for viewing search results  132 . By default, the search results  132  are presented in a list format  132  that provides a brief synopsis of each waymark and a link to access the waymark, including any metadata. Additional options  133  could be available, for instance, to record a new category, add a new category, or edit an existing category. 
     Users  63  can view a particular waymark  44  and can submit commentary via a log.  FIG. 14  is a screen shot  140  showing, by way of example, a Web page  141  for a set of log entries  142  regarding waymarks. The log entries are presented in a list format  142  and can include additional information, such as narrative text, a rating, further metadata, and other information. Log entries can be edited by the author of the entry and viewed by all other users. 
     In a further embodiment, a discussion forum relating to a certain location that is identified by geolocational data can be provided. The location can be free form, that is, the location need not be nearby or containing a waymark, nor, in a further embodiment, be within a zone of influence. For example, a user could start a location-based discussion regarding an object on, around, or near a popular landmark, such as a park. Other users wanting to find discussions close to their own location, or any other location, can search for topics based on that location to find related discussions, including filtering log entries  142  by location and waymark category, as well as other parameters, and by using other types of searches. Thus, another user at a nearby university, for instance, who is searching for topics relating to locations around the university might also find the discussion regarding the park, in addition to other discussions relating to locations that are within their specified search radius. 
     System for On-Line Collaboration 
     The waymarks are centrally stored in a database managed by a server.  FIG. 15  is a functional block diagram showing a system  150  for facilitating ad hoc compilation of geospatial data  33  for on-line collaboration, in accordance with one embodiment. The server  150  executes a sequence of programmed process steps, such as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 , implemented, for instance, on a programmed digital computer system. 
     A server  151  is interfaced to a database  158  that stores waymarks  159 . Each waymark  159  includes geolocational data  160 , metadata  161 , and the set of log entries  162 . The server  151  provides a user interface  157  to the user community. In one embodiment, the user interface  157  is provided as a Web-based interface that can be viewed using a Web browser. Other types of user interfaces are possible. 
     The server  151  includes a manager  152 , logger  153 , publisher  154 , and, in a further embodiment, a forum moderator  172 . The manager  152  processes additions, edits, and deletions to the exportable schema  171 , including directories  163 , categories  164 , subcategories  165 , variables  166 , and attributes  167 . The manager  152  also controls the permissions granted to creators  168 , owners  169 , and users  170 . In a further embodiment, the manager  152  processes the logical placement of physical objects described by waymarks  159  within zones of influence  173 . 
     The logger  153  allows users  63  to create and view log entries  162  for waymarks  159 . The log entries  162  are similar to personal blogs, except the overall environment  30  is centrally managed through the server  151 . The log entries  162  create a location-based discussion forum that links geolocational data with forum discussions and which can be filtered by both location and waymark category, as well as other parameters. 
     The publisher  154  provides access to the waymarks  159  to the user community on-line via the user interface  157 . The publisher  154  includes a searcher  155  and navigator  156  for respectively searching and navigating through the waymark data hierarchy and waymark data. Other functionality could be provided in the server  151  either in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing components. 
     In a further embodiment, the forum moderator  172  facilitates location-based discussions  174  relating to locations identified by geolocational data. The locations can be free form and need not be nearby or containing a waymark  159 , nor, in a further embodiment, be within a zone of influence  173 . 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described as referenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.