The initial computing is done in a background process before an actual path request is made by the user. This process effectively caches at least some of the data necessary for computing the next user requested path required, thereby accelerating the computation of the user s path when it is requested. U.S. patent 6,016,485, titled System for Pathfinding, also improves the efficiency of path computations via data tiling techniques and pre-computing and grouping aspects of the path. Nearest to a Location, applies a special technique to improve search and retrieval times of special information. It provides a way of organizing data to ensure that things that are nearby in space are also nearby on the disk.
Etak maps cover the United States and Great Britain.
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