Patent ID: 7580045

Claim:
A method of obtaining map identification information relating to a specific map in a set of digital maps stored on a host computer system in response to the location of a cursor using a cursor drawing tool that is part of an Internet accessible tool operating on said host computer system, said host computer system being connected to a network system such that users are allowed access to said Internet accessible tool through said network system comprising: performing processes of said Internet accessible tool and said cursor drawing tool that is part of said Internet accessible tool on said host computer system, said processes performed on said host computer system comprising: determining coordinates of said cursor on a screen displaying said set of digital maps by counting pixels from an origin point using said cursor drawing tool; converting cursor screen coordinates to cursor geographic coordinates using said cursor drawing tool; locating a correct row for said specific map in a plurality of rows of said set of digital maps by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum values of said plurality of rows using said cursor drawing tool; locating a correct proximity location of said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with minimum and maximum proximity values of maps in said correct row using said cursor drawing tool; identifying said specific map by comparing said cursor geographic coordinates with map polygons for maps located in said correct proximity location using said cursor drawing tool; retrieving stored map identification information relating to said specific map from said host computer system using said cursor drawing tool; and performing investigatory functions relating to said specific map using said map identification information in accordance with direction provided by a user using said Internet accessible tool such that said stored map identification information is used as a repository for said map identification information.