Patent ID: 7802291

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for providing geographic information via a network, comprising the steps of: establishing a network node containing public and private information related to a plurality of geographic zones; receiving a first request from a user to access the node; enabling the user to view the information related to a geographic zone; receiving a user selection of private or public information; if private information is selected, determining whether the user is a resident of a geographic area corresponding to the zone; and if it is determined that the user is a resident of the geographic area corresponding to the zone, modifying user information contained in the node for the zone in response to a second user request, and storing an electronic postmark in an archive database to record the second user request, wherein the electronic postmark includes a digital signature; if the public information is selected, in response to the user's selection, searching the public information, providing the user with general information relevant to the zone, and in response to the user's indication of inadequate general information, expanding the search to at least one additional zone surrounding the zone.