Patent ID: 7711699

Claim:
One or more computer-readable storage media having computer-useable instructions embodied thereon for performing a method of presenting real-world situational data on a system-independent, dynamically updateable user interface, the method comprising: receiving information from a vector based computer aided drafting graphics file that depicts a drawing comprising display objects which correspond to real-world objects that have variable display characteristics, wherein the display objects describe roadway geometry; rendering a set of definable objects that are situated to resemble the roadway geometry using coordinate geometry information from the graphics file without user intervention; associating one or more attributes with the set of definable objects to obtain object rendering data; providing a dynamically updateable user interface that includes one or more dynamic objects that are useable to reflect real-world events, wherein the dynamic objects are associated with one or more variable characteristics, and wherein the dynamic objects are depicted on a map that is generated from the object-rendering data that, if updated, automatically results in said dynamic object being updated consistent therewith; receiving situational data that corresponds to a status of the real-world events, said situational data derived from one or more components, said components comprising law enforcement agencies, weather information systems, dynamic message signs, and publicly displayed sensors and cameras; conforming the one or more variable characteristics to be consistent with the situational data such that an observer of the one or more dynamic objects is informed of a current status corresponding to a real-world situation; and utilizing a route manager with the dynamically updateable user interface to perform a segment assembly process that includes, (1) providing at least one route, said at least one route comprising a plurality of segments, wherein each of said plurality of segments comprises a plurality of polygons; (2) receiving at least one designated real world characteristic pertinent to said at least one route; (3) selecting a region within an area encompassing said at least one route, wherein said region comprises some of said plurality of segments and some of said plurality of polygons, and wherein said selecting a region is based upon said at least one designated real world characteristic; and (4) notifying participating users of any changes to said region, based upon said at least one designated real world characteristic; (5) wherein each of said plurality of segments share a common map-related trait, and each of said plurality of polygons within a respective segment share a common map-related trait.