AU2013101639B4 - Method and system for interfacing a development master plan with an internet mapping application - Google Patents

Abstract

An internet based system is described for overlaying master plans of real estate developments over an internet mapping application. The system converts coordinates of selected objects in the master plan from the local map coordinates (eg MGA94 grid coordinates) to the coordinate system used by the internet mapping application (eg WGS84 latitude and longitude coordinates), and overlays selected objects from the master plan onto a map generated by the internet mapping application. This system further allows a user to perform a location based search for nearby places (eg schools, shops, etc) or directions to such places. The system can also display markers on the map to allow a user to obtain further metadata relating to objects in the real estate master plan, such as which lots are for sale.

Description

1 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTERFACING A DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN WITH AN INTERNET MAPPING APPLICATION [0001] The present invention relates to mapping systems. In a particular form the present invention relates to providing an interface for displaying information from a development master plan on a map generated by an internet mapping application. BACKGROUND [0002] When consumers research purchasing a lot of land, or a house and land package, in a residential community, they will generally be provided with marketing materials from a real estate developer, which includes a 'master plan' of the development. Such development master plans are generally delivered in paper or electronic paper (eg PDF) format. These master plans are provided to help consumers understand more about the development they are interested in buying into. However, they have significant limitations. [0003] From a traditional master plan diagram, consumers are not able to easily understand the location, scale and amenities of a development, and how the development fits within the immediate area, the surrounding areas (eg suburbs), and the greater area (eg city). Further, consumers are not able to learn how far it is from this development to points of interest that they travel to regularly, for example, their place of work, or the proximity of other places of interest such as schools, shopping centres, medical centres etc. Additionally, the master plan is a static document, and consumers are not able to see what lots of land are available for purchase and what houses could be built on these lots. [0004] Some attempts have been made to address these limitations, but these are generally deficient in one or more areas. For example, one approach is to provide a website showing a map with the approximate location of the development. However, the locations are not highly geographically accurate. In some cases real estate developers have taken the step of overlaying their master plans on top of a satellite image or static map, to help illustrate scale, and this overlaid map is provided as a static pdf or image on their website. This technique provides some benefits, though unless a consumer is familiar with the topography and any man-made structures in the area immediately surrounding the development, there are limitations to understanding the true scale and layout of the development. In some cases, real estate developers have developed a virtual fly-over image or simulation to help show how the development fits into the surrounding area. While visually attractive, this approach is limited to only showing the area immediately surrounding the development. It does not address consumers' needs to understand how the development is positioned relative to points of reference further away and therefore not visible on such 2 graphics. That is the static or fixed point of view prevents the user from interacting with the map or adjusting to suit their requirements. [0005] Further, major selling points for residential communities are often the amenities (also referred to as community features) which are available in the development. Common examples of such amenities include shopping centres, child care centres, schools, parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, walking paths and bike tracks. The amenities which a residential community offers are often indicated on a traditional master plan diagram. However, a limitation of a traditional master plan diagram is that only a limited amount of information can be provided in a static diagram. When looking at a master plan diagram, if a consumer wants to learn more about a specific amenity they are required to refer to other marketing which explains the amenities features in more detail. [0006] There is thus a need to provide an improved system for displaying development master plans to potential consumers, or at least to provide consumers with a useful alternative to existing systems. SUMMARY [0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer implemented method for overlaying information from a development master plan in an internet based geographic mapping application, the development master plan comprising a plurality of objects, each object having one or more coordinates the method comprising: converting a plurality of coordinates each defined in a first coordinate system used in the development master plan to a second coordinate system used by an internet based geographic mapping application, wherein the plurality of coordinates are defined in relation to at least one of the plurality of objects in the development master plan; and overlaying a representation for each of the at least one of the plurality of objects in a map generated by the internet based geographic mapping application using the converted coordinates for display in a user display apparatus. [0008] In one form, the first coordinate system is Map Grid of Australia 1994 (MGA94) coordinate system and the second coordinate system is the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) coordinate system. [0009] In one form, the method further comprises: providing a search interface to a user for receiving and executing a location based search for the locations of one or more map places, or directions to one or more map locations in the internet based geographic mapping application wherein the search is performed relative to at least one converted coordinate of one of the plurality of objects; and 3 updating or regenerating the map with the result of the location based search. [0010] In one form, one or more of the least one of the plurality of objects has one or more items of metadata regarding the object and one of the converted coordinates is a marker coordinate, and the method further comprises: generating, for one or more of the at least one of the plurality of objects, a marker on the map at the converted marker coordinate for allowing a user to view metadata information relating to the object; and displaying, upon selection of a marker for one of the plurality of objects, one or more items of metadata for the object relating to the selected marker. [0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and a memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor, the memory comprising instructions for causing the at least one processor to perform the method of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0013] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a computer implemented method for overlaying information from a development master plan in an internet based geographic mapping application according to an embodiment; [0014] Figure 2A is a plot of a map of Australia showing MGA94 longitudinal zones; [0015] Figure 2B is a representation of a development master plan according to an embodiment; [0016] Figure 2C illustrates the grid coordinate of the centre of a lot in the representation of the development master plan shown in Figure 2B; [0017] Figure 2D illustrates the grid coordinate of the South West and North East corners of the boundary rectangle of the development in the representation of the development master plan shown in Figure 2B; [0018] Figure 2E illustrates the grid coordinate of the centre of an amenity in the representation of the development master plan shown in Figure 2B; 4 [0019] Figure 2F illustrates the grid coordinate of the centre of the development in the representation of the development master plan shown in Figure 2B; [0020] Figure 2G illustrates the grid coordinate of the main entry and exit road in the representation of the development master plan shown in Figure 2B; [0021] Figure 3A is an illustration of an initial map generated by an internet mapping application of the region containing the development master plan according to an embodiment; [0022] Figure 3B is an illustration of a representation of the development master plan overlaid on the initial map shown in Figure 3A; [0023] Figure 3C is a zoomed out map showing a marker indicating the location of the development master plan according to an embodiment; [0024] Figure 4A is an illustration of a user interface with a text input field for performing a search for nearby places and the results of the search according to an embodiment; [0025] Figure 4B is an illustration of a user interface with a text input field for performing a directions search from a location in the development master plan according to an embodiment; [0026] Figure 4C is an illustration of a user interface showing the suggested route for a search and further directions options according an embodiment; [0027] Figure 5A is an illustration of a portion of the representation of the development master plan 10 with a marker icon for a school according to an embodiment; [0028] Figure 5B is an illustration of a another portion 53 of the representation of the development master plan with marker icon for lot statuses; [0029] Figure 5C is an illustration showing additional metadata about a lot that can be displayed upon clicking on a lot status icon according to an embodiment; and [0030] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a computing apparatus. [0031] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

5 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0032] Embodiments of a computer implemented method and system for overlaying a development master plan over a map generated by an internet mapping application will now be described. The system provides users with an efficient way to visually understand the location, scale, amenities and design of the development, search for navigation information from this development to locations of interest, search for places of interest in proximity to the development, and view metadata such as what lots are available for purchase. [0033] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a computer implemented method for overlaying information from a development master plan in an internet based geographic mapping application. The development master plan comprises one or more drawing files comprising a plurality of objects, such as boundaries, roads, lots, amenities, power, telecommunications, and water supply components. The development master plan may also store metadata associated with some or all of the objects, such as which lots are for sale, or details on the facilities provided by an amenity, or this metadata may be stored in other files, documents or database that are associated with the drawing files, such as via an object identifier or a reference to objects in the drawing files. In one embodiment, the development master plan may be a project workspace. The development master plan will use a first coordinate system such as Cartesian Map Grid of Australia MGA94 coordinate system which defines locations in terms of Northing and Eastings of map zone in the MGA94 system. The position of each of the objects in the master plan development will be defined by one or more coordinates, such as the centre and/or boundaries of the object. [0034] The method broadly comprises converting a plurality of coordinates each defined in a first coordinate system used in the development master plan to a second coordinate system used by an internet based geographic mapping application. The plurality of coordinates relate to at least one of the objects in the development master plan. That is a plurality of coordinates for a single object may be converted, or a single coordinate for a plurality of objects, or some combination of the two. That is some objects may have 2 or more coordinates converted and other objects may have just a single coordinate converted. For example, if the bounding rectangle of the development is considered a single object, then the centre of the boundary and the opposite corners of the boundary could be converted (ie 3 points for the obect). However, if reference points for the centre and opposite corners of a virtual boundary are stored as separate objects, then only a single point for each of these objects is converted. The second coordinate system may be geographic coordinate system (eg latitude longitude positions) such as the World Geographic System WGS84 coordinate system, for example used by GPS systems and many internet mapping applications such as Google Maps. The next step in the method comprises overlaying a representation for each of the at least one of the plurality of objects in a map generated by the internet based geographic mapping application using the converted coordinates. The representations may be 6 borders, shading, drawings, or simulated images of the development at the appropriate scale of the map. The map and overlaid representations can then be displayed in a user display apparatus of a user (eg a computer, tablet, mobile phone, etc). [0035] Embodiments of the method will now be discussed to further illustrate aspects of the present invention. Figure 1 is a flowchart 100 of a computer implemented method for overlaying information from a development master plan in an internet based geographic mapping application according to an embodiment. However, it is to be understood that this and other embodiments are illustrative only, and that not all features or steps must be performed, and thus the invention may be varied as required to suit the specific application and circumstances. To provide greater context and assist in understanding the invention, an example implementation will be described in relation to a real estate development plan for new residential housing development. However, it is to be understood that this is also illustrative only and it is to be understood that the system could be used for displaying a range of development master plans. These may include residential developments, commercial developments and industrial developments. Additionally, the developments need not only be new or greenfield developments, but may comprise redevelopments in which some of the existing infrastructure within the boundaries of the development master plan are retained. For example, only certain buildings may be demolished, whilst others buildings or amenities such as parks are retained. In each of these cases providing a system in which the development master plan can be viewed in the rich context of an internet mapping applications allows a more informed evaluation of a development master plan to be performed. [0036] Referring to Figure 1, at step 101 an electronic development master plan file is generated or obtained from a real estate developer. In this embodiment the development master plan relates to design plans for how a new residential community will be structured. Such development master plans are generally developed in computer aided design (CAD) software applications, such as AutoCad, although other CAD software may be used. It is noted that the development may comprise a set of drawings rather than a single drawing or electronic file, and thus the term development master plan will be used to collectively to refer to the many different files comprising the entire development plan. [0037] Real Estate development CAD drawings contain geodetic data of the many objects in a development plan, defined in relation to a reference coordinate system (we will refer to this as the first coordinate system). This geographic information provides the ability to calculate where the development, and individual parts or components of the development (eg roads, boundaries of lots of land) will exist in reality. In this context objects will be used as a term to describe the many different components and features in a development plan. An object in a development plan may be a single reference point, such as the centre of the development, or a set of reference points, for example defining a boundary of the development. The boundary may be a real boundary, such as the perimeter or fence lines, or it may be a virtual boundary defining the edges of the canvas the development is within, or different zones within the 7 development (eg residential, commercial, industrial etc). An object may also be a designated portion of the plan, such as road, lot, park or building, in which case the object is defined by a multiple points. An object may also refer to specific components in a building or supply infrastructure, such as room or pipe. [0038] Additionally, the CAD drawings may contain notes or other metadata relating to objects. This may include construction information (eg how to build objects), as well as development information. Development information is information relating to aspects of the design or development which may be more relevant to marketing or consumers. This may include which lots are for sale and prices, what houses are to build on specific lots, or what range of houses may be built, what amenities are to be provided and details. Additionally or alternatively, the metadata may be stored in one or more other files, databases or documents (ie not in the CAD drawing file) that are associated with or linked to the CAD drawing files in some way. This may be through inclusion of explicit object identifiers in these files, by including references that allows identification of the objects the information is to be associated with. In some cases the metadata may be generic to a class of objects in the CAD drawing file, for example by specifying a sale price for all lots of a certain area, or by defining a sale price per square metre. In such cases the association to the CAD drawing file may be linked via use of a common project name for the development or by storing all files in a common project folder or directory. As noted above, development master plan is a collective term and thus also includes such databases or files in addition to CAD drawings. [0039] The CAD diagrams which are generated or obtained will typically contain a large quantity of technical information which is relevant to those executing the development of a new residential community (eg planners, surveyors, builders etc). For example, this may include details of service infrastructure (eg pipes, junction boxes, etc) relating to water, sewerage, stormwater, electrical power, telecommunications, etc. Much of this information is not relevant to consumers who are researching real estate purchasing opportunities within a development. [0040] Thus, the next step 102 comprises selecting a set of objects in the development master plan for coordinate conversion and overlaying. Essentially only the objects of most relevance to consumers and any other objects/features that facilitate the overlaying process need to be selected and unnecessary data is not converted. This may be achieved by hiding or removing the unnecessary data from the CAD drawing files, or alternatively by extracting the selected elements into a new file. The set of objects to be converted and overlaid may include objects such as the boundaries of the development and other reference points (eg centre, entry/exit points), streets, parks & open spaces, the locations of amenities (also known as community features), land lots, and information on lot sizes and dimensions. [0041] Selection of objects may be done manually manipulating CAD diagrams through a computer aided design software application, such as AutoCad, or an automated or semi-automated process may be 8 used. For example, a set of objects types to be converted could be defined, and these could be extracted into a new file, or during preparation of the drawings, objects to be selected could be flagged facilitating later extraction or viewing. In a semi-automated approach a reviewer or supervisor may run an automation process, and then review the output and modify as required (eg add or delete objects). In some cases, the development master plan file supplied by a real estate developer may have been edited so that it only contains relevant objects. [0042] Once the objects to be converted are selected, the next step 103 is to generate suitable graphic representations for overlaying and display in a user display device. While CAD drawings are an efficient way for architects, surveyors and residential development planners to plan and visualise a new development, they are often not suitable for representing information visually to consumers, as they are often stored in specialised file formats that require specialist software to view and are often technically complex to understand. Consumers generally require or at least prefer a diagram that is presented in a simple and visually appealing format. Therefore, after data irrelevant to consumers has been removed from a CAD drawing, or relevant objects have been extracted from a CAD drawing, the visual data which remains can be converted into a computer file format (or formats) which will allow suitable graphic representations to be overlaid on the map. [0043] There are several approaches that may be implemented to generate the representations, and this step may be performed in a manual, semi-automated, or fully automated procedure. This may include converting the CAD drawings into a suitable format for overlaying on a map generated by an internet mapping application, as well as conversion into a format suitable for adding additional graphic design elements. Separate representations may be generated for each object, and these may then be individually overlaid. These may be generated at a range of resolutions, or stored using a scalable vector format. Alternatively, and more preferably, the individual representations are merged into a single file, which can then be efficiently overlaid over the map. [0044] In one embodiment, a CAD drawing is converted first into Adobe Illustrator format and then converted into Adobe Photoshop format. At this point a graphics designer adds visual elements to the diagram which make it suitable for a consumer to view. Such elements include colouring and shading; computer graphics which represent trees, parks, lakes and open areas; computer graphics which represent the developments amenities (eg shops, sporing facilities); text information on the size and dimensions of lots of land, and text and icons (markers) which help the user understand the layout and features of the development. As discussed above, this could be performed entirely manually, or completely automatically using a set of rules or conversion software. Alternatively, a semi-manual or supervised approach could be used, in which certain representations are automatically generated by conversion/generation software, and the results then reviewed by the supervisor and edited as required.

9 [0045] For example. a predefined colour scheme could be defined for different object types (eg to define a legend for the representations). For example, a road could be grey, a park could be green, a lake or river could be blue, a community centre could be orange, a shop could be brown and lots could be pink. Generation of representations for an object could be performed by defining a polygon based upon the coordinate defining the boundary or perimeter of the object and the filling the interior with the assigned colour according to the colour scheme. A set of predefined graphic representations for markers could be defined. For example, the markers could be an orange circle with a geometric shaped inside, such as a swing for a playground, a shopping trolley for a supermarket, a bike for a bike path, a set of goals for a sporting field, etc. Markers could be automatically added to the graphics file by processing each object in the CAD file, determining the object type, and if there is an associated marker, then obtaining the marker representation associated with the object type, and then placing the marker representation in the file based upon a reference coordinate such as the centre coordinates of the object. Further processing could also be performed, either manually or automatically, to enhance the visual appearance, or provide further detail to objects. This may include placing graphic representations of trees or other greenery in parks or on lots, overlaying a perspective view of a building on a lot (eg to produce a 3D-like effect), placing dots on the perimeters of objects to assist in recognising boundaries, or placing a marker on the boundary of a lot to indicate where a driveway will be located. [0046] When generating graphical representations some technical requirements should generally be met to improve the visual appearance of the overlay and efficiency of the overlay process. In particular, as the dimensions of the files can be highly detailed (often in excess of 5,000 by 5,000 pixels) and so the representations should be designed in a way or saved in a format which will appear attractive after undergoing high levels of graphic compression. It is also desirable that the file containing the representation(s) has a transparent background, to ensure that data from the internet mapping application is still visible (where required) underneath and surrounding the master plan overlay. One suitable file format is a Portable Networks Graphic (PNG) format. Further, to ensure a geographically accurate representation of the development on an internet mapping application, the development should be cropped precisely to the boundaries of the development. [0047] Another step in the process is to convert coordinates of the selected objects, marked step 104 in Figure 1. Specifically, this comprises converting a plurality of coordinates for the selected objects that are defined in a first coordinate system used in the development master plan to a second coordinate system used by an internet based geographic mapping application. This is shown after the generation of representations, but could be performed earlier (ie before generation of representations step 103), including during the selection or extraction process 102, or even during generation of the master plan electronic file 101. For example, as each object is defined in the first coordinate system used by the drawing software or package, a software routine may be executed to automatically map and store the 10 coordinates in a second coordinate system. Generally the coordinate system used in Australian for surveying and design of the residential developments is the Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94), using the Map Grid of Australia 1994 (MGA94) map projection. Locations defined using such Cartesian coordinate systems are not compatible with internet mapping applications (eg Google Maps) as these use a second coordinate system such as the World Geodetic System WGS84 geographic (latitude, longitude) coordinate system, and thus require coordinate conversion. [0048] Geographic coordinate systems are defined in relation to a Geoid which is a gravitational equipotential surface. That is, it is the shape that the surface of the oceans would take under the influence of Earth's gravitation and rotation alone (ie ignoring winds and tides) and assuming they could extend through the continents. The gravity vector is perpendicular to the surface of the geoid at all points. As the mass distribution of the Earth is not uniform the surface of the geoid is irregular. Thus, to simplify mapping, a coordinate system will often define a reference ellipsoid that approximates the geoid and coordinates will actually be calculated with respect to the reference geoid. Typically a height database is then used to adjust ellipsoid heights to geoid heights to account for variation in height between the reference ellipsoid and the actual geoid. [0049] As the earth is an imperfect ellipsoid, a number of global and local geographic coordinate systems, or geodetic datums, have been defined to act as a standardised coordinate system to suit specific uses and applications. Different datums use different estimates for the precise shape and size of the Earth (ie different reference ellipsoids) and one datum can be converted to another using a set of Helmert transformations. For example, the Global Positioning System uses the current revision of the international World Geodetic System (WGS84) as the coordinate system for its latitude and longitude positions. As the WGS84 is an international standard, most internet mapping applications also use WGS84 coordinates. Most countries, however, define a local geoid that more accurately reflects the geoid for their geographic region. For example, Geoscience Australia (GA) has defined the Australian Geodetic Datum (AGD). The current version was defined in 1994 and is referred to as GDA94 and used the GRS80 reference ellipsoid. [0050] In addition to geographic coordinate system, Cartesian or grid base coordinate system can also be defined by projecting a slice of a geoid (a zone), for example using a transverse Mercator projection for obtaining maps of the regions of the Earth's surface. A coordinate in a Cartesian coordinate systems will typically be specified as a Northing and Easting for a specific zone of the coordinate system. Cartesian or grid based coordinate systems are useful in surveying and mapping applications, as they often simplify many calculations such as distance estimates. Further they can be defined with respect to a local geoid (eg GDA94) that is often more accurate than a global geoid (eg WGS84). For example GA have defined the Map Grid of Australia (current version MGA94) which is a Cartesian coordinate system based upon the GRS80 ellipsoid. Most development plans in Australia use the MGA94 Cartesian coordinate system.

11 [0051] Typically, the coordinate system used for development plans in Australia is MGA94 which is based upon GDA94, the official geodetic datum adopted nationally across Australia on 1 January 2000. MGA94 is the standard map projection associated with GDA94, a transverse Mercator projection that conforms to the internationally accepted Universal Transverse Mercator Grid system. The UTM zone system is used to enable coordinate references between zones to be unique. The most common coordinate system used by internet mapping applications is the WGS84 coordinate system. Coordinates in a Cartesian coordinate system such as MGA94 can be converted to a geographic coordinate system such as WGS84 using Redfearn's formulae (or Redfearn's series). Details of the formulas can be found for example in GA's Geocentric Datum of Australia Technical Manual. However, as the conversion is based on a series expansion and not an exact conversion, other conversion formulas may be used (eg Bowring series). Similarly, other conversion methods such as a lookup table or database storing pre-calculated conversions may be used. [0052] Whilst most Australian real estate development master plans use MGA94 grid coordinates, and most internet mapping applications use the WGS84 coordinate system, other coordinate systems may be used. For example, most coordinate systems are defined at an epoch in time (eg the 94 in MGA94 refers to 1994). Thus, in some cases older coordinate systems may be used (eg AMG66 or AMG84), or a newer coordinate system may be used (eg MGA94 or WGS84 could each be superseded by newer versions). Further, as most coordinate systems are defined for use in a specific region based upon the choice of Geoid, the location of the development site will often dictate the choice of the coordinate system used in a development master plan. For example, in the UK the UK Ordnance Survey National Grid reference system OSGB36 may be used. Further, in some cases, a specific reason may exist that requires the use of a specific coordinate system. There may also exist cases where the development master plan stores coordinates in a geographic coordinate system (ie latitude and longitude) other than WGS84, and these coordinates will need to be converted to WGS84 coordinates for an internet mapping application. For example an Australian development master plan may use GDA94 coordinates. Conversion of geographic (ie latitude and longitude) coordinates can be performed using a Helmert transformation, or other similarity transformation. [0053] In order to perform the appropriate conversion, a preliminary step is to determine the first coordinate system used in the development master plan and the second coordinate system used by the internet mapping application. Generally these will be predefined or known. For example, in Australia, the first coordinate system will typically be MGA94 coordinate and the second coordinate system will be the WGS84 coordinate system. The development master plan may also contain information on the coordinate system used (eg stored in file metadata). The internet mapping application will also have an application programing interface (API) for interacting with the internet mapping application, and the API specifications will typically define the required coordinate system. Thus, the coordinate conversion 12 software module may be hard coded to use the relevant conversion algorithm/formulas (eg Redfear''s formulas). Alternatively, the coordinate conversion module may contain a library of coordinate converters, and a configuration file or user interface may allow the coordinate systems to be defined so that the coordinate conversion module can call use the appropriate converter in its library. In another embodiment, the module could identify the relevant first coordinate systems by reading the development master plan file, and/or determine the second coordinate system by querying the internet mapping application API for the required coordinate type. [0054] In an example embodiment, the first coordinate system used by the development master plan is the MGA94 coordinate system and the second coordinate system used by the internet mapping application is WGS84 coordinates. One popular and heavily used internet mapping application is the Google Maps application and API provided by Google Inc. Other alternative internet mapping applications include Bing, MapQuest, OpenLayers, Polymaps, ModestMaps, Leaflet, and Nokia Maps that each provide API's for generation of maps. In this example embodiment, the internet mapping application is Google Maps which may be interacted with via the Google Maps API which uses the WGS84 coordinate system. [0055] As illustrated in Figure 2A, Australia is divided into a number of longitudinal zones - 50 (in the West) to 56 (in the East). Thus, as part of the conversion process the relevant MGA94 zone needs to be determined. A development will be located within the boundaries of one of these zones, and the zone number should be recorded for use during the coordinate conversion process. Each coordinate associated with an object in the development master plan may store the zone as part of the coordinate entry, or the development master plan may centrally store the zone used by all coordinates in the development master plan. Alternatively, the zone could be manually determined by locating the approximate area of Australia in which the development will be built, and then referring to a zone diagram which illustrates the boundaries of the MGA zones, and storing the zone in a configuration file read in by the coordinate conversion module. [0056] Generally there will be many objects to be overlaid and displayed over the internet map, and thus there will be many objects for which coordinates will need to be converted. For each object there will be at least one, and typically several coordinates requiring conversion. An example of this process is shown in Figures 2B to 2G. Figure 2B shows a representation 10 of the development master plan according to an embodiment. The representation 10 comprises lots 11, roads 12, parks 13, and amenities 14 and other features and has been generated and stored as a single PNG file. A rectangle 20 is drawn around the boundaries of the development 10. As shown respectively in Figures 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G, the precise grid coordinate of the centre 15 of each lot, the South West 21 and North East 22 corners of the rectangle, and the centre 16 of each amenity (eg park, shopping centre, etc), the centre of the development 17, and the main entrance and exit road 18 from the development is obtained from the development master plan.

13 It is noted that this is representative only, and in other embodiments more or fewer coordinates could be obtained (whether for the same, more, or fewer objects). For example, in one embodiment the boundaries of each lot rather than just the centres could be obtained. In a minimalist implementation using Goolge Maps, the only object selected could be the boundary of the development, and only the corners of the development 21, 22are obtained for conversion. One of the corners is used to define the reference point for generating the map, and the corner points are used to anchor the overlay of the representation of the development on the map. More preferably the centre point of the development is also converted and used as the reference point for generating the map, rather than one of the corners. Typically additional points are also converted for other points of interest, such as roads, lots, parks, amenities. In other embodiments, multiple representations are overlaid, rather than just a single representation for the entire development, again requiring conversion of many coordinates. [0057] Having selected or identified the objects, and the relevant coordinates of, or associated with these objects, that are to be converted, a conversion module needs to be executed to obtain the converted coordinates in WGS84 coordinates for use by Google Maps. This conversion module implements appropriate calculations to convert the coordinates from one system to the other. In this embodiment the calculations are performed using the GRS80 ellipsoid which is used for Australia's new coordinate system (the Geocentric Datum of Australia - GDA). The Redfearn's formulae is used to convert MGA94 (easting, northing and zone) to WGS84 (longitude and latitude). Table 1 shows the MGA94 grid coordinates and the converted WGS84 coordinates, in both Degree, Minute, Second (DMS) and decimal degree. In most cases internet mapping applications will use decimal degree locations. However, it is relatively simply to convert from DMS to decimal degree. TABLE 1 MGA94 Grid coordinates and converted WGS84 Coordinates for selected objects in a Development Master plan according to an embodiment. Development Development Plan Converted WGS84 Converted WGS84 Plan Object MGA94 Grid Coordinate Coordinate (DMS) Coordinate (Decimal) South West 393312.2631 East Lat: -32' 7' 32.58513" Lat: -31.87428 Corner of 6445069.2549 North Long: 115 52'8.33395" Long: 115.86898 Development 21 Zone 50 North East 395040.6342 East Lat: -32' 6' 41.34067" Lat: -31.88852 Corner of 6446665.3763 North Long: 115' 53' 14.91416" Long: 115.88748 Development 22 Zone 50 14 Centre of 394123.5900 East Lat: -32' 7' 4.73085" Lat: -31.88202 Development 17 6445935.5433 North Long: 1150 52' 39.63692" Long: 115.87768 Zone 50 Entrance/Exit 395085.1067 East Lat: -32' 7' 6.27888' Lat: -31.88159 Road Reference 6445897.8395 North Long: 1150 53' 16.30868" Long: 115.88786 Location 18 Zone 50 Centre of 393997.9410 East Lat: -32' 6' 55.16399" Lat: -31.88468 Amenity 16 6446228.8554 North Long: 1150 52' 34.95950" Long: 115.87638 Zone 50 Centre of Lot 15 393925.5637 East Lat: -32' 6' 46.20699" Lat: -31.88716 6446503.9411 North Long: 1150 52' 32.30754" Long: 115.87564 Zone 50 [0058] The above table provides the converted coordinates for selected objects in the development master plan. In an actual embodiment, this coordinate conversion would be performed for all selected objects, although as noted above, not all of the coordinates associated with a selected object necessarily need to be converted, and in many cases only a single coordinate such as the centre or reference point need to be converted for use by the internet mapping application. Typically some objects will have several coordinates relating to at least the boundary are converted, such as opposite corners if the object is a rectangle, or vertices for more complex shapes such as a curved road, whilst other objects may only need a reference point converted for use as a marker coordinate (eg the centre of a lot). [0059] From an implementation point of view, a software application may be developed to process the real estate master plan and store representations and converted coordinates, typically in another file, store or database. In one embodiment, a relational database is used to store an identifier for each selected object in the development master plan. Other tables can be linked via the identifier. These other tables can be used to store metadata relating to the object such as object type, description, marketing information, sales information, status, etc, as well as development plan coordinates (ie MGA94), and the converted coordinates. A coordinate conversion software module or stored procedure could be used to obtain the converted coordinates. For example, loading of development plan coordinates could trigger generation of the converted coordinates, or instead conversion of coordinates could be performed as a batch operation once all objects have been selected and loaded into the database. A table in the database may be used to store representations of objects, or links to files storing the representations for objects. A user interface or configuration interface (for example an interface that reads a configuration file) may be developed to assist in loading and/or processing the development master plan. This user interface can be configured to allow a user to load and view the development master plan (eg implementing a reader/viewed for the 15 native CAD files), select which objects in the development master plan, or the type of objects to be selected for representation and overlaying in the internet mapping application, generate and review representations of the selected objects, and perform and view the coordinate conversions. The user interface may allow a user to set up default parameters such as colours or markers for object types, as well as initiate automated sub processes and review and editing of the outputs. Some of these sub processes may be performed by other software applications, in which case the user interface is used to manage the process. This provides flexibility in operation of the system to suit specific requirements or to allow control of the quality of representations. [0060] Having generated the required representations and converted coordinates, the information can be stored for on demand use. As outlined in Figure 1, at step 105 a map is generated using an internet mapping application, and at step 106 selected objects are overlaid onto the map. In a further step 107, markers and a location based search interface can also be provided. A website can provide an interface for viewing and interacting with a map generated by an internet mapping application with information from the master plan overlaid over the map. This generation process can be performed on demand, such as when a user accesses the relevant website for the development. In one embodiment, a server side application coordinates the generation and serving of the overlaid map to a user. This process is further illustrated in Figures 3A to 3C. [0061] As outlined in step 105, a map is generated using an internet mapping application. This is typically performed by using the relevant application programming interface (API) for the internet mapping application. For example, in this embodiment the internet mapping application is Google Maps and the overlaying procedure begins by making a connection to the Google Map API. A request for generation of map is performed. The longitude and latitude coordinates of the centre point of the development 17 are provided specified, and an appropriate zoom level for the map is set. This will depend upon the size of the development to ensuring that by default (ie before a user interacts with the system) the development's master plan overlay will be visible in its entirety, while still showing a map of some of the areas surrounding the master plan overlay. Any other variables specific to the software's User Interface (UI) and the User Experience (UX) should be set. Specifically, these include: (i) defining that by default the map displayed will be of the 'ROADMAP' type (as opposed to satellite); (ii) defining that users will have the ability to zoom in and out and navigate (by clicking and dragging) within the map; (iii) defining that users will display Google Map's navigation buttons so users are provided with the option of conducting zoom and navigation through the use of buttons, in conjunction with mouse actions and gestures; and (iv) defining the size of the map and how it will be displayed on the screen, in conjunction with the overall design of the web site. Figure 3A is an illustration of an initial map 30 of the region containing the development master plan generated by Google Maps and centred on the centre coordinates 17 of the development.

16 [0062] The second step is to overlay the real estate development's master plan on top of the map which was generated in the previous step. A call to the USGSOverlay function of the Google Maps API is made. A number of configurations are also set such as: (i) defining the name and server location of the master plan representation computer file to be overlaid on to the mapping system (ie a single file containing the representations of selected objects with a transparent background); and (ii) defining, using longitude and latitude coordinates, how the development master plan diagram should be aligned and scaled on top of the map. This is achieved by assigning two coordinates; a South West 15 and a North East 16 boundary. These coordinates were originally recorded in their original system and then converted to the longitude and latitude coordinates that internet mapping systems require in a previous step. Figure 3B illustrates the representation of the development master plan 10 overlaid on the internet map 30. [0063] Additional functionality and features may also be provided. In one embodiment, a marker, in the form of a computer graphic icon, can be added to illustrate the location of a development in cases when the user zooms out. After a user has zoomed out significantly and is viewing the map on a larger scale 32 the development master plan image will no longer be easily visible, and therefore a marker 33 in the form of the graphic icon will represent where the development is located. That is, this icon will become visible when a user zooms out to view the location of the development relative to the greater area (eg a city). This can be implemented in the Google Maps API by calling the setMarkers function. A number of variables should be set, such as: (i) defining the graphical icon file which will act as the marker; (ii) defining the size of the icon; (iii) defining at what zoom level the marker should become visible; and (iv) defining at what geographical coordinates, in longitude and latitude, the marker should be positioned (ie the centre of the development 17). This coordinate information was sourced, in its original format, and converted to the required format in a previous step. Figure 3C shows a zoomed out map 32 showing a marker 33 indicating the location of the development according to an embodiment. [0064] In another embodiment, a search interface is provided to a user for receiving and executing a location based search for the locations of one or more map places, or directions to one or more map locations in the internet based geographic mapping application. This location based search can be performed using the internet mapping application. In this embodiment the search is performed relative to one of the converted coordinates of an object in the development plan, such as lot 15, amenity 16, the centre of the development 17, or the main entry/exit road 18. The map is then updated or regenerated accordingly with the result of the location based search. [0065] This is further illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B and 4C below which will now be described. In one embodiment, a places search functionality is provided. A text input field 40 is added to the user interface (UI) where users can enter in the name of a particular place (eg McDonalds) or type of place (eg Restaurant). This text field should be set to 'listen' for user input, and when a user input is received, it passes that query to the Google Places Library, a service which is made available through the Google 17 Maps API. After a user input is received, that input should be queried against the Google Places Library. Relevant data displaying the locations 41 of 'places' the user has searched for should then be displayed on the UI, indicating visually the relevant distance to the development. Instructions should also be passed to the Google API defining what geographic area surrounding the area results should be limited to, or the maximum number of results to display. Figure 4A is an illustration of a user interface with a text input field for performing a search for nearby places and the results of the search according to an embodiment. [0066] Similarly a directions search functionality can also be provided. Figure 4B is an illustration of a user interface with a text input field for performing a directions search from a location in the development master plan according to an embodiment. The longitude and latitude of the reference point from which directions should be generated from are specified. For example, a default value may be the main entrance and exit road to and from the development 18, the coordinates of which were recorded previously. As this connects to an existing road, this ensures directions can be obtained to this point. Alternatively the user could select a point or a marker on the map. In this case, additional processing of the results may be required to indicate the route and/or distance from the entry/exit point to the selected point. This information could be predetermined for each lot and displayed alongside the search results, or calculated based upon knowledge of the coordinates of the entry/exit point 18 and the selected point, and roads in the master plan. A text input field 42 is added to the user interface (UI) where users can enter in the address of a location they wish to receive navigation directions to. Note that this could be the same text input as used for a places search, or it could be a separate text input located in a different region of the UI (for example in the bottom of the screen as shown in Figure 4B). This text field 42 should be set to 'listen' for user input, and when a user input is received, pass that query to the Google Directions Service, which is made available through the Google Maps API. The API should be instructed to display the ideal route 43 on the map canvas 30 from the development location marker 33 to the destination marker 45, and to store additional directions data (metadata) in memory (ie additional suggested routes and step by step directions). After these instructions have been executed a JavaScript function should be called to update the UI to provide: (i) a place to display a list of additional suggested routes; and (ii) a place to display step by step directions. These elements should then be populated with the relevant data, previously stored in the memory. The UI should also be updated to include: (iii) buttons 44 which enable a user to select a different method of transport (eg public transport, walking, bicycle) and to resubmit their directions query based on this transport type; and (iv) a text field 42 which can be updated with a new addresses to search. If a user was to select a different transport method or enter in a new address to search for directions to, their request should be passed to the Google API, queried against the Google Directions Service and the route and directions metadata displayed. Figure 4C is an illustration of a user interface showing the suggested route for a search and further directions options according an embodiment.

18 [0067] In another embodiment, additional markers may be added to the map based upon metadata that is stored or associated with an object (eg linked to an object identifier), and a marker coordinate which is a converted coordinate associated with the object, such as centre of object or reference point located within the object or the edge of the object. This may comprise generating, a marker on the map at the converted marker coordinate for allowing a user to view metadata information relating to the object and then displaying, upon selection of a marker, one or more items of metadata for the object relating to the selected marker. This can be done for some or all of the objects as required. This process is further illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C. [0068] In an example embodiment, a marker is provided for an amenity that can be clicked on to reveal more information. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the centre of each amenity (eg school, shopping centre etc) should be loaded into memory. An appropriate icon indicating that the user can click for more information should be specified and a software loop should be created, calling the Google API's SetMarker function for each of the amenities. As a result, icons will be positioned on top of the Master Plan Overlay, in the centre of each amenity. An OnClick event for each marker should be set and when clicked a new visual element should be added to the User Interface (UI) and further information about the amenity will be displayed. This is illustrated in Figure 5A showing a portion 50 of the representation of the master plan 10 with marker 51 for a school. Clicking on the marker 51 brings up a text box 52 showing more information on the school. [0069] In another embodiment, lot status information may be displayed. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the centre of each lot is stored in a memory (eg in a database). A database query is made to determine which of the lots are available. A list of available slots is then stored in memory as an array. An appropriate marker 54 or icon indicating 'availability' is obtained (this can be generated earlier and the location of the file stored in the database). A software loop is created that calls the Google API's SetMarker function for each of the available lots. As a result, markers (icons) 54 will be positioned on top of the Master Plan Overlay, in the centre of each lot which is available for purchase. A legend text box 55 explaining the meaning of the marker may also be added. An OnClick event for each marker is set so that when clicked, the system will action the follow series of events. First, a new visual element 54 should be added to the User Interface (UI), where further metadata information about the lot status can be displayed. Second, the lot number relating to the icon which was clicked is passed to a server side script, which will query a database and return further information about the lot. For example, price, size, dimensions and a list of example houses which could be built on this lot. Third, this metadata information 56 is displayed in the new visual element added to the UI. This is further illustrated in Figures 5B and 5C. Figure 5B is an illustration of a another portion 53 of the representation of the development master plan with marker icon 54 for lot statuses and a legend 55. Figure 5C is an illustration showing additional metadata about a lot that can be displayed in a text box 56 upon clicking on a lot status icon 54 according to an embodiment.

19 [0070] The system may be a computer implemented system comprising of a display device, a processor and a memory and an input device. The memory may comprise instructions to cause the processor to execute a method described herein. The processor memory and display device may be included in a standard computing device/apparatus, such as a desktop computer, a portable computing device such as a laptop computer , tablet or smartphone, a server, or they may be included in a customised device or system. The computing device/apparatus may be a unitary computing or programmable device, or a distributed device comprising several components operatively (or functionally) connected via wired or wireless connections. In the case of the computing device being a server, the server may be a processor board with a communications interface and lack locally connected input devices such as mice and keyboards, or output devices such as a display. Instead an administrator or user may remotely login and configure the server to implement the method. [0071] A schematic illustration of an embodiment of a computing device 600 is illustrated in Figure 6 and comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 610, a memory 620, an optional display apparatus 630, and an optional input device 640 such as keyboard, mouse, etc. The CPU 610 comprises an Input/Output Interface 612, an Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) 614 and a Control Unit and Program Counter element 616 which is in communication with input and output devices (eg input device 640 and display apparatus 630) through the Input/Output Interface. The Input/Output Interface may comprise a network interface and/or communications module for communicating with an equivalent communications module in another device using a predefined communications protocol (eg Bluetooth, Zigbee, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.11, TCP/IP, UDP, etc). A graphical processing unit (GPU) may also be included. The display apparatus may comprise a flat screen display (eg LCD, LED, plasma, touch screen, etc), a projector, CRT, etc. The computing device may comprise a single CPU (core) or multiple CPU's (multiple core). The computing device may use a parallel processor, a vector processor, or be a distributed computing device. The memory is operatively coupled to the processor(s) and may comprise RAM and ROM components, and may be provided within or external to the device. The memory may be used to store the operating system and additional software modules that can be loaded and executed by the processor(s). The computing device/apparatus may be configured as a server, such as webserver, which executes the software modules to implement the system. This server may communicate with other servers, such as those of the internet mapping application and with a user computing apparatus on which the results will ultimately be displayed. [0072] The method and system described overcome many of the limitations of existing systems, and more leverage the power of an internet mapping application for development master plans. The method and system overlays a development master plan onto a map generated by an internet mapping application such as Google Maps with geographical accuracy. Users can zoom out and understand the scale and location of the development, by visualising the development in conjunction with the surrounding area (eg 20 suburbs). Users can zoom out further, to understand the location of the development, relevant to the wider geographic area (eg the city). Consumers can zoom into the development and scroll around to different areas of the plan to understand the layout and view the amenities available. Customers can click on the amenities they are interested in learning more about and be provided with additional information. Further, the method and system allow integration of navigation data sourced from the internet mapping application. Users can also enter the address they want transport directions to, from the development. The user is provided with directions from the development, to the address they entered. While viewing our digital master plan a user can enter in a 'place' or type of 'place' that they are interested in. Places can be as specific as the name of a business or an organisation, or as general as the type of location or service they are interested in (parks, schools, restaurants etc). On entering a 'place', the system uses data from the Google Places database (available via the API) to overlay the relevant information onto the mapping system, showing the results relative to the location of the real estate development the user is researching. Users can compare different methods of transport (eg car, bus, walking), different routes, and are provided with the relevant distances and estimated times to complete the journey. [0073] The method and system described herein provides a number of advantages over existing systems. For example, by addressing the limitations of traditional master plan diagrams, through the interfacing with an internet based software solution, consumers will be able to: more efficiently research real estate opportunities in new developments/communities; better understand which developments meet their requirements; and be able to make a better informed decision, faster. In particular, by facilitating the conversion of coordinates and overlaying appropriate representations of objects in the master plan, the power of an internet mapping application can be leveraged to assist consumers in evaluating a development master plan. As indicated above, whilst the system has been described in relation to real estate development master plans it is to be understood that the system could be used for displaying a range of development master plans, including residential, commercial and industrial developments, and redevelopments. In each of these cases providing a system in which the development master plan can be viewed in the rich context of an internet mapping applications allows a more informed evaluation of a development master plan to be performed. Further, the system and method can be varied to suit different applications and requirements. [0074] Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. [0075] Those of skill in the art would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein 21 may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention. [0076] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. For a hardware implementation, processing may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. Software modules, also known as computer programs, computer codes, or instructions, may contain a number a number of source code or object code segments or instructions, and may reside in any computer readable medium such as a RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD ROM, a DVD-ROM or any other form of computer readable medium. In the alternative, the computer readable medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the computer readable medium may reside in an ASIC or related device. The software codes may be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means as is known in the art. [0077] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0078] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. [0079] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous 22 rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (5)

1. A computer implemented method for overlaying information from a development master plan in an internet based geographic mapping application, the development master plan comprising a plurality of objects, each object having one or more coordinates the method comprising: converting a plurality of coordinates each defined in a first coordinate system used in the development master plan to a second coordinate system used by an internet based geographic mapping application wherein the plurality of coordinates are defined in relation to at least one of the plurality of objects in the development master plan; and overlaying a representation for each of the at least one of the plurality of objects in a map generated by the internet based geographic mapping application using the converted coordinates for display in a user display apparatus.

2. The computer implemented method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first coordinate system is Map Grid of Australia 1994 (MGA94) coordinate system and the second coordinate system is the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) coordinate system.

3. The computer implemented method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising: providing a search interface to a user for receiving and executing a location based search for the locations of one or more map places, or directions to one or more map locations in the internet based geographic mapping application wherein the search is performed relative to at least one converted coordinate of one of the plurality of objects; and updating or regenerating the map with the result of the location based search.

4. The computer implemented method as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein one or more of the least one of the plurality of objects has one or more items of metadata regarding the object and one of the converted coordinates is a marker coordinate, and the method further comprises: generating, for one or more of the at least one of the plurality of objects, a marker on the map at the converted marker coordinate for allowing a user to view metadata information relating to the object; and displaying, upon selection of a marker for one of the plurality of objects, one or more items of metadata for the object relating to the selected marker.

5. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and a memory operatively coupled to the at least one processor, the memory comprising instructions for causing the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 4.