FR3091396A1 - Method for creating and managing cartographic resources using a Geomatics-type device for a mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for creating and managing cartographic resources by means of a device of the Geomatic type, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: supply of source geographic data; creation of Raster and Vector maps from source data by at least one module for creating maps and their memorizations in a memory of the Geomatics device; creation of the Address and Points of Interest (POI) databases by at least one module for creating databases and their memorizations in a memory of the Geomatics device; selection and grouping of maps created and databases created in thematic files called "Atlas" exportable.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Method for creating and managing cartographic resources by a Geomatics type device for a mobile terminal

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of geographic information systems (GIS), more particularly, on a method for creating and managing cartographic resources by means of a Geomatics type device for at least one mobile terminal. The present invention also relates to a Geomatics apparatus and a system comprising this Geomatics apparatus for carrying out said method for creating and managing cartographic resources.

Prior art

Geomatics includes all the tools (for example computer applications) and methods for collecting, analyzing and disseminating geographic and / or topographic data. The final objective is the spatial representation of the data collected to identify, represent and demonstrate the results of statistical analyzes. As a result, Geomatics brings a new axis of analysis to data which, until now, has only been analyzed in two dimensions. This discipline is applied to many fields such as, regional planning, the prevention of natural risks or the management of natural resources and town planning. The use of Geomatics is becoming more and more widespread in the economic and marketing sectors. In fact, the spatial representation of data facilitates market research and therefore the identification of trends or the analysis of competition in given geographic sectors.

Since Geomatics is linked to computers, its application involves the use of computer tools known as geographic information systems. GIS hold a central place in Geomatics, since they are computer tools allowing the representation and analysis of data. In addition, a majority of corporate data is of a geographic nature (for example: addresses of customers and suppliers, coordinates of points of interest, sales, network, etc.). As a result, the geographic dimension of the data is a real competitive advantage and an ideal decision-making tool.

A problem in the field of Geomatics relates to the visualization of maps or view of detailed photos covering large parts of territory on a mobile terminal. By mobile terminal is meant any mobile or portable equipment allowing the processing and exchange of data, such as for example so-called “smartphone” telephones, touch tablets and devices for communication with a dispatching center used in professional vehicles. (e.g. police cars, taxis, couriers, military logistics, emergency services, etc.). Indeed, these cards or images can reach very large sizes, and cannot be loaded into memory.

It is known from the prior art, a file format suitable for display by cutting the image into a layer of increasingly detailed tiles corresponding to the different levels of zoom or enlargement to be displayed. However, the manual production of these files is complex, and requires knowledge that reserves their production to experienced users. These cards created from images, which can be maps or photos, are called Rasters cards. Thus, Raster type maps are more precise, close to the rendering of an IGN (National Institute for Geographic Information) map, and they therefore cover more limited areas or their files are large. Photo type maps also cover more limited areas because they are very detailed photos (taken by satellite, drone, etc.), but their files are also large. Therefore, in these formats the volume of the cards produced remains significant, and does not cover for example an entire country. To remedy this, it is necessary to use another type of so-called vector map. Vector-type maps can cover a very large geographic area (for example, an entire country) because they have the advantage of being simple and their files are light. In addition, the creation of Rasters maps with different zoom levels and the creation of vector maps integrating level curves, can be done in a succession of steps but require the use of several tools requiring a good knowledge of the field of GIS . Finally, these Raster or vector maps do not contain the information necessary to be able to search for addresses or display points of interest.

In this context, it is interesting to propose a solution which makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by improving the process for generating the cards produced.

Statement of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome certain drawbacks of the prior art by providing a solution for creating and managing automatically and securely map resources for one or more mobile terminals.

To this end, the present invention relates to a method for creating and managing cartographic resources by means of a device of the Geomatic type, the method comprises the following steps:

[0009] supply of source geographic data;

Creation of Raster and Vector maps from source data by at least one module for creating maps and their memorizations in a memory of the Geomatics device;

[0011] creation of the Address and Points of Interest (POI) databases by at least one module for creating databases and their memorizations in a memory of the Geomatics apparatus;

Selection and grouping of maps created and databases created in thematic files called "Atlas" exportable.

In another feature, the Rasters maps are created from geographic data from source Rasters and Photos plans; vector maps are created from geographic data from vector maps.

In another feature, an Atlas may contain a combination of one or more of the following: raster map map; rasters photo card; vector map; POI database and / or address database.

According to another particularity, a step of automatic referencing, in the database, of the source data by an algorithm of the Geomatic apparatus by copying the files of the source data.

According to another particular feature, a step of modifying the Atlas, by reordering the order of superposition of the maps created, by adding or removing maps created in an Atlas.

According to another particularity, a man-machine interface (HMI) specific to the Geomatics apparatus allows the selection and the definition then the validation of the areas of geographic interest defined and selected for incorporation in the files corresponding to the type of map used. .

In another feature, the creation of Rasters cards includes the following steps:

Import and display of source data on the Geomatics device;

Selection of the geographic area to be generated on the Geomatics device;

Generation of the Raster map by the map creation module of the Geomatics device;

Memorization of the Raster map created in a memory of the Geomatics device;

Incorporation of the Raster created in an exportable atlas.

In another feature, the import of source data is in the form of georeferenced image files.

According to another particularity, the source files are automatically grouped together by an algorithm of the Geomatic apparatus, at the time of their import into a structure with three levels of identification by their types of maps (raster, vector, photo), by their sources (IGN, Drone, geofabrik, etc.) and by their logical grouping groups within the source.

According to another particular feature, a list of source data files available by the Geomatics device is displayed by a screen of the man machine interface of the Geomatics device, by successively selecting the types, sources and groups to display. the list of corresponding files.

According to another particular feature, the display of source data includes the display of the footprints of the Rasters, Photo or Plan maps already generated with the Geomatics device.

In another feature, the selection of the geographic area to be generated is carried out as follows:

By fully selecting one or more groups of source data on their hold; Or

By drawing a polygon directly on the map; Or

By importing a polygon definition file in Shapefile format; Or

By entering the latitude and longitude coordinates of a selection area.

In another feature, the Raster map automatically generated by an algorithm of the Geomatic device, includes different zoom levels in tile format (mbtiles) readable by an application of a mobile terminal.

In another feature, the creation of vector maps includes the following steps:

Selection of the country to generate;

Data recovery on the Geofabrik website;

Generation of the vector map by the map creation module;

Storage on a memory of the Geomatics device;

Automatic creation by the database creation module, Address and POI databases from the vector map created;

Incorporation of the vector map and the bases created in an exportable atlas.

In another feature, the Geomatics device is preloaded with the breakdown by continent and country retrieved from a geographic database called OpenStreetMap.

In another feature, the OpenStreetmap data files in osm.pbf and .poly formats are retrieved from the geofabrik website.

According to another feature, at the end of a processing step for a country, three files are obtained:

<Country name> .map representing on the vector map,

<Country name> -LandandWater.map representing the coastlines and seas and oceans,

<Country name> -srtm.map representing the contour lines.

In another feature, the three files are stored in the base, then superimposed between them to obtain a display of the vector map.

In another feature, information indicating the points of interest is extracted by an algorithm from the database creation module, after processing a given country to automatically create a POI database by the database creation module and this database is associated with the vector files of a country.

According to another particularity, information indicating the addresses is extracted by an algorithm from the module for creating databases, after the processing of a given country to automatically create a database Addresses by the module for creating databases and this database is associated with a country's vector files.

According to another particular feature, at a location of a user is displayed, an overlay of the vector map of the country created and of the various Raster maps, ordered in a predefined order at the creation of the Atlas.

In another feature, during the different creation steps, loading messages ("log") are displayed to the user.

Another object is to provide a reliable and secure Geomatics device in the method according to the invention.

This object is achieved by a Geomatics type device comprising at least one processing unit and executable software or code for carrying out the method according to one of the features of the invention; the Geomatics device is a computer system capable of, on the one hand, importing, creating and displaying vector data maps and / or Rasters by at least one map creation module, and creating POI databases and / or Addresses by at least one database creation module, and on the other hand, to gather in an Atlas these data created by a grouping algorithm of the Geomatics device.

In another feature, the Geomatics device includes a main menu giving access to the following different function screens: "Source data", "Create maps", "List of maps", "List of atlases" and "Supervision "

According to another particular feature, the "Source data" screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms capable of viewing and managing the source geographic data present on the Geomatics device, by:

Creating Sources and Groups folders to import geographic data; Viewing the list of source data available for creating maps;

Creating vector maps from around the world and POI and Address databases.

In another feature, the "Create Cards" screen includes one or more algorithms capable of:

View the source data and / or the footprints of the Rasters and / or Photos cards already created, on the mobile terminal;

Create the Photo cards from the source photo type data selected; Create the Plan maps from the source data of the selected plan type.

According to another particular feature, the “List of cards” screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms capable of:

View the vector maps and Rasters created on a vector background of the world; Group selected maps in a new Atlas or in an existing Atlas; Delete or modify the cards created.

In another feature, the Geomatics device includes an algorithm allowing filtering according to the following different criteria: continent, country, type, status and / or portion of their name.

In another feature, the "List of Atlas" screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms capable of:

Create a new Atlas from the maps created;

View the existing Atlas;

Modify an existing Atlas by adding or deleting maps in this Atlas;

Import the POI and / or Addresses databases for each card;

Export an Atlas on at least one storage medium.

In another feature, the "Supervision" screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms to follow each of the operations in progress on the Geomatics device.

In another feature, vector maps are generated automatically by an algorithm of the map creation module after importing source geographic data from the Geofabrik website.

In another feature, the device includes an algorithm for managing specific graphic codes to differentiate the types of fingerprints.

Another object is to provide a reliable, secure and automatic use of the method according to the invention on a mobile terminal of a user.

This object is achieved by using the method of creating and managing cartographic resources according to one of the features of the invention, on at least one mobile terminal, characterized in that the data of the Atlas or Atlas created are imported, automatically and securely, by an algorithm from the Geomatics device, into a specific cartographic module of the mobile terminal; and the maps created by the Geomatics device are deployed by the cartographic module on the mobile terminal.

In another feature, the maps created by the Geomatics device are suitable for a mobile terminal such as a computer, tablet or Smartphone or connected watch.

According to another particularity, the data from the Atlas created by the Geomatics device are exported, in a secure manner, in at least one intermediate storage medium then allowing their imports into the mobile terminal.

According to another particularity, a terminal cartographic module allows display on the mobile terminal of the maps created and the points of interest, from the Atlas created and imported.

According to another particular feature, the terminal cartographic module allows a display of the position of a user calculated by the terminal overlaid on, the vector maps and Rasters created and displayed by the mobile terminal.

In another feature, the deployment by the cartographic module of the mobile terminal allows a superimposed display of points of interest on the map displayed by the mobile terminal, by using an extract from the base of the POIs loaded for a given geographic area.

In another feature, the cartographic module also allows execution of location searches by address on the mobile terminal, from the database of Addresses loaded on a given geographic area.

In another feature, a display of the vector map created on the mobile terminal is achieved by superimposing the display of the three files obtained after processing a country.

According to another particular feature, the Raster and vector maps created are displayed by an OSMDroid application of the cartographic module on the mobile terminal.

Another object is to propose a system for managing cartographic resources by the Geomatics apparatus according to the invention and / or in the method according to the invention.

This object is achieved by a cartographic resource management system for at least one mobile terminal, comprising a Geomatics-type device according to one of the features of the invention, intended to create cartographic resources from source data and to group them in an Atlas according to one of the peculiarities of the process of the invention, and in that it also comprises at least one algorithm allowing the transfer of the Atlas selected or created on one or more storage medium, Atlas created or selected, and each storage medium exporting said Atlas to a mobile terminal provided with a cartographic module.

Other features and advantages of the present invention are detailed in the description which follows.

Brief description of the figures

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the description below, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[Fig-1] schematically shows a system for managing cartographic resources according to an embodiment of the invention;

[Fig.2] schematically represents a general principle of the Geomatics apparatus and a principle of using an Atlas on a Mobile Terminal according to an embodiment of the invention;

[Fig.3] schematically represents the creation of Rasters cards according to an embodiment of the invention;

[Fig.4] shows a functional flowchart of a Geomatics device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[Fig.5a] and [Fig. 5b] represent a display according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively, of a “Source data” screen, and of a “Atlas creation and modification” screen;

[Fig.6a], [Fig. 6b], [Fig. 6c] and [Fig. 6d] represent a display on a mobile terminal according to an embodiment, respectively, of a vector map with contour lines, of a Raster Map (left part) on a vector background, of the nearest address and POIs of different types on a photo card background. Description of the embodiments

Various embodiments will now be described with reference (and not limited to) in Figures 1 and 6.

The present invention relates to a method for generating and managing simply and automatically and securely, cartographic resources (for example maps, address databases and POI databases) by means of a standard device. Geomatics; and the use of this process on at least one mobile terminal. The various operations of the process can be carried out by a user who does not have knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Indeed, manual processes of the prior art make it possible to generate:

Rasters (with different zoom levels) and Vector maps (integrating level curves) by a succession of steps and using several tools requiring excellent knowledge of the field of GIS (for example the use of market software ), the steps of the method according to the present invention can be carried out by a person who does not have any particular knowledge in the field of GIS;

POI databases via the opensource software "Mapsforge" having a POI.writer library, reserved for experienced users.

However, the address databases cannot be generated from an "OpenStreetMap" file.

In certain embodiments, the method for creating and managing cartographic resources comprises the following steps:

[0103] provision of source geographic data;

Creation of maps from source data by at least one map creation module and their memorizations in a memory of the Geomatics apparatus;

[0105] creation of the Address and Points of Interest (POI) databases by at least one module for creating databases and their memorizations in a memory of the Geomatics apparatus;

Selection and grouping of the maps created and the databases created in thematic files called "Atlas" exportable (for example to a mobile terminal of a user).

The maps can come from heterogeneous and imported source geographic data, such as maps of the Vector type, which can integrate contour lines, or else of the photo and / or plan Raster type (for example, from georeferenced images ) can have different zoom levels. In some embodiments, Rasters maps can be created from geographic data from source Rasters and Photos plans; and vector maps can be created from geographic data from vector maps.

In certain embodiments, the method also includes the following steps:

Automatic and secure import, by an algorithm of the Geomatics apparatus, of the data from the Atlas or Atlas created in a specific cartographic module of a mobile terminal,

Deployment of the maps created by the cartographic module on the mobile terminal.

In certain embodiments, the method further comprises a step of intermediate export, in a secure manner, of the data of the Atlas created in at least one storage medium before their imports into the mobile terminal.

In certain embodiments, unlike the manual process of the prior art, the method comprises a step of automatic referencing, in the database, of the source data by an algorithm of the Geomatics apparatus by copying (manually or automatically ) source data files. Indeed, in the prior art, for example raster data USGS ("United States Geological Survey" which provides free elevation data), which are at intersection with the right of way (or geographical area) corresponding to the chosen country, are sought manually to generate .map files of vector maps.

In some embodiments, the method comprises a step of modifying the Atlas, by reordering the order of superposition of the maps created, by adding or removing maps created in an Atlas. This step allows the user to arrange the Atlas according to the need or the desired use.

In certain embodiments, a man-machine interface (HMI) specific to the Geomatics apparatus allows the selection and the definition then the validation of the areas of geographic interest defined and selected for incorporation in the files corresponding to the type of map. used. This simplified and specific human-machine interface has the advantage of being used by people without GIS skills.

In some embodiments, at a location of a user is displayed, an overlay of the vector map of the country created and the various Raster maps, ordered in a predefined order when the Atlas was created.

In certain embodiments, the maps created by the Geomatics device are suitable for a mobile terminal of the computer, tablet or Smartphone (smart phone) or connected watch type.

In certain embodiments, the cartographic module of the mobile terminal makes it possible to display / deploy on said terminal, the maps created (for example [fig.6a] for a vector map and [Fig. 6b] for a Raster map ), points of interest (for example [Fig. 6d]) and address searches (for example [Fig. 6c]) from imports of the Atlas data created.

In some embodiments, the Raster and Vector maps created are displayed by an OSMDroid application of the cartographic module on the mobile terminal. It relies on the "Mapsforge" solution as a tile supplier and, as required, OSMDroid switches from an IGN raster supplier (raster sources) to an OSM raster supplier (vector sources). In this way, the user will see a superimposition of the different available maps at its location:

The vector map of the country;

The different raster cards, ordered according to the order set at the creation of the Atlas.

In certain embodiments, the cartographic module of the terminal allows a display of the position of a user calculated by the terminal superimposed on, the vector maps and Rasters created and displayed by the mobile terminal.

In certain embodiments, the deployment by the cartographic module of the mobile terminal allows a superimposed display of the points of interest on the map displayed by the mobile terminal, by using an extract from the POI database loaded for a given geographic area.

In some embodiments, using the address base, it is possible to display the address closest to a point on the map and to indicate the distance from this address. It is also possible to position the card on a known address, by successively entering the information: Country, City, Street, Street number. The display of raster and vector maps can be adapted to the level of detail entered, for example, by entering only "France> Toulouse", the map is centered on the city of Toulouse.

[0124] · Process for creating Rasters cards

In some embodiments, as shown for example in [fig.3], the creation of Raster cards includes the following steps:

Import and display of source data on the Geomatics device;

Selection of the geographical area to be generated on the Geomatics device;

[0128] generation of the Raster map by the map creation module of the Geomatics device;

[0129] memorization of the Raster map created in a memory of the Geomatics device;

Incorporation of the Raster created in an exportable atlas.

The import of the source data can be in the form of georeferenced image files, such as for example of geoTiff type (tiff extension “Tagged Image File Format”), whether or not accompanied by a descriptor file in tfw format (or “ world file "), jp2 files, or ecw files (" enhanced Compression Wavelet "or digital image wavelet compression format).

In some embodiments, in order to facilitate their manipulation, these source files are automatically grouped together, by an algorithm adapted from the Geomatics apparatus, when they are imported into a 3-level structure making it possible to easily identify:

Their type: Photo or Raster Map;

The source: the body providing the source data (for example IGN, a Drone, geofabrik, etc.);

[0135] the group: a logical grouping within the source, making it possible to name a set of files (for example with the name of a city, a region, ...).

The first level (Type) can be predefined by the Geomatics device, and the next two levels (Source and Group) can be freely created by the user.

The import of the source data files can be done by manually or automatically dropping the files to be imported into an import tree created automatically when the user defines the different sources and the different groups.

The Geomatics device can have a screen enabling the list of available source data files to be displayed: by successively selecting the types, sources, groups, it displays the list of corresponding files. By selecting the files in this list, their extent can be displayed on a background map of the world.

In some embodiments, a “Create maps” view displays all the source data available in the form of merged group-wide footprints on a world map background, in order to simplify the display. It is possible for the user to zoom in (or zoom out) or zoom out (or zoom out) of the maps created and to move around this planisphere. Photo and plan rasters type footprints can be displayed with a color code to distinguish their type.

In some embodiments, the display of source data includes the display of the footprints of the Rasters, Photo or Plan maps already generated with the Geomatics device. This avoids re-generating an already existing card.

In some embodiments, the selection of the geographic area to be generated is carried out as follows:

[0142] by fully selecting one or more groups of source data on their right of way; Or

By drawing a polygon directly on the map; Or

By importing a polygon definition file in Shapefile format; Or

By entering the latitude and longitude coordinates of a selection area.

In fact, the Geomatics device makes it possible to precisely select the contour of the area of geographic interest for which the user wishes to generate a map.

The selected data can be displayed in a selection area, for example in the form of thumbnails, indicating for each their type, source, group, as well as their size. A selection can contain an overlay of zones of the same type. For example, a satellite photo covering a large area, and geolocated photos taken by drones on specific areas. In this case, the Geomatics device will allow you to choose the overlay order for generating the maps, by simply dragging and dropping them within the stack of thumbnails representing the selected areas. The selection and / or ordering of the data to be used can be done from a "Create maps" screen by simple area drawing.

In some embodiments, the Raster map generated automatically by an algorithm of the Geomatic device, includes different zoom levels in tile format (mbtiles) readable by an application of a mobile terminal. The tile format allows you to store map areas in a single file.

The selection of the source data can contain both source data of Photo type and of Raster Plan type. In this case, the generation step, which can be triggered by clicking on a "Generate Map" button, allows you to generate the Photo card and the Raster Map card, as desired.

In some embodiments, during the various stages of creation of the Rasters cards, “log” (or loading) messages are displayed to the user in order to inform him of the progress. Indeed, depending on the size of the card to generate, the generation process can be long.

As for example shown in [fig.3], source data types of satellite rasters and / or plan rasters are imported; either the raw source data, or a selection of area or geographic area to be displayed on the Geomatics device makes it possible to produce Raster maps and memorized these maps on the Geomatics device. The Rasters map creation module includes one or more executable codes allowing to merge the imported source files, to project the image and to build a pyramid of tiles. The Raster maps created are in "mbtiles" format so that they can be deployed on a mobile terminal (in particular and not limited to a terminal cartographic module).

The process of creating Raster cards of the present invention includes several improvements or advantages, including:

The elimination of almost all of the intermediate manual processes (for example: the selection of the source files corresponding to the area of geographic interest or the semi-manual modification via the XnViewMP software) by the development of control programs for the chain production with logging of relevant information to ensure proper monitoring and progress of production;

The improvement of the transformation process of the format of the tiles by:

The automatic management, via an algorithm of the Geomatics apparatus, of the image projection systems used on the different parts of the terrestrial globe,

[0156] the reduction in the images generated,

The management of transparency.

[0158] · Process for creating Vector maps

In certain embodiments, the creation of vector maps comprises the following steps:

Selection of the country to generate;

Data recovery on the Geofabrik website;

[0162] generation of the vector map by the map creation module;

[0163] memorization on a memory of the Geomatics apparatus;

Automatic creation by the database creation module, Address and POI databases from the vector map created;

[0165] incorporation of the vector map and of the bases created in an exportable atlas.

In some embodiments, the Geomatics device is preloaded with the breakdown by continent and country retrieved from a geographic database called "OpenStreetMap". Indeed, the Geomatics device can create vector maps by country, from open source "OpenStreetMap" data retrieved directly from the geofabrik website. The creation of POI and address databases can be triggered automatically after the creation of the vector map. Vector maps of countries around the world can be pre-installed on the Geomatics device. For each vector map, two complementary files can be associated used by the mobile terminal: for example a “base addresses” file making it possible to make location searches by address and a POI file making it possible to display points of interest in a cartographic module. .

The source data screen of the Geomatics device can present the vector source data in the same way as the raster source data in three levels of identification, with the difference in values:

[0168] their Type: vector;

The Source: geofabrik or any other site allowing to import source data from vector maps;

The group: a list displaying the list of continents.

By selecting a continent, the source data screen of the Geomatics device can display a list of associated countries. Selecting a country from the list can display its hold on a world map background, and can activate a "Generate" button.

In some embodiments, the OpenStreetmap data files in osm.pbf and .poly formats are retrieved from the geofabrik website. This step may therefore require an internet connection. The Geomatics device can rely on OpenStreetMap data which is a free data source, easily downloadable, easily exploitable and which covers the whole planet. The community that exploits and enriches it is very active.

In some embodiments, the map creation module is configured to transform the imported OpenStreetMap vector data into .map type files (containing the altimetric data for the design of a map).

In some embodiments, at the end of a processing step for a country, three files are obtained:

<Country name> .map representing on the vector map,

<Country name> -LandandWater.map representing the coastlines and seas and oceans,

<Country name> -srtm.map representing the contour lines.

In some embodiments, the three files are stored in the database. The vector map of a country can be displayed on the Geomatics device by superimposing the display of these three maps.

In some embodiments, during the various stages of creation of the Vector maps, "log" (or loading) messages are displayed to the user in order to inform him of the progress. Indeed, depending on the size of the card to generate, the generation process can be long.

The process of creating Vector maps of the present invention includes several improvements or advantages, including:

The complete (or almost complete) automation by development of scripts or algorithms, of the sequence of processes with logging of relevant information to ensure proper monitoring and progress of production;

[0182] improving and simplifying the process of transforming OSM files into .map files:

Simplification of the number of processing steps by replacing the “ogr2ogr” utilities (this software allows for example to merge all the vector data produced) and “shape2osm” (for example to sort and merge the downloaded OSM file GeoFabriks and the OSM file containing the level curves generated) by developing improved scripts;

[0184] correct management of level curve connections during the merging of vector data.

[0185] · Process for creating the Address and POI databases

In certain embodiments, information indicating the points of interest is extracted by an algorithm from the module for creating databases, after the processing of a given country to automatically create a POI database by the module for creating databases and this database is associated with the vector files of a country. OpenStreetMap files can contain information indicating Points of Interest (POI). These POIs are characterized by a location, a type and / or a sub-type and possibly additional information. Once the creation of .map files is complete, the Geomatics device will automatically constitute the base of POIs (for example: an executable code for transposing POIs from OpenStreetMap files onto vector maps), for the country concerned, by extracting information relevant.

In certain embodiments, information indicating the addresses is extracted by an algorithm from the database creation module, after the processing of a given country to automatically create a database Addresses by the database creation module and this database is associated with a country's vector files. OpenStreetMap files can contain information indicating coordinates of cities, lanes and street numbers. Once the creation of .map files is completed by the map creation module, the Geomatics device will automatically constitute the base of addresses for the country concerned by extracting the relevant information.

To facilitate their exploitation, these data are structured as the basis of the POIs. It is also possible to set up an address database directly from a CSV file ("comma separated values"). For example, for France, the address database is extracted from the CSV BANO address file provided by the IGN.

[0189] · Creation of the Atlas

The Geomatics apparatus makes it possible to group a selection of geographic data in a set called "Atlas". An Atlas can contain a combination of one or more of these elements:

Raster plan cards,

Photo raster cards,

[0193] vector maps,

Basis of POI,

Base addresses.

The Atlas can group into a single or varied set a combination of the different types of map products generated using the Geomatics device. The creation of a new Atlas can be done from the map list screen, or from the Atlas list screen of the Geomatics device.

In some embodiments, the Geomatics device displays in the "List of maps" screen all the maps that were previously generated. It is possible to filter this list according to a combination of different criteria:

Geographic criteria (the continent, or the country),

A search on the name of the cards,

The type of map (vector, photo or raster map),

[0201] the state of the card (Ready or in the process of generation).

The cards meeting these criteria are displayed in the form of a list and their area represented on a background map of the world. It is possible to zoom in / out and move around in this map.

[0203] The Geomatics device can be used to make a selection of maps in this screen, either by clicking on their area, or by clicking on their name in the list. It is possible in this way to select one or more cards. An executable filtering code from the Geomatics device can be used to display only the selected maps.

When a card is selected, its line in the list and its extent can be displayed with a particular color. A detail area gives additional information on the map:

[0205] an editable comment,

The list of source data used for the creation of the map,

Its size and generation time.

[0208] An additional view can be displayed below the list with "Preview" thumbnails, for example on the interface of the Geomatics device. These thumbnails represent the map as it will be seen on a mobile terminal (for example on a telephone), on a background of a vector map of the world in order to be located:

[0209] for a raster map, the .mbtiles file is displayed,

For a vector map, the three .map files are displayed in overlay.

It is possible to zoom in / out and move directly inside these thumbnails and to select a thumbnail to display the map in full screen mode, for example from a mobile terminal. In full screen mode, it is also possible to zoom in / out and move around the map and a title block can indicate the current zoom level, and the cursor position in latitude, longitude.

Once the map selection has been made, an "Add to an Atlas" button on the interface of the Geomatics device can be used to add the maps to an existing Atlas, or to directly create an Atlas containing the maps. selected.

[0213] For example, to create a coherent whole, an Atlas constitution strategy can be implemented:

[0214] the vector maps of the countries including the raster maps are automatically added,

The POI and address databases of these countries are also automatically added.

In some embodiments, the Geomatics device can display in the "Atlas" screen the list of Atlas, with an area of filter criteria by name or by status, and a list of corresponding Atlas. It is possible to select an Atlas from this list.

[0217] A cartographic view can display all of the maps contained in the selected Atlas. In this way it is possible to simply check that the Atlas covers all of the target geographic areas. This view can be displayed in full screen, can be zoomed in / out and can be moved around.

A detail area can list the photo raster cards, plan rasters, and vector maps. For vector maps, an indicator can indicate whether the address and POI databases are also included.

[0219] A "Preview" view, for example on the interface of the Geomatics device, can display the "Preview" thumbnails of the maps of the Atlas, classified by type of map.

[0220] In certain embodiments, an Atlas can be modified to reorder the order of superposition of the maps, managed by type of map. It is also possible to add or delete maps, POI and Address databases.

In some embodiments, the Atlas can be exported securely to a specific external medium. For example, by selecting an Atlas on the interface of the Geomatics device, it is possible to export it to one or more intermediate storage media then allowing their imports into a mobile terminal. Without limitation, the Atlas can be exported to one or more USB keys ("Universal Serial Bus), which can be connected to a USB hub connected to the Geomatics device. A graphical interface can be included with the Geomatics device to monitor the progress of the copy on each of the keys.

The present invention also relates to a Geomatics-type device comprising at least one processing unit and executable software or code for carrying out the method according to one of the embodiments of the present invention. As described above, the Geomatics device is a computer system capable of, on the one hand, importing, creating and displaying vector data maps and / or Rasters by at least one module for creating maps, and creating databases of POI and / or Addresses data by at least one database creation module, and on the other hand, to gather in an Atlas these data created by a grouping algorithm of the Geomatics apparatus.

In some embodiments, as shown for example in [fig.4], the Geomatics device includes a main menu giving access to the following different function screens: “Source data”, “Create maps”, “ List of maps ”,“ List of Atlas ”and“ Supervision ”. Indeed, the Geomatics device includes an application allowing to carry out all the activities described above (for example: creation of Raster / vector maps, creation of POI database, creation of Address database, creation of Atlas, etc.) . For example, the menu can be displayed on a predefined part of the screen of the Geomatics device, and can be hidden by clicking on a cross button. At the bottom of the menu a ring can be used to monitor the filling of disk space and the ring can be displayed in one color if the space occupied exceeds 80% of capacity, and in another color if not.

In some embodiments, shown for example in [fig.4], the "Source data" screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms capable of viewing and managing geographic data sources present on the Geomatics device, in:

[0225] creating Sources and Groups folders to import geographic data; Viewing the list of source data available for creating maps;

[0227] creating vector maps from around the world and POI and Address databases.

This screen displays the list of source data available for creating maps. By selecting one or more files from the list presenting the list of files belonging to the selected group zone, their extent can be displayed in the map part in a predefined part of the screen. A list of maps created from these files can be displayed in a detail area below the map section.

As shown for example in [fig.5a], for vector data, the Group zone can contain a list of region (continent), and a file zone: the list of countries retrieved from the geofabrik site, the import date and the date recorded at the time of import. For example, by selecting a line in this list, an "Update" button is made active (not shown in [Fig. 5a]). A click on this button triggers the automatic process of:

[0230] recovery of the latest version of the pbf and poly files for this country from the geofabrik site,

[0231] generation of the three vector maps for this country,

[0232] generation of the POI database for this country,

[0233] generation of the address database for this country.

Each of these steps corresponds to an Activity, which can be viewed in a supervision screen and in the list of activities which can be viewed from an icon available on the screen.

[0235] In certain embodiments, the “Create Cards” screen includes one or more algorithms capable of:

View the source data and / or the footprints of the Rasters and / or Photos cards already created, on the mobile terminal;

[0237] create the Photo cards from the source data of the selected photo type; Create the Plan maps from the source data of the selected plan type.

This screen allows you to create plan and photo raster maps. It can be represented on a vector background, the footprints merged by group of all the available source data. A zone of data selected by the user, allows to indicate for each type of data the estimated size of the map that will be generated and the estimated duration of generation. These estimates are based on the sizes and duration of the maps already generated from the same source data and stored in a memory of the Geomatics device, by comparison of surfaces.

[0240] The screen may include a "Generate" button to display a window enabling the generation of the cards to be started:

If source data of photo and plan types have been selected, it is possible to simultaneously launch the generation of two maps, one of each type.

Clicking on a "Validate" button in this window launches the generation of the cards. It is possible to follow the progress of the generation by log messages in the supervision screen and by the presence of a card activity being generated in the list of activities.

In certain embodiments, the "List of cards" screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms capable of:

View the vector maps and Rasters created on a vector background of the world;

Group selected maps in a new Atlas or in an existing Atlas;

Delete or modify the cards created.

The cards can be filtered according to different criteria: continent, country, type, status, part of the name. An icon in front of each card in the list can indicate its type: photo, map, vector. A map view in a predefined area of the screen can show the footprints of existing maps. One or more cards can be selected by clicking on their right of way or on their name in the list. On the "list of maps" screen, one or more maps, as generated, may appear on a vector background of the world. It is possible to zoom in / out in each view, move the map and display the map in full screen. The screen includes an "Add to Atlas" button to create a new Atlas from the selected maps, or to be added to an existing Atlas that is still open (that has not yet been exported).

In some embodiments, the Geomatics apparatus includes an algorithm allowing filtering according to the following different criteria: continent, country, type, status and / or portion of their name.

In some embodiments, the "List of Atlas" screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms capable of:

[0250] create a new Atlas from the maps created;

[0251] view the existing Atlas;

Modify an existing Atlas by adding or deleting maps in this Atlas;

Import the POI and / or Addresses databases for each card;

Export an Atlas to at least one storage medium.

This screen allows you to consult the existing Atlas. It is possible to filter the Atlas by name and by statute (open or closed).

The maps contained in the Atlas can be displayed in the form of lists classified by type, and in the form of "preview" thumbnails with the same functions as in the "List of maps" view. A button on the said screen can be used to create a new Atlas, or to modify an existing Atlas. As shown for example in [fig.5b], the creation or modification of an Atlas is done by adding or deleting maps in this Atlas. A filtering algorithm of the Geomatics device can be used to select the type of map (photo, map, vector).

In some embodiments, in the list of vector maps in the Atlas, check boxes allow you to choose for each map if an import from the POI database and the Address database is also desired by the user. An "Export" button can be used to export an Atlas to a set of USB keys connected to a USB hub connected to the Geomatics device. A screen window will appear to allow you to follow the progress of the copy on each connected key.

In some embodiments, the "Supervision" screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms to follow each of the operations in progress on the Geomatics device. This screen can display the disk space occupied by type of data, a list of activities in progress with the possibility of interrupting them, “log” messages (or loading or progressing) allow you to follow the different stages of generation of cards.

[0259] In some embodiments, vector maps are automatically generated by an algorithm of the map creation module after the import of source geographic data from the Geofabrik website.

In some embodiments, the device includes an algorithm for managing specific graphic codes to differentiate the types of fingerprints.

The presence of the invention also relates to a system for managing cartographic resources for at least one mobile terminal. The system comprises a Geomatics-type device according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, intended to create cartographic resources from the source data and to group them in an Atlas according to the method of the present invention, and in that 'it further comprises at least one algorithm allowing the transfer of selected or created Atlas on one or more storage medium, Atlas created or selected, and each storage medium exporting said Atlas to a mobile terminal provided with a cartographic module.

The present application describes various technical characteristics and advantages with reference to the figures and / or to various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical features of a given embodiment may in fact be combined with features of another embodiment unless the reverse is explicitly mentioned or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible or that the combination does not provide a solution to at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the present application. In addition, the technical characteristics described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this mode unless the reverse is explicitly mentioned.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Consequently, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, but may be modified in the field defined by the scope of the protection requested, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] Method for creating and managing cartographic resources by means of a Geomatics-type device for reducing the size of data representative of maps or images, comprising at least one processing unit and executable software or code for carrying out the process, the process being characterized in that it comprises the following stages: provision of source geographic data by importing source data files manually or automatically into an import tree; creation of Raster and Vector maps from source data by at least one module for creating maps and their memorizations in a memory of the Geomatics device; creation of the Address and Points of Interest (POI) databases by at least one module for creating databases and their memorizations in a memory of the Geomatics device; selection and grouping of the maps created and the databases created in thematic files called "Atlas" exportable. [Claim 2] Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the Raster maps are created from the geographic data of source Raster plans and Photos; vector maps are created from geographic data from vector maps. [Claim 3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an Atlas may contain a combination of one or more of the following elements: Map of rasters; Photo card rasters; Vector map; POI base; Address base. [Claim 4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a step of automatic referencing, in the database, of the source data by an algorithm of the Geomatics apparatus by copying the files of the source data. [Claim 5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a step of modifying the Atlas, by reordering the order of superposition of the maps created, by adding or removing maps created in an Atlas. [Claim 6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a man-machine interface (HMI) specific to the Geomatics device allows the selection and the definition then the validation of the areas of geographic interest defined and selected for incorporation into the files corresponding to the type of card used. [Claim 7] Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the creation of the Raster maps comprises the following steps: import and display of the source data on the Geomatics device; selection of the geographic area to generate on the Geomatics device; generation of the Raster map by the map creation module of the Geomatics device; memorization of the Raster map created in a memory of the Geomatics device; incorporation of the Raster created in an exportable atlas. [Claim 8] Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the import of the source data is in the form of georeferenced image files. [Claim 9] Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the source files are automatically grouped by an algorithm of the Geomatic apparatus, at the time of their import into a structure with three levels of identification by their types of maps (raster, vector, photo ), by their sources (IGN, Drone, geofabrik, etc.) and by their logical grouping groups within the source. [Claim 10] Method according to claim 9, characterized in that a list of the source data files available by the Geomatics device is displayed by a screen of the human machine interface of the Geomatics device, by successively selecting the types, sources and groups to display the list of corresponding files. [Claim 11] Method according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the display of the source data comprises the display of the footprints of the Rasters, Photo or Plan maps already generated with the Geomatics device. [Claim 12] Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the selection of the geographical area to be generated is carried out as follows: by fully selecting one or more groups of source data on their right of way; Or by drawing a polygon directly on the map; Or by importing a polygon definition file in Shapefile format; Or by entering the latitude and longitude coordinates of a selection area. [Claim 13] Method according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the Raster map automatically generated by a algorithm of the Geomatic device, comprises different zoom levels in tile format (mbtiles) readable by an application of a mobile terminal. [Claim 14] Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the creation of vector maps comprises the following steps: selection of the country to be generated; data recovery on the Geofabrik website; generation of the vector map by the map creation module; memorization on a memory of the Geomatics device; automatic creation by the database creation module, of Address and POI databases from the vector map created; incorporation of the vector map and the bases created in an exportable atlas. [Claim 15] Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the Geomatics device is preloaded with the breakdown by continent and country recovered from a geographic database called OpenStreetMap. [Claim 16] Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the OpenStreetmap data files in osm.pbf and .poly formats are retrieved from the geofabrik website. [Claim 17] Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that at the end of a step of processing a country, three files are obtained: <name of the country>. Map representing on the vector map, <country name> -LandandWater.map representing the coastlines and seas and oceans, <country name> -srtm.map representing the contour lines. [Claim 18] Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the three files are stored in the base, then superimposed between them to obtain a display of the vector map. [Claim 19] Method according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that information indicating the points of interest is extracted by an algorithm from the database creation module, after processing a given country to automatically create a POI database by the module for creating databases and this database is associated with the vector files of a country. [Claim 20] Method according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that information indicating the addresses is extracted by an algorithm from the database creation module, after the processing of a given country to automatically create an Addresses database by the database creation module and this base is associated with the vector files of a country . [Claim 21] Method according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that at a location of a user is displayed, an overlay of the vector map of the country created and of the various Raster maps, ordered in a predefined order when creating the Atlas. [Claim 22] Method according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that during the various creation steps, loading messages ("log") are displayed to the user. [Claim 23] Geomatics type device comprising at least one processing unit and executable software or code for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the Geomatics device is a computer system capable of, on the one hand, import, create and display vector data maps and / or Rasters by at least one map creation module, and create POI and / or Address databases by at least one database creation module, and other part, to gather in an Atlas these data created by a grouping algorithm of the Geomatics apparatus. [Claim 24] Geomatics according to claim 23, characterized in that it comprises a main menu giving access to the various screens of the following functions: "Source data", "Create maps", "List of maps", "List of atlases" and " Supervision ”. [Claim 25] Geomatics apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the "Source data" screen includes a man machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms capable of viewing and managing the source geographic data present on the Geomatics apparatus, in : creating Sources and Groups folders to import geographic data; viewing the list of source data available for creating maps; creating vector maps from around the world and POI and Address databases. [Claim 26] Geomatics according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the "Create Maps" screen comprises one or more algorithms suitable for: view the source data and / or the footprints of the Rasters and / or Photos cards already created, on the mobile terminal; create Photo cards from selected photo-type source data; create Plan maps from selected plan type source data. [Claim 27] Geomatics apparatus according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the "List of maps" screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms capable of: viewing vector maps and Rasters created on a world vector background; group selected maps in a new Atlas or in an existing Atlas; delete or modify created maps. [Claim 28] Geomatics according to claim 27, characterized in that it includes an algorithm allowing the filtering according to the following different criteria: continent, country, type, status and / or portion of their name. [Claim 29] Geomatics apparatus according to one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the "List of Atlas" screen includes a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms capable of: creating a new Atlas from the maps created ; view existing Atlas; modify an existing Atlas by adding or removing maps in this Atlas; import the POI and / or Addresses databases for each card; export an Atlas to at least one storage medium. [Claim 30] Geomatics apparatus according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the "Supervision" screen comprises a man-machine interface allowing the launch of one or more algorithms to follow each of the operations in progress on the Geomatics apparatus. [Claim 31] Geomatics apparatus according to one of claims 23 to 30, characterized in that the vector maps are automatically generated by an algorithm of the map creation module after the importation of source geographic data from the Geofabrik website. [Claim 32] Geomatics apparatus according to one of claims 23 to 31, characterized in that it includes an algorithm for managing specific graphic codes to differentiate the types of imprints. [Claim 33] Use of the method for creating and managing cartographic resources according to one of claims 1 to 22, on at least one mobile terminal, characterized in that the data from the Atlas or Atlas created are imported, automatically and securely, by a algorithm of the Geomatics device, in a specific cartographic module of the mobile terminal; and the maps created by the Geomatics device are deployed by the cartographic module on the mobile terminal. [Claim 34] Use of the method according to claim 33, characterized in that the maps created by the Geomatics device are suitable for a mobile terminal such as a computer, tablet or Smartphone or connected watch. [Claim 35] Use of the method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the data from the Atlas created by the Geomatics device are exported, in a secure manner, in at least one intermediate storage medium then allowing their imports into the mobile terminal. [Claim 36] Use of the method according to one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that a terminal cartographic module allows display on the mobile terminal of the maps created and points of interest, from the Atlas created and imported. [Claim 37] Use of the method according to one of claims 33 to 36, characterized in that the cartographic module of the terminal allows a display of the position of a user calculated by the terminal superimposed on, the vector maps and Rasters created and displayed by the mobile terminal. [Claim 38] Use of the method according to one of claims 33 to 37, characterized in that the deployment by the cartographic module of the mobile terminal allows a superimposed display of the points of interest on the map displayed by the mobile terminal, by using a extract from the POI database loaded for a given geographic area. [Claim 39] Use of the method according to one of claims 33 to 38, characterized in that the cartographic module also allows an execution of location searches by address on the mobile terminal, from the database of Addresses loaded on a given geographical area. [Claim 40] Use of the method according to one of claims 33 to 39, characterized in that a display of the vector map created on the mobile terminal, is achieved by superimposing the display of the three files obtained after processing a country. [Claim 41] Use of the method according to one of claims 33 to 40, characterized in that the created raster and vector maps are displayed by an OSMDroid application of the cartographic module on the mobile terminal. [Claim 42] System for managing cartographic resources for at least one mobile terminal, comprising a Geomatics-type device according to any one of claims 23 to 31, intended to create cartographic resources from source data and to group them in an Atlas according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 22, and in that it further comprises at least one algorithm allowing the transfer of selected or created Atlas on one or more storage medium, Atlas created or selected, and each medium of storage exporting said Atlas to a mobile terminal provided with a cartographic module. 1/5