Scalable, distributed, real-time map generation

An algorithm was developed for keeping digital maps up-to-date, using ordinary vehicles making normal journeys rather than fleets of dedicated probe vehicles. The information about a road network can be represented as a directed graph with metadata associated with its edges. Such a graph can be used to render a graphical depiction of the road network and serve as an input to in-vehicle navigation system. The process of generating a direct graph involves basic stages including generating a 2D histogram, deducing the position of the road edges, computing the positions of the centerlines of the road, and determining the direction of travel permitted along each road. Future research on such a system's architectural design will simulate various architectures and investigate their applicability with other data and processing requirements. Research is also necessary on social and security issues related to participative applications such as protecting privacy of vehicle owners.