System and method for interacting with virtual maps

Abstract

The disclosed system provides a computerized map system with map elements represented by markers. The system arranges map elements by category and subcategory, with each type of marker corresponding to a category. The system may divide the geographic area based on neighborhood and city area. The system also provides the user with controls to search the objects, to display results in layers, to navigate the objects, and to quickly compare information about the objects using standardized positions for similar kinds of information. The system also enables users to memorialize searches and browsing by pinning map objects that the user is interested in. In an embodiment, a number of tiers of advertising are also provided, such that business owners as clients can pay for advertising content and customizability appropriate for their businesses.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A computerized map display system comprising:
 at least one processor;   at least one display device;   at least one input device; and   at least one memory device which stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to:   generate a map environment, wherein generating the map environment includes:
 displaying a map, and 
 displaying a plurality of virtual map tools including at least a communicator tool, the plurality of virtual map tools configured to provide map functions; and 
   update the map environment based on a first user input, wherein updating the map environment includes:
 storing a user selection of at least one of a plurality of categories, at least one of the plurality of categories including a plurality of subcategories, 
 storing a user selection of at least one of the plurality of subcategories corresponding to the at least one stored user selection of the at least one category, 
 receiving a user search string via at least one of the plurality of virtual map tools, 
 displaying at least one of a plurality of map elements that satisfies the user search string, 
 determining at least one category or subcategory that is similar to but does not match the user search string, and 
 displaying at least one of the plurality of map elements having the determined similar category or subcategory that also satisfies the user search string. 
   
     
     
         3 . The computerized map display system of  claim 2 , wherein the communicator tool is configured to enable the user to:
 print, e-mail, or save images of the map,   publish images on web sites or social media networks, and   share a live-view of the map with another user.   
     
     
         4 . The computerized map display system of  claim 2 , wherein updating the map environment further includes:
 receiving a second user input, and   responsive to receiving the second user input, pinning a first object to the map.   
     
     
         5 . The computerized map display system of  claim 4 , wherein updating the map environment further includes:
 receiving a third user input, and   responsive to receiving the third user input, pinning a second object to the map.   
     
     
         6 . The computerized map display system of  claim 4 , wherein the map is printed, shared, or published, via the communicator tool, and wherein the map includes the first object. 
     
     
         7 . The computerized map display system of  claim 5 , wherein the map is a customized map. 
     
     
         8 . The computerized map display system of  claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of different virtual map tools is displayed as a compact virtual gadget, and is user-moveable around the map display window. 
     
     
         9 . The computerized map display system of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of virtual map tools further includes at least a navigation tool and an explorer tool. 
     
     
         10 . The computerized map display system of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of virtual map tools each has an identical footprint. 
     
     
         11 . The computerized map display system of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of virtual map tools are stored in a virtual tool drawer, the virtual tool drawer including a tool compartment containing a plurality of tool-shaped slots. 
     
     
         12 . A method of generating a customized map comprising:
 generating a map environment, including:
 displaying a map, and 
 displaying a plurality of virtual map tools including at least a communicator tool, the plurality of virtual map tools configured to provide map functions; 
   receiving a first user input; and   updating the map environment based on the first user input, wherein updating the map environment includes:
 storing a user selection of at least one of a plurality of categories, at least one of the plurality of categories including a plurality of subcategories, 
 storing a user selection of at least one of the plurality of subcategories corresponding to the at least one stored user selection of the at least one category, 
 receiving a user search string via at least one of the plurality of virtual map tools, 
 displaying at least one of a plurality of map elements that satisfies the user search string, 
 determining at least one category or subcategory that is similar to but does not match the user search string, and 
 displaying at least one of the plurality of map elements having the determined similar category or subcategory that also satisfies the user search string. 
   
     
     
         13 . The method of generating a customized map of  claim 12 , further comprising printing, e-mailing, or saving an image of the map. 
     
     
         14 . The method of generating a customized map of  claim 12 , further comprising publishing images on web sites or social media networks. 
     
     
         15 . The method of generating a customized map of  claim 12 , further comprising sharing a live-view of the map with another user. 
     
     
         16 . The method of generating a customized map of  claim 12 , wherein updating the map environment further includes:
 receiving a second user input, and   responsive to receiving the second user input, pinning a first object to the map.   
     
     
         17 . The method of generating a customized map of  claim 16 , wherein updating the map environment further includes:
 receiving a third user input, and   responsive to receiving the third user input, pinning a second object to the map.   
     
     
         18 . The method of generating a customized map of  claim 16 , wherein the map is printed, shared, or published, via the communicator tool, and wherein the map includes the first object. 
     
     
         19 . The method of generating a customized map of  claim 12 , wherein each of the plurality of different virtual map tools is displayed as a compact virtual gadget, and is user-moveable around the map display window. 
     
     
         20 . The method of generating a customized map of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of virtual map tools further includes a navigation tool and an explorer tool. 
     
     
         21 . The method of generating a customized map of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of virtual map tools are stored in a virtual tool drawer, the virtual tool drawer including a tool compartment containing a plurality of tool-shaped slots.