Map Database Management

The importance of map database management system stems from the need for an on-board map database that provides information describing the road network. A map database represents a road network along with associated features. Map providers choose features (basic elements like nodes, links and area) and attributes (location coordinates, addresses, speed range, etc.) as a basis to formulate a database. One of the major challenges the system faces is in terms of updating the database.



When it comes to navigational functions, a vehicle needs to have an up-to-date map database, which calls for incremental update. Since it is impractical to replace an existing database with a new version, it is desirable to update only specific information in the existing database. A European consortium, ActMAP, is in process of developing "standardised mechanisms" to update existing map database content. It is also exploring how to "enable dynamic attachment of information" to the in-vehicle map.

Map Terminologies

For those who find it difficult to make sense out of various jargons that frequent the study of cartography and maps, here is a brief rundown on some of the common terminologies:

1. Topography:

   Various types of natural features found in an area are collectively termed as topography. These would include the natural features, as well as the man-made ones.
   
   

2. Contour lines:

   These are lines that connect places of same elevation on a map. Contour lines are used to illustrate topography on a map.
   
   

3. Elevation:

   This is the vertical distance of a point when measured from the sea-level.
   
   

4. Scale:

   It refers to the relationship between distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. This is the factor by which an area is reduced in order to be represented on the map. For example, a map that uses scale of 1:100000, 1cm on the map is equal to 1km on the ground.
   
   

5. Relief:

   It is a physical representation of the terrain (elevation and geography) of an area on a map.
   
   

6. Projection:

   It is the process of representing the earth on a flat surface.
   
   

7. Coordinates:

   These are the sets of numbers on a map used to find the distance from a specific place or origin.
   
   

8. Grid Reference:

   It defines a location on maps with the help of X and Y coordinates on a particular grid.
   
   

9. Central Meridian:

   It is a line that runs north and south at the center of a map. All the points along the Central Meridian have the same longitude.
   
   

World Maps in Different Themes

World Map Printable	World Map of Fault lines
World Map for Kids	World War II Map
World War I Map	Map of Europe during World War II
Black and White World Map	World Geography Map
World Atlas Map	World Globe Map - America Centric
Map of World Average Temperature in January	Asia Pacific Map
World Climate Map	World Map showing Country Names in their Native Language
World Map Games	World Travel Map
World Hemisphere Map	G20 Countries
World Weather Map	International Country Dialing Codes
Rainforests of the World	Happiest Countries in the World
Map of Average Temperature in July	Map of Tsunami Zones
World Map - River Valley Civilizations	World Map - Major Rail Network
World Map Poster	World Globe Map - Africa Centric
World Sea Routes Map	Black and White World Map for Kids Room
World Relief Map	Best National Parks
World Population Map	Best beaches in the world
Daylight Saving Time	World Digital Maps
Map of World Largest Dams	World GDP Map
World Map - Major Nuclear Disasters of the World	Map of World Population by 2025 Prediction
Map of World Population by 2050 Prediction	Famous Museums in the World
World Map Precipitation - Rainfall and Snow	Map of World best Shopping Destinations
World Map - Major Space Centers	Top Coffee Importing Countries in the World
Coffee Exporting Countries by Production	World Map - Tropical Revolving Storm
Map of World Wind and Pressure January	Map of World Air Pressure and Wind in July
World Map - World Popular Festivals	World Population Map - Top 10 most Populated Countries
International Country Calling Codes	Map of Europe during World War I
Ancient World Map	Antique World Map
Biggest International Book Fairs	Map of Worldwide Temperatures in Jan
Map of Worldwide Temperatures in July	Most Haunted Places in the World

Last Updated : June 12, 2015