The label placement problem is one of the most important problems in geographic information systems, cartography, graph drawing and graphical interface design. In this paper, we consider the problem of labeling points and curves in maps drawn from digital data. In digital maps, a curve is represented as a set of points and consists of many small segments. The label for each curve must be placed alongside the corresponding curve. We define a continuous labeling space for points and curves, and present an algorithm using this space for positioning labels. Computational results for subway and JR train maps in Tokyo are presented.

In conventional Web Geographic Information System (GIS), there are serious drawbacks of high waiting time and low accessibility because the subsequent query has to wait until all the spatial data has been completely transmitted. In addressing these problems, this paper proposes a progressive transmission method which can reduce waiting time and increase accessibility. The proposed method has the following steps. First, significant vertices of geographic objects are selected into based on an algorithm, Priority_Order_Estimation (POE). Second, the selected vertices are inserted the data structure, Priority_Order_Queue (POQ). This allows a client to view, to request and occasionally to reject spatial data, rather than waiting for the whole map to arrive. Third, the transmission steps are processed progressively, where significant vertices of POQ are sent from server to client one by one. In the final step, if necessary, the entire spatial data set of SENDOBJSP, which is a transmission structure, is transmitted so that the original map is accurately displayed. The performance of the system proposed here has been evaluated according to the factors such as system response time and client storage space. For the comparisons, the total transmission method, layer transmission method and the proposed four-step transmission method were used. Compared with the conventional Web-based GIS, the system response time is twenty-two percent shorter and client storage space is reduced by about twenty-one percent. As a result, performance improvement, fast response time and less client storage usage, is achieved. Therefore, the proposed method can make a significant contribution in support of Web-based Vector GIS applications such as Environmental Management, Map On Demand Service and Assessment and Planning System.

In many fields such as city administration and facilities management, there are an increasing number of requests for a Geographic Information System (GIS) that provides users with automated mapping functions. A mechanism which displays 3D views of an urban scene is particularly required because it would allow the construction of an intuitive and understandable environment for managing objects in the scene. In this paper, we present a new urban modeling system utilizing both image-based and geometry-based approaches. Our method is based on a new concept in which a wide urban area can be displayed with natural photo-realistic images, and each object drawn in the view can be identified by pointing to it. First, to generate natural urban views from any viewpoint, we employ an image-based rendering method, Image Walkthrough, and modify it to handle aerial images. This method can interpolate and generate natural views by assembling several source photographs. Next, to identify each object in the scene, we recover its shape using computer vision techniques (a geometry-based approach). The rough shape of each building is reconstructed from various aerial images, and then its drawn position on the generated view is also determined. This means that it becomes possible to identify each building from an urban view. We have combined both of these approaches yielding a new style of urban information management. The users of the system can enjoy an intuitive understanding of the area and easily identify their target, by generating natural views from any viewpoint and suitably reconstructing the shapes of objects. We have made a prototype system of this new concept of GIS, which have shown the validity of our method.

This study presents a method that can be used to manage individual pieces of information in large scale distributed geographic information systems (GIS). In a distributed GIS, ordinary users usually cannot alter any of the contents on the server. The method in this study can be used to alter the content or add individual datums onto these types of non-write-permitted data sets. The authors have called it a 'Geographic Differential Script File' (GDSF). A client creates a GDSF, which contains private information that is to be added onto the served data. The client keeps this file on a local disk. When the user employs the data, he applies the differential script sequence onto the downloaded data in order to retrieve the information. GDSF is a collection of graphic operation commands which insert and delete objects as well as modify operations. GDSF also contains modifications of the attribute information of geographic entities. This method can also be used to revise information that is published on ROM media, e. g. CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, as well as in a distributed environment. In this paper, the method and results of applying it are presented.