[OSGeo-Discuss] Fw: Re: New Google Mapping Patent

[Cameron Shorter]

Peter Bayley introduced me to the idea of tiling about 5 years ago with 
an application he had built.

Peter, can you comment further?

Christopher Schmidt wrote:
> On Tue, Jan 09, 2007 at 02:47:01PM -0200, Paulo Marcondes wrote:
>   
>> 2007/1/9, Mateusz Loskot <mateusz at loskot.net>:
>>     
>>> Jo Walsh wrote:
>>>       
>>>>    * Visually-oriented driving directions in digital mapping system
>>>>    * Combined map scale and measuring tool
>>>>         
>>> I don't know how to comment it. I'm in shock!
>>> It seems there is no way to stop this "crazy" race of patents.
>>>
>>>       
>> I guess is up to the guys in the US to show prior art, at least they
>> are in a position to file the relevant  docs.
>>
>> Autodesk should be quite aware of that, since they have software in that 
>> niche.
>>
>>
>>
>> Also, does not UMN Mapserver predates google on this?
>>     
>
> I'm not aware of any web interface which sent requests for batches of
> tiles before Google Maps. The ones I'm aware of now are:
>  * OpenLayers, originally started working on around Where 2.0 1
>  * ka-Map, started around the same time -- after February 2005 (patent)
>  * MapGuide, I think, which has tile batch requests
>  * I've heard info about ESRI's new stuff doing the same thing.
>
> So, as far as the first claim of the patent that Google was granted 
> ("Digital Mapping Service" or whatever), I'm not aware of anything that
> predates their patent application in Feb 2005. I certainly know that it
> seemed novel to everyone when it came out. 
>
> Regards,
>