Apple patents map zoom that shows roads between towns
Apple has filed a patent for a method that decides which roads to draw on a digital map based on how far you are zoomed in. The system identifies specific towns and labels, then selects the roads that connect them to keep the map clear at different zoom levels.
In the filing’s own words
The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods to determine information to be displayed within a display of a map. For example, the apparatus, systems, and methods can determine which settlements, labels, and/or roads are to be displayed within a display of a map based on a current zoom level of the display of the map, among other factors.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: determining, by a system, a zoom level for display of an area of a map; determining, by the system, a first settlement and a second settlement to be displayed with labels within the area of the map; determining, by the system, one or more roads to connect the first settlement and the second settlement based at least in part on the zoom level; and causing, by the system, the area of the map to be displayed with the one or more roads connecting the first settlement and the second settlement.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- PROGRESSIVE DISPLAY IN MULTI-ZOOM DIGITAL MAP
- Publication number
- US20260301607A1
- Application number
- 19702782
- Filed
- Jun 9, 2026
- Published
- Oct 1, 2026
- Inventors
- 9
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G09B 29/005 Physics & computingG06V 20/70 Physics & computingG09B 29/106 Physics & computingMore from Apple in AI & software
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.