We propose a novel query language that can express complex spatial
queries in a concise and intuitive way for map search. The proposed language can
express conditions on the range, direction, and time distance within
their spatial search queries. In this language, we introduce several
spatial operators, such as “space character” operator which is used
to represent the geographical distance between matching objects in a
concise and intuitive way as well as arithmetic and directional
operators which enables the combination and manipulation of spatial
areas. We also show how a map search system supporting this query
language can be implemented, and describe several applications created
using this system to highlight how the query language can be put into
practice. These applications include a web interface which allows
developers to embed a function of spatial search by our query language
into their systems. In addition, we developed a mobile Android
application that allows nonprofessional users to easily search for
nearby venues and routes by using the proposed query language.
Finally, we outline the results of a study carried out to
evaluate the potential usefulness of our proposed search system.
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