NavigationInfo

NavigationInfo is a term used in information systems to describe structured data that conveys how to navigate from a starting point to a destination. It captures both the route itself and the contextual information needed to guide a user, device, or agent along that route. It is applied in mapping, navigation, logistics, indoor wayfinding, and various forms of automated routing.

Typical components of NavigationInfo include origin and destination coordinates, route geometry (such as a polyline), a sequence of maneuvers or steps, total distance, and estimated travel time. It also specifies the travel mode (car, pedestrian, bicycle, transit), and may include real-time status like traffic conditions, incidents, or delays. Optional constraints can cover accessibility (ramps, elevators), tolls, vehicle restrictions, and user preferences (avoid highways, minimize transfers). Metadata may describe language, units, localization, and valid time windows for the information.

Data sources and formats often involve routing engines that combine base map data with live feeds. Base data typically comes from map providers or open data sets, while live data can include traffic, transit schedules, or incident reports. NavigationInfo is commonly serialized in JSON or XML for web and mobile applications, with compact binaries or protobufs used in performance-critical contexts.

Usage scenarios span consumer mapping apps, in-vehicle navigation systems, indoor navigation within buildings, and automated agents in robotics or video games. Challenges include ensuring data accuracy and freshness, supporting multi-modal routing, handling privacy concerns, and maintaining interoperability across different platforms and standards.

See also: route planning, GIS data models, OpenLR, navigation standards.