Processing map-related user input to detect route requests

Abstract

An application processes user input with respect to a geographic map to generate annotations associated with locations on that geographic map. Such annotations can include user entered characters and graphics, including curves and lines. The application distinguishes between user inputs that are annotations and user inputs that indicate a request for a route between two locations. In response to user input with respect to a geographic map, the application determines whether the user input is a request for a route. When performing such comparisons, the application uses locations and road segments that are presented at a zoom level corresponding the zoom level applied at the time the user input for the annotation was received. After determining that a user input corresponds to a request for a route, the application generates data describing a route. The application can present a plurality of candidate routes to the user for selection.