Method to post and access information onto a map through pictures

Abstract

Methods to access place data such as local business reviews, restaurant menus, merchant details, and other point-of-interest information directly from images is provided. Methods of the invention can enable users to interact with places digitally through pictures and videos. While digital images are captured, the location and orientation of the camera is also recorded. The method compares the digital images captured by the camera with images synthetically generated by a virtual camera placed inside a 3D geospatial model consisting of, for example, LIDAR, satellite image, and GIS data. The camera location and orientation of the virtual camera is iteratively refined until the synthetically generated image matches the camera image. The place information from the synthetically generated image is transferred to the actual picture once the match is completed. User can access the transferred place information directly through the picture.