Method and system for text placement when forming maps

Abstract

A text placement program is disclosed. The text placement program provides for placement of text, such as names of geographic features, on a map image. A plurality of candidate locations for text placement are identified and provided to the text placement program. The text placement program evaluates each candidate location for text placement using an expression that includes a weighted clause of a first type indicative of whether the represented geographic feature is named at least once on the map image. If a candidate location being evaluated for text placement overlaps another candidate location, the expression for the candidate location being evaluated includes a weighted clause of a second type. One additional weighted clause of the second type is included for each occurrence of the candidate location overlapping another candidate location. For each candidate location, the text placement program evaluates the expression for two conditions: placement of text and no placement. The results of the two evaluations of the expression are compared and the condition that provides the greater result is selected. Optionally, the expression may include an additional weighted clause including a rank assigned to the represented geographic feature. The text placement program can be configured by adjusting the weightings assigned to the clause(s) of which it is formed.