Map version control methods and apparatus for updating the use of network-maintained map data sets for mobile communication devices

Abstract

A method in a mobile device for use in receiving updates of network-maintained map data sets is described. The mobile device receives, through a wireless network, map data for rendering a map. The map data has a plurality of layers, where each of the plurality of layers includes a version number and a plurality of data entries associated therewith. Each of the plurality of data entries indicates a plurality of data points for rendering one or more artifacts or labels within an area of interest of the map. The mobile device stores the map data, and displays the area of interest from the plurality of layers of the stored map data. The mobile device then receives, through the wireless network, an indication of an alternative version of one of the layers of the stored map data. When the version number of the alternative version is greater than the version number of the stored version, the mobile device causes one or more requests for the alternative version of said layer for the area of interest to be sent through the wireless network. The mobile device also receives the alternative version of said layer for the area of interest through the wireless network in response to the one or more requests. The mobile device also then causes the map of the area of interest to be rendered in the display in accordance with the combined plurality of layers of the stored map data, but with use of the alternative version of said layer.