Systems and methods for processing, storing, and displaying map data

A computer-implemented method for handling map or image data, the method comprising:

• dividing, by at least one processor, a map or image into a plurality of non-overlapping rectangular blocks, wherein each of said plurality of blocks consists of an array of non-overlapping rectangular units and each of the units within the same block is of a same defined size;
• assigning, by at least one processor, each of said plurality of blocks a unique block identifier;
• indexing, by at least one processor, the units within each block based on a predetermined order, thereby assigning each unit an index number that is unique with respect to the other units within the same block;
• generating, by at least one processor, a unique unit identifier for each unit in said map or image by combining (a) said block identifier of the block in which said each unit is located and (b) said index number of said each unit within said block;
• storing in at least one storage medium, for each block in said map or image, its block identifier and a set of coordinates specifying its location in said map or image;
• and
• storing in at least one storage medium, for each unit, its unit identifier.