Selection and display of map data and location attribute data by touch input

A computing system comprising:

• a memory for storing map data, location attribute data and a plurality of functions, the location attribute data comprising metadata associating said location attribute data with the map data;
• a touch-sensitive display surface configured display the map data and/or the location attribute data and to detect touch input generated by a user;
• and,
• a processor configured to command the touch-sensitive display surface to display at least a portion of the map data;
• receive first and second input signals from the touch-sensitive display surface;
• define first and second display locations in accordance with the first and second input signals;
• define a functional area in accordance with the first and second display locations, the functional area encompassing a non-whole portion of the display surface and the second display location being located on a peripheral edge of the functional area;
• command the touch sensitive display surface to display graphical representations of the functions on a peripheral edge of the functional area;
• receive a third input signal from the touch-sensitive display surface at a location of the touch-sensitive display surface corresponding to one of the plurality of functions;
• and, apply the function to the functional area.