Method, apparatus, and computer program product for updating a map database using subtree data structures

An apparatus for updating a map database, the apparatus comprising:

• a memory configured to store computer-executable instructions;
• and
• one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to:
• identify a bounding box specifying a region of a map;
• obtain a plurality of map area identifiers and the corresponding map area content based on the bounding box;
• generate a subtree data structure, wherein the subtree data structure encodes a plurality of digests based on the plurality of map area identifiers and the corresponding map area content;
• transmit a map update request comprising the generated subtree data structure;
• receive map update data for at least a portion of the plurality of map area identifiers and the corresponding map area content;
• and
• update the map database based on the received map update data.

A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable instruction which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out operations for updating a map database, the operations comprising:

• identifying a bounding box specifying a region of a map;
• obtaining a plurality of map area identifiers and the corresponding map area content based on the bounding box;
• generating a subtree data structure, wherein the subtree data structure encodes a plurality of digests based on the plurality of map area identifiers and the corresponding map area content;
• transmitting a map update request comprising the generated subtree data structure;
• receiving map update data for at least a portion of the plurality of map area identifiers and the corresponding map area content;
• and
• updating the map database based on the received map update data.