Map data storage device, map data updating method, and computer program

A map data updating and navigating method for updating map data stored in a map data storage and navigation device on the basis of map updating data acquired from a server and navigating based on the updated data, wherein:

• a position of the map data storage and navigation device is determined using a GPS receiver;
• the map data stored in the map data storage device include universal identification information which is identification information commonly used by the server and the map data storage device, and internal identification information which is identification information used by a plurality of types of applications executed by the map data storage device;
• a plurality of types of index data that associate the universal identification information included in the map data with the internal identification information included in the map data are prepared in the case where the map data stored in the map data storage device are updated;
• the plurality of types of index data correspond to each of the plurality of types of applications;
• and
• in the case where an application is executed, the map data storage device references the plurality of types of index data corresponding to the executed application to access the map data stored in the map data storage device, wherein
• the index data include:
• connection index data for specifying a link connected to an intersection on the basis of the intersection;
• intersection index data for specifying intersections positioned at a start point and an end point of a link on the basis of the link;
• display index data for specifying a link included in a link string on the basis of the link string;
• and
• a route for travel is determined using the position determined by GPS receiver and the index data.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions that is executable by a computer program for causing a computer to function as map updating code unit for updating map data stored in a map data storage medium on the basis of map updating data acquired from a server and for providing navigation, wherein:

• a position of the computer is determined using a GPS receiver;
• the map data stored in the map data storage medium include universal identification information which is identification information commonly used by the server and the computer, and internal identification information which is identification information used by a plurality of types of applications executed by the computer;
• a plurality of types of index data that associate the universal identification information included in the map data with the internal identification information included in the map data are prepared in the case where the map data stored in the map data storage medium are updated by the map updating code unit;
• the plurality of types of index data correspond to each of the plurality of types of applications;
• and
• in the case where an application is executed, the plurality of types of index data corresponding to the executed application are referenced to access the map data stored in the map data storage medium, wherein
• the index data include:
• connection index data for specifying a link connected to an intersection on the basis of the intersection;
• intersection index data for specifying intersections positioned at a start point and an end point of a link on the basis of the link;
• and
• display index data for specifying a link included in a link string on the basis of the link string;
• and
• a route for travel is determined using the position determined by GPS receiver and the index data.