Method and apparatus for region sampling and estimation in location based networks

摘要

Various embodiments provide a method and apparatus for obtaining a representative sample set of venues (i.e., places) within a geographic region in a location based network using a low cost and efficient sampling and estimating algorithm. In particular, a dynamic random region sampling algorithm randomly selects a target location within a geographic region and then determines a sub-region containing the target location within the geographic region based on venue density prediction. Venue density prediction is based on a weighted average of venue densities of two or more comparable locations within the geographic region.

主权项

1. An apparatus for providing venue datasets within a search region, the apparatus comprising:
a data storage; and a processor communicatively connected to the data storage, the processor being configured to:
randomly select a target location in the search region;select a first comparable location, the first comparable location having a first venue density;select a second comparable location, the second comparable location having a second venue density;determine a sub-region within the search region based on the target location, the first and second comparable locations, and the first and second venue densities; anddetermine a set of in-venues within the sub-region;wherein the first and second comparable locations are determined to have a higher relevance than other known locations within the search region.