Information providing apparatus and method

摘要

An information providing machine provides a network user with information that helps the network user in determining a place to go. The user designates an area and makes a map request. The information providing machine sends map data to the user in response to the request from the user. Every time the user makes a map request, popularity point is given to locations existing in the designated area. The popularity point is accumulated and used by the network user. <IMAGE>