Map Location Data in Real Time with SQL—No Coordinate Decoding Required

1 day ago

3 min read

What if you could use SQL to put locations directly on a map instead of deciphering complex coordinates?

Introducing GEOMAP(), a feature that may make you ask, “Can it really do that?”

Introducing GEOMAP

A geomap displays measurements as overlays and charts on a geographic map.

From Machbase Neo v8.0.44, GEOMAP() lets you query stored location data—such as GPS coordinates or latitude and longitude—with SQL and display it directly on a map instead of as difficult-to-read numbers.

With GEOMAP(), latitude and longitude data becomes an intuitive map visualization.

Let’s explore its main features, uses, and examples step by step. 😊

Key features of GEOMAP

Geographic data, popups, and tooltips: Display markers, shapes, popups, and tooltips on a map.
Easy use with SQL: Create and manipulate map data with simple commands in your existing SQL environment.
Flexible tile maps: Use the default OpenStreetMap tiles or configure a separate tile server to meet your internal security requirements.

For more details, see the documentation.

What kinds of tasks can you use it for? 🤔

Real-time tracking of logistics vehicles
Mapping IoT sensor data
Facility and infrastructure management
Environmental monitoring and analysis
Developing location-based services

GEOMAP layer types

GEOMAP provides a range of map layers for visualizing data.

Marker
A basic icon that marks a specific point.
Useful for showing facility locations or the real-time positions of logistics vehicles.

FAKE(json({
    [38.9934, -105.5018]
}))

SCRIPT("js", {
    var lat = $.values[0];
    var lon = $.values[1];
    $.yield({
        type: "marker",
        coordinates: [lat, lon]
    });
})

GEOMAP()

Circle
Highlights an area within a specified radius.
Useful for showing coverage areas or analyzing sensor data in a particular region.
The default radius is 10 meters and can be adjusted as needed.

FAKE(json({
    [38.935, -105.520]
}))

SCRIPT("js", {
    var lat = $.values[0];
    var lon = $.values[1];
    $.yield({
        type: "circle",
        coordinates: [lat, lon],
        properties:{
            radius: 400
        }
    });
})

GEOMAP()

Circle Marker — Similar to a marker, but with its size defined in pixels, making it useful for highlighting data points.
The default radius is 10 pixels and can be adjusted as needed.

FAKE(json({
    [38.935, -105.520]
}))

SCRIPT("js", {
    var lat = $.values[0];
    var lon = $.values[1];
    $.yield({
        type: "circleMarker",
        coordinates: [lat, lon],
        properties:{
            radius: 40
        }
    });
})

GEOMAP()

Polyline
Connects multiple coordinates to display a route or movement path.
Useful for delivery routes, pedestrian flow analysis, and similar applications.

FAKE(json({
    [45.51, -122.68],
    [37.77, -122.43],
    [34.04, -118.2]
}))

SCRIPT("js", {
    var points = [];
    function finalize() {
        $.yield({
            type: "polyline",
            coordinates: points
        });
    }
},{
    var lat = $.values[0];
    var lon = $.values[1];
    points.push( [lat, lon] );
})

GEOMAP()

Polygon
Connects multiple points to define an area.
Useful for displaying administrative boundaries, construction zones, and more.

FAKE(json({
    [37, -109.05],
    [41, -109.03],
    [41, -102.05],
    [37, -102.05]
}))

SCRIPT("js", {
    var points = [];
    function finalize() {
        $.yield({
            type: "polygon",
            coordinates: points
        });
    }
},{
    var lat = $.values[0];
    var lon = $.values[1];
    points.push( [lat, lon] );
})

GEOMAP()

More GEOMAP features

In addition to its layers, GEOMAP offers two features that make map data more informative and easier to understand.

Popup
When a user clicks an object on the map, a window displays additional details.
For example, it can show information about a building or the status of a logistics vehicle.

FAKE(json({
    ["Stoll Mountain", 38.9934, -105.5018],
    ["Pulver Mountain", 39.0115, -105.5173]
}))

SCRIPT("js", {
    var name = $.values[0];
    var lat  = $.values[1];
    var lon  = $.values[2];
    $.yield({
        type: "marker",
        coordinates: [lat, lon],
        properties: {
            popup: {
                content: '<b>'+name+'</b>'
            }
        }
    });
})

GEOMAP()

Tooltip
Displays brief information when the pointer moves over an object.
Useful for showing sensor readings or a short description of a particular location.

FAKE(json({
    ["Stoll Mountain", 38.9934, -105.5018],
    ["Pulver Mountain", 39.0115, -105.5173]
}))
SCRIPT("js", {
    var name = $.values[0];
    var lat  = $.values[1];
    var lon  = $.values[2];
    $.yield({
        type: "marker",
        coordinates: [lat, lon],
        properties: {
            tooltip: {
                content: '<b>'+name+'</b>',
                direction: "auto",
                permanent: true
            }
        }
    });
})
GEOMAP()