# How to Map Physical Locations to Human-Friendly Web Addresses

> A system that assigns easy-to-read web domain names to specific geographic areas on a map, making it easier to search, own, and trade location-based digital data.

- **Patent:** US 12299012
- **Original title:** System and method for location domain name service
- **Owner:** Unl Network BV
- **Granted:** 2025
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 0
- **Field:** software, ai_ml, telecommunications, ecommerce

## What it does

This system creates a bridge between complex geographic coordinates and simple web addresses. It takes groups of pixels on a map—represented by technical 'geohashes'—and assigns them a human-readable domain name, like 'park.city'. It uses a hierarchical structure where sub-domains represent smaller areas within a larger location cluster. The system also includes a compression method to store these large lists of geographic data efficiently and uses blockchain technology to ensure that each domain name is unique and can be legally owned or traded.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover traditional GPS navigation systems that do not use a domain-name-based hierarchy.
- Does not cover raw geohashing techniques that lack the specific hierarchical domain-name mapping described.
- Does not cover general-purpose blockchain smart contracts that are not specifically tied to location-based domain mapping.

## The clever bit

The system treats geographic space like a website URL structure, allowing developers to use familiar DNS-style logic to query and manage physical locations, while using blockchain to solve the 'who owns this square of land' problem.

## Real-world examples

1. Digital real estate platforms
2. Location-based augmented reality games
3. Decentralized mapping services

## Why it matters

As digital maps become more interactive and tied to virtual economies, finding a way to 'own' or easily reference a piece of the real world is becoming a business priority. This patent provides a framework for creating a decentralized registry for physical space, which is essential for companies building location-based augmented reality or digital real estate platforms.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How to Map Physical Locations to Human-Friendly Web Addresses cover?

A system that assigns easy-to-read web domain names to specific geographic areas on a map, making it easier to search, own, and trade location-based digital data.

### Who owns patent US 12299012?

Unl Network BV owns this patent, granted in 2025.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on May 13, 2045, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What problem does this patent solve?

As digital maps become more interactive and tied to virtual economies, finding a way to 'own' or easily reference a piece of the real world is becoming a business priority. This patent provides a framework for creating a decentralized registry for physical space, which is essential for companies building location-based augmented reality or digital real estate platforms.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover traditional GPS navigation systems that do not use a domain-name-based hierarchy.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12299012/superdraco-engines

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12299012

---

_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._