Method for the representation of road data in digital maps and method for determining the position of a vehicle

Roads and intersections within the map are represented as areas (1, 4). Edges of the areas (2, 3, 5) are given differing properties or attributes, depending on whether they may be crossed over or not. The areas have attributes in accordance with their suitability for vehicular travel. Further adjacent areas may also be shown and similarly-characterized. Other relevant map data (e.g. parking and petrol stations) is included. Determinations of the vehicle position from satellite data, are assessed probabilistically, in terms of the suitability of areas over which the vehicle may be driven.