METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAP MATCHING TRACE POINTS TO A DIGITAL MAP

An approach is provided for pattern-based map matching of a probe trace to a digital map. The approach involves querying the digital map for a set of road links within a threshold distance of a probe point. The approach also involves determining a match starting point for each road link of a set of road links. The approach further involves selecting a sampled probe point from the probe trace. The approach also involves generating one or more patterns for said each road link based on the match starting point, the sampled probe point, the topology polyline, or a combination thereof. The approach further involves selecting a matched road link from among the set of road links based on the one or more patterns. The probe point is then snapped to the matched road link.