To more efficiently retrieve various data such as desired image data.

A map-style retrieval screen 100 having a matrix structure is displayed on a display device, and the data of images photographed at points in an area corresponding to each cell (matrix position) of the retrieval screen 100 are retrieved, and the number of retrieval is displayed in each cell. Also, a movable cursor 200 is displayed on a prescribed cell. The map of the retrieval screen 100 is changed to a more detailed or wider-area map according to zoom-up or zoom-down instructions. At the same time, the number of image data of each cell of the corresponding changed area is re-retrieved, and the number of retrieval is updated. Afterwards, the data of images photographed at a point in the area corresponding to any cell selected by the cursor 200 according to prescribed operation are displayed as a list. Thus, a large number of images are automatically classified on the basis of the photographed locations, and furthermore the classification density at that time can be suitably adjusted by a user.

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