Location-based service
From Free net encyclopedia
A location-based service (or LBS) in a cellular telephone network is a service provided to subscribers based on their current geographical location. This position can be known by user entry or a GPS receiver that he carries with him. Most often the term implies the use of a radiolocation function built into the cell network or handset that uses triangulation between the known geographic coordinates of the base stations through which the communication takes place. One implication is that knowledge of the coordinates is owned and controlled by the network operator, and not by the end user himself. UK LBS services use a single base station, with a 'radius' of inaccuracy, to determine a mobile handset's location. UK networks do not use triangulation.
Examples of location based services might include finding the closest Italian restaurant. The ability of the restaurant to send an invitation to bypassers has also been mentioned, even though this might be regarded as unsolicited commercial email or spamming. These services were launched in the late 1990s, and the development in this area seems (as of 2004) to be driven more by technical ability than by user need. With the passing of the Can Spam Act in 2005, it became illegal to send any message to the end user without the end user specifically opting-in. This put an additional challenge on LBS applications as far as 'carrier-centric' services were concerned. As a result, there has been a focus on user-centric location-based services and applications which give the user control of the experience, typically by opting in first via a website (for example Dodgeball) or by text messaging screens in locations (for example at rock concerts).
Linked technology also allows someone to identify the location of a mobile phone user to within a few yards or metres. This is especially useful when dialing an emergency telephone number, such as enhanced 9-1-1 in North America, so that the operator can dispatch emergency police or firefighting services to the correct location. In the U.S. the FCC requires all new phones have this capability, and that the user be able to easily turn it off for all non-emergency uses.
See also: GSM localization and Location based media
External links
- [http://www.geosolutions.be Geo Solutions : we build and support your location based applications. Contact us to Geoptimize your business applications and processes.
- Loki, a location-based Internet search and navigation tool that automatical incorporates the user's exact location into the browser using Wi-Fi positioning system (think GPS except using Wi-Fi access points) from Skyhook Wireless
- [1] Introductory lecture on Location Based Services
- LBSzone.com, An information-rich resource with the latest news, and updates focused on LBS and mobile geopositioning
- Closer-Business --- UK Based Commercial LBS Location Service
- Rock7Mobile - UK Based Specialist in LBS Technology and Application Development
- Creativity Software, techonology company specialising in LBS development, involved in regulatory guidelines with Home Office, Police and network operators
- UK Verilocation service
- CellSpotting.com, A Global cell id based service
- GIZMOGRID's Just In Time Navigator is a voice enabled turn-by-turn navigation system with latest content and moving maps that uses GPS in cell phones
- uLocate.com, US service that uses GPS in phones
- SmarterAgent is a patented US service that uses GPS in cell phones to deliver real estate information
- Earthcomber, a free point-of-interest locator for handheld computers
- LocaModa is an interactive marketing company focused on extending the web to the street.
- Meetro, a LBS social network & chat application that uses WiFi
- Blog with expert opinion on Location Based Services
- This blog is about the new coming wave of mobile social softwares (MOSOSO) with a special focus on Location BaSed (LBS)MObile SOcial SOftware
- Wavemarket produces consumer and enterprise location-based services for mobile handset users and the web
- Node are innovators in the delivery of location aware mobile media providing clients with an end-to-end solution
- Research Project Mobile Commerce, University of Hamburg