Location Based Services Overview

Study Notes

Software services for mobile devices require knowledge of their geographic location
Applications collect geospatial data in real-time using various technologies.
Location-based services are important for tracking, fleet management, road tax, tourist guides, navigation systems, emergency services, mobile shopping, and mobile gaming.

LBS have existed since the mid-1960s.
Developed and used by the US military
GPS technology made freely available to spark innovation in the 1980s
A similar version called Galileo was developed by the EU in the early 2000s, and there's a joint venture with European Space Agency.
There has been a huge expansion and improvement in wireless technologies from 1G to 5G. This has dramatically advanced mobile device technology, including smartphones and tablets.
The increase in this technology is essential for the widespread use of LBS

Localization: Determining a user's location using technologies (GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular networks, Bluetooth).
Service Provision: Providing relevant information or services based on the user's location.
Communication: Transmitting location data and service information between the user's devices and service providers.

Enhanced marketing efforts: Target specific locations
Improved customer engagement: Real-time interactions
Valuable customer insights: Analytics about customer behavior and preferences
Competitive advantage: Businesses using LBS effectively
Easy adoption: Relying on GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks for personalized services

Data Acquisition: Collecting data from GPS, Wi-Fi signals, and cellular towers, including information about the user's location.
Data Processing: Refining and enhancing location data accuracy through algorithms.
Location Determination: Determining the user's precise location based on the processed data.
Service Delivery: Delivering location-specific information and services.

Security risks: Location companies share real-time location information
Privacy concerns: Location services access location data.
Accuracy issues: LBS systems may not have always precise location data.
Battery drain: Location services consume battery power.
Lack of technological penetration: Limited widespread use and availability of smartphones.

Real-time Location Tracking: Continual location tracking.
Geospatial Data Utilization: Utilizing geospatial data in mapping, spatial analysis, etc.
Personalization: Adapting services to user preferences and history.
Context Awareness: Adjusting based on user context (time, weather, activities).
Multiple Technologies: Leveraging various technologies (GPS, Wi-Fi, etc.)
Two-way Communication: Allows interaction between users and service providers.
Privacy and Security: Strict measures to protect user privacy and data security.
Network Connectivity: Relying on stable network connections.
Interactive User Interfaces: Intuitive UIs supporting user interaction and engagement.

Emergency applications and services: Delivering real-time alerts and critical information in emergencies.
Tracking/Management applications and services: Tracking assets, fleets, and personnel, like in postal or delivery services.
Map/Navigation applications and services: Providing real-time navigation and directions.
Social applications and services: Enhancing communication, network-based social interaction.