Location Based Services

Summary

We defined a generic architecture with which geographic location of mobile devices can be determined. The architecture includes wireless base stations, a location server and GPS satellites. Location-based services that can be offered to people carrying mobile devices include emergency services such as enhanced 911, high value asset tracking systems and commercial services such as location-based advertisements. Several LBS prototypes have been developed in the universities and research centers. The location of the mobile devices in these prototypes can be accessed using different wireless access technologies. An application programming interface and databases must be designed to enable the development of different types of applications using real-time absolute location data. Standardized APIs and architectures are required to access the location data from cellular networks. We described the example of CDMA2000 cellular networks and the example API called mobile location protocol developed by the location interoperability forum (LIF).