The @Road GeoManager Pocket Edition combines GPS, wireless communication and the Internet to enable real-time monitoring of individuals. @Road GeoManager Pocket Edition can be used with cell phones. Pocket PCs are also likely candidates.
EarthLink will offer the LocatePLUS AnyWhere wireless database product in conjunction with its wireless services that include mail, content, and airtime. LocatePLUS provides data to a variety of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, private investigators, law firms and insurance institutions throughout the world.
Most location-based services are installed in vehicles, not hand-held units. GPS location info is sent via cellular connection to a central monitoring facility. Map-based monitoring software can track vehicles and show distance to other locations.
Portland’s live streetcar map, for example, relays GPS by CDPD cellular then sent to California where it is integrated into Next Bus predictor tables that averages the actual location with the typical delay experienced at that hour. The result is incorporated into the ETA box next to the trains actual location icon.
Mapping To Go mostly uses cellular for the local link although some (like Tri-Met buses) use Orbcomm’s LEO satellites. Long haul truckers often use Qualcomm’s OMNItracks, based on geosynch satellites.
The “first mile” can be expensive. Large fleets who want real-time location reports (like police, fire, taxis or delivery services) often use dedicated radios since they have to be “pinged” constantly. Wi-Fi can be used for the communications network but their range is usually shouting distance. Some “4G” providers say can provide real-time location information at less cost than cellular with similar range.
In a related matter, the FCC is launching a wireless enhanced 911 implementation initiative. The first meeting of the initiative is set for April 29. It would bring stakeholders together to speed deployment of E911 services which encodes location information when a 911 call is made from a cell phone.
Phase II deployment requires cooperation between wireless carriers, local exchange carriers and public safety answering points.
The FCC may fine T-Mobile for being unable to make the general location of a wireless 911 call available to emergency responders, as required. AT&T Wireless and Cingular Wireless used Enhanced Observed Time Difference (EOTD), to meet the so-called E911, or Enhanced 911, mandate. But the two carriers said the CPS technology wasn’t accurate enough
T-Mobile says recent tests of its triangulation technology show it can hit the stringent guidelines. Intel thinks the triangulation method of Enhanced Observed Time Difference (EOTD), is cool, too. It doesn’t require embedding GPS chips which could lower device costs.
My E-911 article and Mapping To Go have more info.
