Mobile Positioning and LBS Applications

A variety of mobile positioning techniques which have been implemented in mobile networks to-date are described and explained, and how each technique may be applied to fit-for- purpose use for various types of location-based applications are explained.

Abstract

The first operation that must occur in a location-based services (LBS) transaction is determining the positioning of a mobile user geographic co-ordinates. Currently, all conventional and next-generation mobile networks are capable of a basic level of location determination and over the last six years considerable effort has been put into developing accurate positioning systems for mobile networks. There are now many proven and mature mobile positioning techniques, all of which are capable of capturing information relating to time and distance which can he used to interpolate the whereabouts of mobile devices and their users. While some mobile positioning techniques have limited accuracy, all of them have value for various location-based applications. This article describes and illustrates a variety of mobile positioning techniques which have been implemented in mobile networks to-date, and explains bow each technique may be applied to fit-for-purpose use for various types of location-based applications.