Global Positioning System Reference
In-Depth Information
RFID and Sensors
Battery-powered RFID
transponders combined with
sensing systems.
Ad hoc approach to networks
where mobile devices form local
informal mobile networks. Nodes
are all peers of each other with no
master control system.
Peer to Peer Wireless
Tags
RFID using Near Field
Communications
(NFC)
RFID using UWB
Small printed tags powered by the
near field become active only when
in close proximity (<2m).
Next generation RFID based on
UWB.
Experimental concept where tags
become similar in size to dust
particles and are liberally deployed
on surfaces powered by the
environment.
Smart Dust
2.6
Web 2.0 and Maps
Web 2.0 maps are becoming an increasingly important interface for many Web-
based information resources. Chapter 8 details the various players that are creating
digital maps and delivering them in novel ways. As Web 2.0 has developed, a
number of very useful topics have been published explaining the simple methods
by which information can be mashed up by anyone with basic programming skills.
If positions are known (from any or several of the methods discussed above),
then Web-based displays are the most convenient way to display positional
information. Mapping underwent one revolution as mapmakers moved to digital
maps and geographical information systems (GIS) that were used to create and
manipulate them. Another revolution is under way with Web 2.0, but it is only one
facet of the future.
Maps are moving from flat 2D entities into 3D representations where
software models can be used to display landscapes in a very realistic format. In
order to manipulate any digital image conveniently, the dot (or raster) format used
originally
4
has been superseded by a more mathematical representation of shapes
using vector graphics. It is not surprising that the same techniques that are used by
computer games in virtual reality and in time “augmented reality” will result when
the virtual worlds start to overlay the real world and augment it.
4
Raster and vector mapping are explained in the Epilogue.
