Global Positioning System Reference
In-Depth Information
Adding time to maps adds a fourth dimension and dynamic mapping is very
useful to manage events and visualize moving objects, for example, tracking
vehicles and people. Maps can therefore be considered to be a multidimensional
information space.
Open mapping concerns initiatives such as OpenStreetMap that are creating
very high-quality maps using volunteers with simple GPS equipment to create log
files of routes traversed. The maps are attributed and shared and represent a
genuine disruptive technology.
2.7
Conclusion and Vision
2.7.1
Future Whereness Technology
Chapter 9 looks towards the longer term. Since positioning is heavily dependent
on radio, a number of radio futures are discussed. First, moving to higher
frequency bands where the atmosphere absorbs the radio signals that can be
helpful to limit coverage and provide very high bandwidth picocells that will be
useful for positioning. Second, the convergence of wireless standards is
discussed, and finally cognitive radio. Positioning could play a key role in this
new radio spectrum paradigm, since every radio could potentially know its
position; then new ways can be exploited to configure radio links optimally.
2.7.2
The Semantic Web
Artificial intelligence is discussed with the use of the Semantic Web to help pull
together the currently fragmented sources of information relevant to Whereness.
An ontology for Whereness is proposed (which is an informational framework
where everything is defined in terms of meaning), which would encompass
existing geographical and sensor markup languages and extend definitions to
include the radio environment and all other necessary classes of objects and
property.
2.7.3
Simultaneous Location and Mapping
A final technical topic is simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM). Digital
maps are very important to guidance systems as map matching can greatly
increase the accuracy of positioning. However, if map matching is combined
simultaneously with mapmaking, an automatic system can ensue that can create,
correct, maintain, and, of course, follow digital maps. SLAM was developed from
robotic research but is likely to be a key future element in Whereness since it
promises to extend mapping indoors. Currently, digital navigation maps are very
