Global Positioning System Reference
In-Depth Information
This application involves event management, an intelligent function that
associates a positional movement at various times (i.e., an event. See Section
8.8.5). Intelligence within the system involves following a set of given rules to
check for problems. Integration with enterprise systems is likely such as stock-
level management and work-flow systems. For example, if an object or vehicle is
detected as late (according to a preset rule) in a specific place (such as a way point
set by a geo-fence), a warning may be sent to a controller. The intelligence may be
local, central, or both. Integration with a GIS is likely so that operations can be
visualized as a graphical map.
4.11 Mobile Maps with GPS Overlay
One of the most widely used services on the Web today is the map and aerial
photography services that are now available and that are gaining extra
functionality such as the ability to include personal information overlays. Maps
and GIS will be discussed in more depth in Chapter 8, but the basic application
will be discussed here first.
Not only can personal data be included, but dynamic data such as personal
positions as determined by a GPS receiver (or by other means such as the
reception of a known WiFi hotspot) as well. Along with the vehicle sat-nav in car
equipment, the Web map is perhaps the closest people have today to a real
Whereness system.
The benefits are the scope of the mapping and imaging that already are
global. In some dense urban areas and popular destinations, the images and maps
are now 3D models. It is becoming possible to experience anywhere on Earth (and
some other planets) by these geographic applications. APIs are exposed to both
amateurs (for free) and to business partners (by commercial arrangement) so that
integration with other services is now possible. Another benefit is of free service
or rather one that is paid for by advertising. The use of mobile data access in the
form of WiFi hotspot and cellular radio (2.5G and 3G) is gradually making an
impact so that these maps and images can be used on the move, using either ultra-
portable PCs or smart phones that now seem to be eclipsing the personal digital
assistant (PDA).
There are many weaknesses but we can expect some of these to be rapidly
addressed. As demand rises the quality of the imaging will improve, especially as
imaging is improving rapidly as more spacecraft and surveillance aircraft are used.
Real-time information may be included if the operators of the services become
Whereness operators. The maps currently are only of outdoor locations, but maps
need to include indoors and even extend underground and deal with topology in
general.
The requirement to use these services in a Whereness context is the
availability of positioning information. The accuracy is not a specific issue since it
depends upon the use of the visual map or aerial image. For example, accurate
 
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