A few days ago I asked for information on wireless GPS. In
particular I was interested in systems that could use the
telephone
system and the internet, perhaps using technology similar to
smart
cell phones or pagers.
The following is the summary of responses I recieved. Many thanks
to
all who contributed. It seems that the technology is available,
and
even widespread, especially in the US and Australia. The biggest
drawback to using the telephone networks is not technical; it's
financial. Systems that use cellular phone networks incur costs
on
each call and are charged by the minute.
A lot of action in this area is happening in Australia. Simon
Roberts <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> described an IVT project being
conducted by the Tasmanian DOT and other related projects and
people
in Australia. Carl Nunn also mentioned a group called Mobiletrack
in
Australia (nearest reference I could find is
http://www.dist.gov.au/itt/carriers/spectrum.html).
Peter Terrett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> of Global Star GPS
Specialists (Melbourne, Australia,
http://www.globalstar.com.au/),
described a system they have that uses various comms including
GSM
and can also use SMS if the optional display is used. He also
mentioned solutions for handling location when GPS fails in
"concrete canyons" involving "dead reckoning (electric speedo
input
and piezo electric gyro for heading change.)"
In Morocco, North Africa, Hassan Tazi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (an MI
Partner,
BTW) reports that his company, Business Expansion, has developed
a
MapInfo/MapX application for vehicle tracking via the Internet
that
uses ORBCOMM satellite system and a Panasonic "unit".
John Brosowsky <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> described GeoComm's
MapX-based
tracking products (http://www.geo-comm.com/), which include a
unit
that can connect to a cellular transceiver, but he points out the
main problem with cellular systems, which is cost. However,
GeoComm
has just developed new technology that can locate cell phones
without GPS. The new system involves setting up directional
equipemnt on cell towers which can monitor a wireless phone's
service channel and report its location as often as desired. He
reports that the prototype system is accurate to 50 ft, and can
work
where GPS can't (like in buildings). It elimintates the cost
barrier
because the cell phone doesn't have to make a call to report
locations; it just has to be turned on.
The following are web pages suggested by various people, followed
by
a short glossary of GPS/Communications industry TLA's (three
letter
acronyms):
CDPD.org: Your Wireless Data Guide
http://cdpd.org/cdpd/
Very good site for gathering infomration about the technology.
Joe Mehaffey and Jack Yeazel's GPS Information Website
http://joe.mehaffey.com/
This site is a large collection of links to GPS information.
Topics
include GPS News, hardware and software reviews, GPS FAQs,
Geography
related (maps, datums, waypoints, etc.), How does GPS work?,
general
information, otehr GPS and related links. Member of APRS
(Automatic
Position Reporting System at http://www.qsl.net/wb8tif/) webring.
Tendler Cellular's FoneFinder
http://www.fonefinder.com/index.html
This is a cell phone with built-in GPS. The product is aimed at
the
E911, Search & Rescue market. Dial 911 and it tells the
dispatchers
exactly where you are.
Intelligent Vehicle Trial
http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/ivt/
Describes a project by the Tasmanian Dept of Transportation to
use
GPS to manage trasportation networks.
Highway Technologies
http://www.hightech.co.nz/
New Zealand based company in the business of applying new
technologies to highway management.
Vehicle Tracking
http://www.teletype.com/gps/features/tracking.htm
Information about TeleType GPS hardware and software for vehicle
tracking. Systems available for both cellular phone and CDPD.
NavTech
http://www.navtech.com
Navigation Technologies makes the map information found inside
navigation systems.
Trimble
http://www.trimble.com
GPS hardware manufacturer
GeoCom TMS
http://www.geocomtms.com/
Software provider for Transportation Management Systems
(tracking,
routing, and operations)
Tom Moll suggested these manufacturers who have systems that
connect
GPS with cell phones and the internet:
Axiom Navigation, Inc.
http://www.axiomnav.com/
Developers of the world-famous SportsTracker(tm)
GreyLink System from Greystone Consultants, Ltd.
(no webpage)
King Communications
http://www.kingusa.com/
PeopleNet Communications Corporation
http://www.intouchavl.com/
"Internet-based mobile communications and satellite tracking"
Mobile Data Solutions
http://www.mdsi-advantex.com/
Glossary
--------
(see http://www.gsmdata.com/glossary.htm for a more complete one)
AMPS Advanced Mobile Phone Service
AOA Angle Of Arrival (equipment for locating cell phones)
AVL Automatic Vehicle Location
CDPD Cellular Digital Packet Data (for AMPS networks)
FMS Fleet Management System
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
PCS Personal Communications Service
SMS Short Message Service
TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
TDOA Time Difference Of Arrival
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