LBS

Tracking underground firefighters

The KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has developed sensorequipped footwear that, using sensors inside the heel of a boot, makes it possible for incidents commanders to follow firefighters’ movements independent of the infrastructure they’re working in. The system includes advanced sensors such as accelerometer and gyroscope plus a processor. It can withstand shock and extremely high temperatures and remains operational where GPS positioning systems fail. A wireless module worn on the shoulder sends the data to operational command, which provides incident commanders the precise information about responders’ location and movements. The system has been tested successfully with firefighters in real time, 25 meters below ground. www.fireengineering.com

Enhanced LBS by AT&T & Sabre

AT&T and Sabre are developing and testing solutions that will utilize AT&T’s newly enhanced Location Information Services (LIS) – Hybrid, which allows developers to build geo-aware mobile applications. The companies are exploring how devicebased location information services can help airlines, airport retailers, and other travel-related companies deliver intelligent, predictive and personalized services throughout a traveler’s journey. It has the ability to define custom geofences (a virtual perimeter within a geographic area) in any shape or size, both indoors and out, using cellular, GPS and Wi-fiinformation shared by the user from their devices. The app might alert airline staff when a high-status passenger is still clearing security when her flight is due to depart; or notifies travelers of special promotions as they approach an airport bookstore.

Sensor Platforms adds pedestrian dead reckoning

Sensor Platforms has added Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) to its FreeMotion™ Library, enabling applications such as indoor navigation, activity monitoring, and LBS in mobile devices. The PDR algorithms allow accurate position results using only the mobile device sensors, without the aid of GPS, Wi-fi, or maps. Sensor Platforms’ PDR solution is sensor fusionenabled to handle magnetic anomalies in real-world environments and context awareness-enhanced. Employing context capabilities allows for naturalistic changes in device placement (in-hand front, at-side, in-pocket, etc.) without compromising performance. With the FreeMotion PDR Library, typical position estimates stay accurate to within 5 percent of distance traveled. Sensor Platforms utilizes context in order to separate the actual travel direction of the user (called bearing) from the device orientation. Other unique features include false-step mitigation, stair-elevation tracking, and in-elevator transport. As with all Sensor Platforms products, the PDR Library is both sensor and platform agnostic. www.pddnet.com

Malaysia launches tracking system

A special satellite tracking system will be implemented in Malaysia that will enable authorities to monitor taxis and passengers to lodge complaints immediately. Taxis will soon be equipped with GPS technology, allowing the government to not only direct a taxi to a waiting customer, but also monitor a driver’s habits. Known as the Centralised Taxi Service System (CTSS), it is currently being developed by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and is slated for rollout in the Klang Valley in the third quarter of this year. www.thejakartapost.com

Cellular providers to submit report on LBS

Department of Telecom (DoT),India has asked cellular operators – Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, Reliance Communications and BSNL, to submit reports for accuracies achieved by them in implementing locationbased services. DoT said operators were asked to submit the compliance report with respect to accuracies achieved so far by them, which can be used as input for deciding the methodology of measurement and for preparing roadmap for implementation of the accuracies. In 2011, government had made it mandatory for telecom service providers to introduce location based services across the country within three years. PTI

In-car ads based on location

BMW’s iDrive infotainment system could become a lot more annoying as the company is developing a location-based advertising service. Dubbed the “virtual marketplace of the future,” the project aims to deliver “location-based offers and services relevant to a specific route and final destination. The system is currently being tested on a 7-Series prototype.

Nokia’s Here launches community mapping pilot in India

Nokia’s mapping business Here has launched a community mapping pilot in India. Here will combine its industrial data collection methods with a crowd mapping initiative. With a team of more than 1,000 people in India, the regional Here will work directly with handpicked local experts from universities. To maintain accuracy and ensure map quality, Here has built a community map moderation system to verify edits before integrating them into the base map. The project in India is part of an ongoing series of pilot programmes for community mapping capabilities. www.telecompaper.com

Honda to join Google alliance

Honda Motor Co. shall join an alliance of companies that will work with Google Inc. on technological innovations for inboard automotive information networks, such as GPS. Other automakers in the Open Automotive Alliance include Audi AG, General Motors Co. and Hyundai Motor Group. The alliance plans to incorporate Google’s Android operating system into automotive communications systems. http://ajw.asahi.com

Location-Based Big Data Solutions by GCS and Global Touchpoints

GCS, a geoanalytics company, is teaming with Global Touchpoints Inc. to develop Big Data solutions combining business intelligence and geospatial analytics for state and local government agencies. Both will be targeting government offices with Big Data challenges related to healthcare, energy/utilities, and water resource management. www.Touchpointsinc.com