Location-based Computing Flashcards
Location-based Computing
A form of computing where computer systems determine and act upon the location of entities.
Localisation
The process of determining a specific location.
Geolocation
A location identified geographically using a known coordinate system.
Geocoding
The process of encoding location information into a geolocation. Reverse geocoding is the reverse of this.
Geofence
A virtual geographical boundary used to define an area where a certain service may be offered.
Geofencing
The process of using geofences to identify location. There are two ways of using this: either the act of crossing a boundary can be detected in order to update the services available or a GPS, on a drone for example, can force an action if it enters a certain zone.
Data Object (Location-based Computing)
A representation of something of interest on a map, such as a destination when calculating a route.
Query Object (Location-based Computing)
A representation of the person or object requesting information.
Ephemeris Data
Data which describes the orbit of a certain satellite.
Almanac Data
Data which gives an estimate as to where in the sky a satellite is likely to be, and whether or not it can be seen.
Triangulation
A process used to determine location. It involves drawing lines from landmarks or high points that can be seen from a single location at the angle bearing given by a compass.
Trilateration
Another example of a process used to determine location, commonly used by cell-towers. It finds the intersection of circles around each tower.
Cell ID
A unique identifier of a base station or cell tower. It is included in every sent transmission and is geocoded with latitude and longitude. A mobile phone can use the cell ID and signal strength to determine the identity of the nearest base station, and, using a directory and the geocode, estimate location.
Wi-Fi-hotspot-based Localisation
The use of MAC addresses from a Wi-Fi router paired with a global database to find location.
Bluetooth Beacon
A small Bluetooth-enabled device which stores an identifying code that can be used with a directory to determine location. They are often stored inside a building.
