GPS (global positioning system) a space-based satellite navigation system that provides location and time information in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites.The system provides critical capabilities to military, civil, and commercial users around the world. The United States government created the system, maintains it, and makes it freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver.
Geo-fencing(geofencing) is a feature in a software program that uses the global positioning system (GPS) or radio frequency identification (RFID) to define geographical boundaries
GPS is still an emerging technology, poised to play an ever more important role in the development of new software applications.In a recent article, the future of GPS applications is discussed, including the implementation of indoor GPS location services, creating more accurate mapping, and an overall more functional user experience. More accuracy in tracking and reporting will continue to spark new ideas.
“I imagine them walking around with GPS chips that notify them when a friend is in the vicinity, and their GPSes guide them to each other in clipped electronic lady voices and they sit down side by side in a coffee shop and text-message each other while checking their e-mail and hopping and skipping around Facebook to see who has posted pictures of their weekend.”
GARRISON KEILLOR, “My San Francisco Buzz,” Salon.com, Mar. 12, 2008
Game-fencing
Much like Keillor imagined in 2008, smartphone apps like Foursquare are bringing friends together to share information about restaurants and entertainment along with their current location in this badge-based social game. Check-ins are then pushed out as notifications to friends that are also in the area. After check-in, uers can leave reviews, tips and share information with friends about the geotagged location.
Facebook also now features the ability for users to check-in at businesses. The check-in then generates a post for your friends and family to see, so be careful where you check-in.
A number of very bored web developers have also created a number of GPS-based games, pitting teams against one another and encouraging GPS-tagging and chatting. Predetermined spots are plotted throughout the city. Geofencing is used with GPS tracking devices, notifying a control station when a person or vehicles enters or leaves an area.
Geocaching continues to spark the interest and imagination of millions of users by creating real-life adventures with hidden treasures across the worlds. Explorers utilize GPS locations as proverbial “X’s”. To find the treasure. users interface with smartphone and tablet app compasses, directing them to the treasure.
Business Applications
Geofencing is an increasingly common tool used by many location-based industries. It offers an effective solution for managing field employees by providing increased accountability. Construction companies can now attach GPS devices to expensive pieces of equipment, tools, or construction materials, thus allowing the companies to be notified if any of these items are moved outside of the geo-fence.
No longer are expensive GPS-specific devices necessary to utilize the technology. Now the most basic of smartphones with internet access and service can access mobile applications and services, making GPS tracking services affordable for all businesses.Updating business operations to incorporate GPS-based processes adds efficiency, oversight and flexibility to any company.
With mJobTime’s GPS Manager,a user’s GPS location is logged along with the clock in/out timestamp. As a result, Administrators are able to verify the user’s proximity to the jobsite perimeter, adding a level of oversite to the mobile time tracking functionality, with minimal Administrator oversite.
Whether tracking employees or equipment or playing a virtual game of cat and mouse, GPS applications continue to enhance user experiences and daily operations.
