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{{Article Infobox2
{{Article Infobox2
|Category=Applications
|Category=Applications
|Title={{PAGENAME}}
|Editors=GMV
|Authors=Rui Barradas Pereira.
|Level=Basic
|Level=Basic
|YearOfPublication=2011
|YearOfPublication=2011
|Logo=GMV
|Logo=GMV
}}
}}
With the advent of smarthphones, many mobile phone devices are now equipped with GNSS receivers and many more are offering the possibility to use GNSS information within their applications.


With the advent of smarthphones, many of mobile phone devices are now equipped with GNSS receivers and many more are offering the possibility to use GNSS information within its applications.
By bringing the GNSS technology into mobile phone, these devices can offer a powerful service combining positioning and internet access in the same device, making the use of these equipments especially important for emergency situations, but also for navigation and other recreational activities such as games.<ref name="gps-practice" >[http://www.gps-practice-and-fun.com/ GPS Practice and fun site]</ref>
 
By bringing the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS Assisted GPS] (A-GPS) technology into mobile phone, these devices can offer a powerful service in terms of reception, coverage and time to find the first valid GNSS position, making the use of this equipments specially important for emergency situations, but also for navigation in highly construction areas or dense forests.<ref name="gps-practice" >[http://www.gps-practice-and-fun.com/ GPS Practice and fun site]</ref>
 


== Product Description ==
== Product Description ==
[[File:GPS_on_smartphone_cycling.JPG|right|thumb|400px|Phone navigation]]
[[File:GPS_on_smartphone_cycling.JPG|right|thumb|400px|Phone navigation]]


A GNSS cell phone is phones with satellite navigation technology embedded which is meant to allow the users to own the same GNSS device features available in equipments such as [[Handheld Outdoor Receivers |handheld outdoor receivers]], or [[Sport_Watches_and_Computers |sport watches]], compiled into a single smartphone device.
A GNSS cell phone is a phone with satellite navigation technology embedded. The features provided to the user depend on the pre-installed or installable applications that support GNSS on that specific phone. These features be the same as those in [[Handheld Outdoor Receivers|handheld outdoor receivers]], [[Sport Watches and Computers|sport watches]], [[Personal Navigation Devices|PNDs]] and other specific GNSS applications.
 
The users may experiment two fundamental needs for using a cell phone with GNSS receiver integrated. The former is the use of the cell phone for navigation, while the person is driving, for road navigation purposes. The later is the pedestrian navigation, where the user needs an equipment which combines cell phone and GNSS handheld device for hiking activities. Concering pedestrian navigation, the cell phones are often used for navigation in cities, or for sport activities because the devices can possess the same type of functionality available in products like sport watches.  


In order to use the device for navigation the user may establish a subscription to a GNSS navigation service, which will imply a monthly cost addressed, dependent on the chosen plan. This service option requires GPRS coverage.
The most common uses of GNSS in phones are [[Road Navigation|road navigation]] and [[Pedestrian Navigation|pedestrian navigation]]. Often these equipments are used as an [[Handheld Outdoor Receivers|handheld outdoor receiver]] for hiking activities although these devices normally don't have the robustness and autonomy characteristics that are desirable for these activities. With adequate applications GNSS Phones can be used for sport activities providing the same type of functionality available in products like [[Sport Watches and Computers|sport watches]].  


Another option available in the market is through the acquisition of a software package which include all the functionality and maps installed in the phone device, without the need to pay a monthly subscription fee, unless the user intents to access enhanced data such as weather or traffic information. This service option does not require a dependency of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Packet_Radio_Service GPRS] coverage.<ref name="maps-gps-info" >[http://www.maps-gps-info.com/gpcp.html Maps-GPS-info site - GPS Cell Phone]</ref> Nowadays, not only the cell devices, but also tablet PCs or palm PDAs are provided with enough memory and processing resources to hold any kind of navigation software and map features. In terms of navigation capabilities these devices become as powerful as any dedicated GNSS navigation device.
In some cases the navigation applications require the subscription of a service and internet access. Currently cell phone vendors often provide these applications for free although an internet connection is usually required to support navigation. Another option available in the market is through the acquisition of a software package that will include all the functionality and maps installed in the phone device, without the need to pay a subscription fee, unless the user intends to access enhanced data such as weather or traffic information. These applications usually don't require a dependency on a internet connection<ref name="maps-gps-info" >[http://www.maps-gps-info.com/gpcp.html Maps-GPS-info site - GPS Cell Phone]</ref>.


Although, using a GNSS enabled cell phone is not exactly the same as the handheld outdoor receivers used in hiking or pedestrian navigation activities.
GNSS is being embedded not only in cell phone devices, but also in PDAs and tablets that have enough memory and processing resources to hold any kind of navigation software and map features. In terms of navigation capabilities these devices can become as powerful as any dedicated GNSS navigation device.
Most of cell phones do not allow the user to directly access the GNSS information. The phones require a network connection and a service plan.<ref name="maps-gps-info-2" >[http://www.maps-gps-info.com/gps-cell-phone-tracking.html Maps-GPS-info site - GPS Cell Phone Tracking]</ref> Some applications may also have to be purchased from the network provider or any other vendor.


These products are considered as non-critical products.
Most cell phones do not allow the user to directly access the GNSS information. The phones require a network connection and a service plan.<ref name="maps-gps-info-2" >[http://www.maps-gps-info.com/gps-cell-phone-tracking.html Maps-GPS-info site - GPS Cell Phone Tracking]</ref> Some applications may also have to be purchased from the network provider or any other vendor.


The accuracy required by these applications is low. The current accuracy provided by civilian GPS is enough for these applications. Availability, however, can be reduced due to urban or forest environments, but it can be improved by with the Assisted-GPS technology.
The applications for which GNSS phones are used are considered as non-critical applications.


The accuracy required by these applications is low. The current accuracy provided by civilian GPS is enough for these applications. Availability, however, can be reduced due to urban or forest environments, but it can be improved with the [[Wikipedia:Assisted GPS|Assisted-GPS]] technology.


== Product Characterization ==
== Product Characterization ==
[[File:Treo_650_TomTom_Navigator.jpg|right|thumb|230px|Route navigation]]
[[File:Treo_650_TomTom_Navigator.jpg|right|thumb|230px|Route navigation]]


In order to use smartphones in automobile route navigation, the devices will require large storage capabilities to cope with maps. Modern cell phones are now able to deal with these requirements, due to the lower cost of memory cards and to the constant improvement in processing capabilities.  
In order to use smart phones in automobile route navigation, the devices will require large storage capabilities to cope with maps. Modern cell phones are now able to deal with these requirements, due to the lower cost of memory cards and to the constant improvement in processing capabilities.  


Although, some services are able to load maps on request, i.e., the user establish a communication with a server, which provides the necessary maps. With this approach the devices reduce the amount of memory needed and guarantee up-to-date map data to the user<ref name="gps-practice" />.
Some services are able to load maps on request, i.e., the user establishes a communication with a server, which provides the necessary maps. With this approach the devices reduce the amount of memory needed and guarantee up-to-date map data to the user<ref name="gps-practice" />.


Another important characteristic provided in some models is the location-aware content functionality, which implies a recognition capability, allowing to get context information about the any location and the integration of spatial positions with other phone applications such as calendar, contacts, emails, browser, and messaging.<ref name="garminasus" >[http://www.garminasus.com/en_US/phones/garminfone/index.html Garmin phone]</ref>
Another important characteristic provided in some models is the location-aware content functionality, which implies a recognition capability, allowing to get context information about the location and the integration of location information with other phone applications such as calendar, contacts, emails, browser, and messaging.<ref name="garminasus" > Garmin phone</ref>


In terms of service, the smartphones are becoming progressively affordable and attractive, due to the continuous improvements in cost, power consumption and performance, aligned with an improvement in navigation performance, due to a set of technologies incorporated in the device, such as:<ref name="GSAGNSSMarketreport" >[http://www.gsa.europa.eu/files/dmfile/GSAGNSSMarketreportIssue1.pdf GSA - GNSS Market report]</ref>
In terms of service, the smart phones are becoming progressively affordable and attractive, due to the continuous improvements in cost, power consumption and performance, aligned with an improvement in navigation performance, due to a set of technologies incorporated in the device, such as:<ref name="GSAGNSSMarketreport" >[[GNSS Market Report#Previous Report Issues|GSA - GNSS Market Report, Issue 1]]</ref>
* Assisted-GPS,
* Assisted-GPS,
* Magnetic compass,
* Magnetic compass,
* Highly sensitive GNSS chipset,
* Highly sensitive GNSS chip set,
* Wi-Fi, cellular and hybrid positioning as back-up,
* Wi-Fi, cellular and hybrid positioning as back-up,
* Motion sensors and gyroscopes for tilt,
* Motion sensors and gyroscopes for tilt,
* Map matching for road use.
* Map matching for road use.


The GNSS functions can also support location services like as mobile locator which can provide a tracking capability. This is a feature dependent on phone equipment, on the network provider and on the chosen service plan. A tracking option available is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geofence geofencing], which is the definition of areas where the tracking mechanism can be activated if the equipment enters or exits the defined area. By consequence, the tracking user can receive an alert email or text message.
The GNSS functions can also support location services like a mobile locator which can provide a tracking capability. This feature is dependent on the phone equipment, on the network provider and on the chosen service plan. A tracking option available is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geofence geofencing], which is the definition of areas where the tracking mechanism can be activated if the equipment enters or exits the defined area. By consequence, the tracking user can receive an alert email or text message.
The real time tracking is another network provider option, which provides the capability for the tracking user to track someone, e.g., an employee or relative, through a website.<ref name="maps-gps-info-2"/>
The real time tracking is another network provider option, which provides the capability for the tracking user to track someone, e.g., an employee or relative, through a website.<ref name="maps-gps-info-2"/>


== Product Examples ==
== Product Examples ==
There are currently many operating systems with GNSS hardware support, such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Phone_7 Windows Phone 7], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbian_OS Symbian] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29 Android].  
There are currently many operating systems with GNSS hardware support, such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Phone_7 Windows Phone 7], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbian_OS Symbian] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29 Android].  


Many manufacturers are now producing equipments with GNSS technology enabled. As result many cell phones models equipped with GNSS are being spread to the common user, mostly by the following companies:<ref name="gps_mobile_phones" >[http://top10.com/mobilephones/compare/gps_mobile_phones/ GPS Comparison]</ref>
Many manufacturers are now producing equipments with GNSS technology enabled. As a result, many cell phones models equipped with GNSS are being sold to the common user, mostly by the following companies:<ref name="gps_mobile_phones" >[http://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?chkGPS=selected GPS Comparison]</ref>
 
* [http://www.nokia.com/ Nokia]
* [http://www.nokia.com/ Nokia]
* [http://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/view-all-phones/index.jsp LG]
* [http://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/view-all-phones/index.jsp LG]
Line 67: Line 57:
* [http://www.apple.com/iphone/ Apple]
* [http://www.apple.com/iphone/ Apple]
* [http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones Samsung]
* [http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones Samsung]
* [http://us.blackberry.com/smartphones/features/gps.jsp BlackBerry]
* [http://us.blackberry.com BlackBerry]
* [http://www.motorola.com Motorola]
* [http://www.motorola.com Motorola]
* [http://www.garminasus.com/en_US/ Garmin]
* Garmin
* [http://www.thuraya.com/ Thuraya Hughes]
* [http://www.thuraya.com/ Thuraya Hughes]
* [http://www.gsmarena.com/benefon_esc!-44.php Benefon]


Many vendors also possess software applications to manage maps, find locations, getting directions, tracking other devices, or any types of navigation. These utilities are allowing to put several of the GNSS capabilities, which were distributed among many other devices, embedded into a single personal smartphone.
Many vendors also possess software applications to manage maps, find locations, getting directions, tracking other devices, or any types of navigation. These utilities are allowing to combine several GNSS capabilities, which were distributed among many other devices, embedded into a single personal smartphone.


Among the map providers, there are the global and regional based providers<ref name="GSAGNSSMarketreport" />:
Among the map providers, there are the global and regional based providers<ref name="GSAGNSSMarketreport" />:
Line 79: Line 68:
Global map providers:
Global map providers:
* [http://www.navteq.com/ Navteq (USA)] and [http://www.nokia.com/ Nokia (Finland)]
* [http://www.navteq.com/ Navteq (USA)] and [http://www.nokia.com/ Nokia (Finland)]
* [http://www.teleatlas.com TeleAtlas (Nederlands)] and [http://www.tomtom.com TomTom (Nederlands)]
* TeleAtlas (Nederlands) and [http://www.tomtom.com TomTom (Nederlands)]
* [http://www.google.com Google (USA)]
* [http://www.google.com Google (USA)]


Some of the regional map providers:
Some of the regional map providers:
* [http://www.navinfo.com.cn Navinfo (China)]
* Navinfo (China)
* [http://www.autonavi.com/ Autonavi (China)]   
* [http://www.autonavi.com/ Autonavi (China)]   
* [http://www.mapmyindia.com Mapmyindia (India)]
* [http://www.mapmyindia.com Mapmyindia (India)]
Line 91: Line 80:
* Google: Android market (more than 30,000 applications)
* Google: Android market (more than 30,000 applications)
* Nokia: Ovi Store
* Nokia: Ovi Store


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
<references group="nb" />
<references group="nb" />
==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


[[Category:Applications]]
[[Category:Applications]]
[[Category:GNSS-based products]]
[[Category:GNSS-based products]]
[[Category:Personal products]]
[[Category:Personal products]]

Latest revision as of 16:32, 16 September 2018


ApplicationsApplications
Title Phones
Edited by GMV
Level Basic
Year of Publication 2011
Logo GMV.png

With the advent of smarthphones, many mobile phone devices are now equipped with GNSS receivers and many more are offering the possibility to use GNSS information within their applications.

By bringing the GNSS technology into mobile phone, these devices can offer a powerful service combining positioning and internet access in the same device, making the use of these equipments especially important for emergency situations, but also for navigation and other recreational activities such as games.[1]

Product Description

Phone navigation

A GNSS cell phone is a phone with satellite navigation technology embedded. The features provided to the user depend on the pre-installed or installable applications that support GNSS on that specific phone. These features be the same as those in handheld outdoor receivers, sport watches, PNDs and other specific GNSS applications.

The most common uses of GNSS in phones are road navigation and pedestrian navigation. Often these equipments are used as an handheld outdoor receiver for hiking activities although these devices normally don't have the robustness and autonomy characteristics that are desirable for these activities. With adequate applications GNSS Phones can be used for sport activities providing the same type of functionality available in products like sport watches.

In some cases the navigation applications require the subscription of a service and internet access. Currently cell phone vendors often provide these applications for free although an internet connection is usually required to support navigation. Another option available in the market is through the acquisition of a software package that will include all the functionality and maps installed in the phone device, without the need to pay a subscription fee, unless the user intends to access enhanced data such as weather or traffic information. These applications usually don't require a dependency on a internet connection[2].

GNSS is being embedded not only in cell phone devices, but also in PDAs and tablets that have enough memory and processing resources to hold any kind of navigation software and map features. In terms of navigation capabilities these devices can become as powerful as any dedicated GNSS navigation device.

Most cell phones do not allow the user to directly access the GNSS information. The phones require a network connection and a service plan.[3] Some applications may also have to be purchased from the network provider or any other vendor.

The applications for which GNSS phones are used are considered as non-critical applications.

The accuracy required by these applications is low. The current accuracy provided by civilian GPS is enough for these applications. Availability, however, can be reduced due to urban or forest environments, but it can be improved with the Assisted-GPS technology.

Product Characterization

Route navigation

In order to use smart phones in automobile route navigation, the devices will require large storage capabilities to cope with maps. Modern cell phones are now able to deal with these requirements, due to the lower cost of memory cards and to the constant improvement in processing capabilities.

Some services are able to load maps on request, i.e., the user establishes a communication with a server, which provides the necessary maps. With this approach the devices reduce the amount of memory needed and guarantee up-to-date map data to the user[1].

Another important characteristic provided in some models is the location-aware content functionality, which implies a recognition capability, allowing to get context information about the location and the integration of location information with other phone applications such as calendar, contacts, emails, browser, and messaging.[4]

In terms of service, the smart phones are becoming progressively affordable and attractive, due to the continuous improvements in cost, power consumption and performance, aligned with an improvement in navigation performance, due to a set of technologies incorporated in the device, such as:[5]

  • Assisted-GPS,
  • Magnetic compass,
  • Highly sensitive GNSS chip set,
  • Wi-Fi, cellular and hybrid positioning as back-up,
  • Motion sensors and gyroscopes for tilt,
  • Map matching for road use.

The GNSS functions can also support location services like a mobile locator which can provide a tracking capability. This feature is dependent on the phone equipment, on the network provider and on the chosen service plan. A tracking option available is the geofencing, which is the definition of areas where the tracking mechanism can be activated if the equipment enters or exits the defined area. By consequence, the tracking user can receive an alert email or text message. The real time tracking is another network provider option, which provides the capability for the tracking user to track someone, e.g., an employee or relative, through a website.[3]

Product Examples

There are currently many operating systems with GNSS hardware support, such as Windows Phone 7, Symbian or Android.

Many manufacturers are now producing equipments with GNSS technology enabled. As a result, many cell phones models equipped with GNSS are being sold to the common user, mostly by the following companies:[6]

Many vendors also possess software applications to manage maps, find locations, getting directions, tracking other devices, or any types of navigation. These utilities are allowing to combine several GNSS capabilities, which were distributed among many other devices, embedded into a single personal smartphone.

Among the map providers, there are the global and regional based providers[5]:

Global map providers:

Some of the regional map providers:

Major stores:

  • Apple: App store (more than 200,000 applications)
  • Google: Android market (more than 30,000 applications)
  • Nokia: Ovi Store

Notes

References