Mobile Computing and Social Networks
by Jamia Yant
June 6th, 2012
Effectiveness and Efficiency Mobile-based Applications Provide With Regard to Geolocation and Consumer Data
Geolocation is a technology that uses data acquired from an individual’s computer or mobile device (any type of radio or network-connection-enabled device) to identify or describe his/her actual physical location. (ISACA, 2011) This technology has become one of the most popular trends in social networking giving us the ability to let our friends know where we are, identify popular or convenient places close to our physical location or even remotely check in to restaurants. These types of applications when accessed on a desktop system are flatter and less of an experience. Most individuals at some point in time have pulled up MapQuest or Google Maps to get directions from point “A” to point “B”, printed thier directions and were on their way. But the experience is a lot richer when you are mobile and you’re Smartphone or other device automatically plugs in your current location. The relevant data you send and receive changes as your location changes. These applications are able to do this through a GPS chip inside the device. The chip uses satellite data to calculate your exact position. In the event that there is interference or the service is unavailable, the chip uses information from cell towers to triangulate the approximate location of the device. The efficiency of these apps is dependent heavy upon service availability. Something as simple as driving through a heavy rain storm, cloud cover, heavy trees or a valley can hinder the GPS chip from communicating with the satellite. There can also be issues if you are inside or if your location is confusing because there are several businesses within close proximity at the same location like a strip mall. But if you are driving along on a clear day these apps can be reasonable accurate. Something else to keep in mind...