5 replies to this topic

[pappyaar]

Hi all.

I had a discussion with my senior about a GPRS camera (or wrist watch ?). He told me that these devices can be used on conjunction with GPRS system to pin point your exact location on google map.

Can someone tell me exactly how to do it ? which device shall i use for GPRS and then which cell phone do i need to see the exact google map of where i am standing ?

[chrcel]

hi,

wasn't it GPS? GPRS is 2G data on cellular networks. it too can provide location data, but that is often is kept private by the operator.

[pappyaar]

hi,

wasn't it GPS? GPRS is 2G data on cellular networks. it too can provide location data, but that is often is kept private by the operator.

Sorry, my fault. yes its GPS

[vijay_poonia]

GPS can be used to pinpoint your location on Google Maps or custom Map application on your Mobile phone or any other GPS enabled device.

Another way to determine location without GPS that used by Google is Cell ID, but location is about in 3 or 4 KM Radius.

GPRS(aka INTERNET in this side of globe) and GPS are different things but can do magic together.

If you are a frequent traveler then you must have this Technology.

[chrcel]

okay so now that we've sorted the GPRS/GPS thing. all Andoid phones and iPhone have both data and GPS so they can show the location on maps. Some cameras some with build in GPS and they than put the location in EXIF of the phone, higher end cameras can attach a GPS module to flash socket and they too than put location into EXIF.

[Be Quick Or Be Dead!]

Hi

To add to the topic above, here is something that I wish to explain.

The difference between different two basic GPS Systems.

AGPS & GPS

AGPS means Assisted-GPS, devices uses cellular network towers to point your location. This method is very fast, considering you are already connected to one cellular tower / repeater. Some people say it requires to connect to the Internet which is either 2G (GPRS) or 3G. Up to a point I agree, but I see the usage is only limited to downloading maps and to send you the information related to location to you real time (Specifically in case of google maps). How it does that, well you are already connected to one tower, it tries to find another and then it is just a triangle between you and the other two towers.

Primary Advantage of AGPS - Fast, works indoors.
Fall-backs - It does not work in an area with there is no Cellular network, for example you are in a jungle with no cell network, AGPS can't help you.

GPS means Global Positioning System uses the GPS Chip on the device. GPS Chip to connect with the GPS Satellite. Again, the same fundamental, accuracy comes with the number of satellites connected to the device. GPS cannot be used indoors for obvious reasons, as it will not be able to find any satellites.

Primary Advantange of GPS - Works anywhere in the world, regardless of cellular network available or not. Is not dependent on 2G/ 3G or cellphone SIM Cards.
Fall-backs - Very slow (It has to find a satellite), does not work indoors or poor weather conditions like cloudy etc., Needs pre-loaded maps (Incase you don't have streaming maps like google).

So devices like Garmin GPS and a lot of phones these days (Nokia) have a standalone GPS. The maps are in the memory, upon receiving the co-ordinates from the satellite. The co-ordinates are displayed on the map.

I can go on and on.

Hope the write up above adds value to someone's perspectives.

Cheers!