Location-Tracking Web Services: Social Networking Plus GPS

Ever since the movie “Enemy of the State” starring Will Smith displayed scenes showing the supposed capabilities of Global Positioning Systems or GPS, people started to think about the possible applications of such a technology in the society. It has since been used by law enforcement as depicted in the movie, and international organizations like National Geographic, for instance, to study the migrating habits of birds, and eventually, it has found its way for public safety and security via GPS phones or devices. The Location-Based Service or LBS of these phones or devices rides over the GPS technology and is accurate for at least within 150 m. This service is currently used in emergency situations like 911.

Meanwhile, the American pop culture is at it again, social networking is the trend and Friendsters, YouTube and others were popping-up like mushrooms in the Internet. Each social networking websites offer unique services, for example, Friendsters is a community of people, their friends and acquaintances, while YouTube is a network of shared videos. Who would have thought that the GPS technology will also be incorporated into a social networking set-up?
This new set-up is called [location-tracking services] and a number of such websites have since popped-up. A number of these websites are Twitter, Dodgeball by Google, Jaiku, Loopt by Sprint, and [Plazes]. These location-tracking websites enables members to [update their location via the Internet] or by using a mobile phone. Aside from this, they can also upload their current activities and post comments online. Not only do they keep people within a closed network but they also make the bond stronger by making members be updated of each other’s location.

Such simple steps to maximize the benefits of GPS can actually be bigger than initially assumed. Take for instance, the use of LBS in the reviews of bars and restaurants. Definitely, a different review can be made from actually being at the scene and with the use of location-tracking service, that review will be more believable. Even a suggestion from someone currently within a restaurant of interest will be considered more, than a suggestion from someone who went there a few months back.

Admittedly, there is the problem of online privacy issues. What if no one wants anyone to know where he is? The set-up of these websites that are based on [global positioning sensors] is very open for such options. For one, nobody will know where you are unless you choose to be public or you can choose only a select few of your friends to see you. Other than this, no one will really know where you are.

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