SMS Location Based Services
From Triangle Wiki
[edit] IntroductionThe Location Gateway API is a network-level API providing a session-less method of requesting a mobile location. The API is intended to be used by a server program to obtain location-enabled data and transform it for display or use by other applications. This Programmers Guide introduces the reader to the functions of the API and provides a detailed reference and supplementary information on how to best use the API. To view the LBS services please click here: Create Account you will receive 10 free credits to test with. If you have any further questions on this then please call Triangle solutions on 44 (0) 207 871 2394 [edit] APIThe Location Gateway API takes a request in the form of an HTTP POST of an XML-formatted document. It returns an XML-formatted response document. The request document is passed as the strXML parameter within the POST. [edit] Automatic LocationAutomatic location is invoked when the user supplies a phone number using the <origin><msisdn> element in the XML request document. <user> <id>[USERNAME]</id> <pwd>[PASSWORD]</pwd> </user> <origin> <msisdn>447771123456</msisdn> </origin> This will return the location of the phone, the time the location was obtained and the nearest known place name and postcode. <API_VERSION>2-3</API_VERSION> <SEARCH_PRECISION>64</SEARCH_PRECISION> <NAME><![CDATA[Barnes]]></NAME> <CONTAININGNAME><![CDATA[London]]></CONTAININGNAME> <POSTCODE><![CDATA[SW130DA]]></POSTCODE> <CONTAININGPOSTCODE><![CDATA[SW13]]></CONTAININGPOSTCODE> <MSISDN>447771123456</MSISDN> <EASTING>522687</EASTING> <NORTHING>176453</NORTHING> <COORD_SYSTEM>GRID_GB</COORD_SYSTEM> <ZVALUE>1500</ZVALUE> <LOCATETIME>2004/02/04 13:18:52</LOCATETIME> [edit] Phone NumberPhone number (msisdn) must be in standard international format Please use <origin><msisdn>447973837788</msisdn></origin> [edit] TestingAll transactions will use live location by default. While you are developing your code and testing your interface to us, we recommend you use the <test> flag on your transactions. The <control><test>TRUE</test></control> setting causes the API to return a randomised location rather than requesting a live location from a Network Operator. Test transactions are not chargeable. When you have got your code working smoothly, remove the <test> flag and try some real location look-ups. [edit] Frequently Asked Questions[edit] How accurate is the location data?The location data from the operators is based on transmission cells, and therefore location accuracy is dependent on the size of the cell in which a subscriber is located. Typically in areas of high population density cells are small as they are engineered primarily for capacity, as opposed to coverage, and therefore location accuracy based on cell-id is good. Accuracy reduces as population density reduces, as cells become larger, being engineered more for coverage than capacity. In our experience the following is an approximate guide to location accuracy:
Accuracy levels on T-Mobile In some regions of the country (notably South West England and Wales), T-Mobile use older-generation base stations that do not have enhanced location detection features. T-Mobile quote median accuracy levels of 11Km for these base stations. Our own testing confirms this. Elsewhere in the T-Mobile network the median accuracy level is quoted at 380m Urban / 680m Suburban / 4Km Rural. Check the <zvalue> for this. There is also evidence that there are some gaps in T-Mobile's tables of base station locations. The location date and time is provided by each operator and is normalised by Triangle into GMT. It is delivered in the XML element <LOCATEDATE> using a character string in standard date / time format YYYY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS. In our testing of this feature we have found some important differences between how the networks handle location requests. Each operator uses caching systems to hold the results of previous location requests for handsets, and may supply a cached location in response to a new request. If freshness of location data is crucial to your application, please make sure you check the <LOCATEDATE> element. Triangle supplies location as an x,y co-ordinate pair plus an accuracy value, we also return the following value added context: Landmark or district town county Postcode postcode area It is possible to do conversions from UK OS grid to longitude and latitude or vice versa please contact us for this availability. [edit] How long does it take to set up?Integrating with Triangle’s platform via the Location Finder API typically takes 1 to 2 days. Connection is via the HTTP protocol, and data is returned as an XML-formatted document. WE can provide bespoke connection policies, so please talk to us about any scenario you require. [edit] What are the costs involved?Triangle charges a base £99 GBP per month for usage of the hosted administration centre and maintenance needed on this to keep the service in prime condition. You will be provided with a login to view the the usage statistics and make amendments to the services you use. Along with this monthly fee you will receive 100 free location looks up per month. These are provided as a testing allowance, but will be subtracted for whatever usage they are used under. On top of the 100 allocation there will be a per lookup charge of 10pence per lookup, this also includes a fee paid to Triangle per lookup. [edit] What sort of response times should I expect?If the target phone is in use on the network, a location response will be returned in around 3 seconds. If the phone is on the network but not active, expect around 5 seconds. If the phone is switched off, or is not in a coverage area, the response may be up to 15 seconds and will contain an error code indicating that the phone could not be located. [edit] Do I need to get services approved?Yes - before launching any service (active or passive) you must get approval from each mobile network operator. Triangle manages this process for you, and has been working closely with all the network operators to develop a set of guidelines which will provide standards for best practice regarding management of location privacy. [edit] Can I track phones?The mobile network operators are currently only offering single location look-ups at the time of the request. Customers wishing to develop tracking applications will have to handle this by making multiple individual requests over a period of time, and manage the location data in accordance with the network operators privacy policies. [edit] Do I need to get consent from a subscriber?The mobile network operators make a distinction between two types of services – ‘Active’ and ‘Passive’. An Active service is where the end user makes a request for information based on their location. A Passive service is where a third party makes a request for information based on an end users location – e.g. tracking type services. For passive services the end users permission must be obtained before requesting a subscriber’s location. For active services it may be sufficient to state clearly in relevant promotional material that the service requires use of location. [edit] Can I find handsets in a specific area?No. You may only request the location of one specific handset per location request. To find handsets in a specific area, you will need to look up the current location of each handset in a list, and make your own spatial comparisons. [edit] Can I get alerts when a handset comes into a specific area?No. The mobile network operators do not offer the ability to track handsets and issue alerts based on the handset location. Location is available on request only. [edit] What if a handset has been network ported?The Location Gateway includes value-added functionality to manage the increasing number of network-ported mobile numbers in the UK. Specifically this functionality:
This functionality assists in maintaining a high ratio of successful location requests through the Location gateway. [edit] Will location accuracy improve in the future?Overtime the accuracy of location data from mobile networks will improve through the adoptions of new technologies such as Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), Enhanced Observed Time Difference (EOTD), Angle of Arrival (AOA), and Assisted GPS. [edit] Will I need a different API for different location technologies?The Location Gateway provides an abstracted interface, it protects the user from differences in location systems deployed by different GSM operators, and from differences between location technologies such as cell-based location, A-GPS and E-TDOA. The Location Gateway is already being used to deliver A-GPS location in pilot trials for a UK network operator. This enables application developers to write one set of code to obtain information from all GSM networks for current cell-based location technologies, and know that this development is future-proof. [edit] External Links |
Categories: Admin | SMS
