Location tracking using mobiles soon

HYDERABAD: MapWorld Technologies, a GIS and GPS based solutions provider, is developing an SMS-based application integrated with a Global Position System (GPS) for location tracking of vehicles and employees.

The proposed application is expected to be available in the market by end November 2005.

G S Kumar, chairman, MapWorld Technologies said, “We have similar area-based applications based on wireless radio communication, which give general output indicating just the location and not the exact point. Besides, it turns out to be expensive too.”

According to MapWorld, the applications main map would be deployed on a central system and inputs would be loaded on to the employees' mobile handset. “It's a two-way communication. While users can still use it as a communicating tool, it also sends the employer, the specific location in the form of a pixel on the central system,” said Kumar.

He further added that since the input from the mobile handset to the computer is SMS-based it will cost relatively cheaper. “While traditional systems will cost around Rs 50,000, we intend to price our application at around Rs 25,000,” explained Kumar.

Presently, MapWorld has maps database consisting of 16 Indian cities and the company is targeting transport companies, retail, manufacturing, automotive and other sectors, who have field personnel in large numbers. It is planning to make the application commercially available by end of November 2005.