Google To Launch Large Scale Geo-Services

Our sister publication Techcrunch UK noticed that a Location services API had been added to Google Gears. The developers behind Gears have been plotting out future API additions for a while, and those plans have included having Geo data available to mobile app developers. We found out today that Google are backing up their Location API with a large effort to map out cell-phone towers and wifi hotspots, so that a users location can be pin-pointed more precisely.

While some cell-phones have an internal GPS, the data is inaccurate indoors and not available on all devices. The alternate method for more accurate location data is to use cell-phone signal strength and tower locations in a triangulation process. Google have been using a company called Skyhook to drive around and pinpoint cell-tower locations, which can then be used to calculate a more accurate location for a user (Apple also have a deal with Skyhook, and we believe also with Google). By using this method Google bypasses the need to have deals in place with network providers for positioning data. In addition to cell-phone towers, Google are also mapping out wifi locations in a large rogue base station almanac, which is used for both additional accuracy in location calculations, and also to point users to the nearest available access point.

Once the database has been boot-strapped with initial data and launched to developers via an API, users of the service will further refine and improve the service by having devices submit information on towers and signal strength (along with location) back to Google. This means that over time, the service improves itself and will be able to work almost anywhere in the world, regardless of local regulations, network providers or restrictions.

It is expected that the service and associated data will be made available for free to developers using Google Gears (specifically the new Windows Mobile version). For developers of mobile applications, it means that they now have a very accurate way of not only calculating a users position, but also an easy way to pinpoint other locations as a basis for a location-based service.

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