| Explanation | CellDB.org | Demo | Download | Setup | Information |
How does it work?
GG-Tracker tracks your mobile using GSM Cell-location in combination with GPS. It uses both GPS and GSM networks to get a position. If only GSM is available it relies on location previously stored using a GPS receiver or the CellDB.org database. This product is in a developmental phase and is only here to show you how it can be done.
The operation is very simular to Google Maps 'My location', only this time you are in control. If a GPS receiver is connected it does two things, it stores the current position and the GSM cell the phone is connected to.
This position is relayed from your phone to your server using internet. The packages are pretty small to keep costs as low as possible. Personally I use Aspicore GSM Tracker to relay those positions back to me. They are then captured by a modified version of the Aspicore PHP files.
If the GPS is not connected anymore it checks the database for previously known coordinates of the GSM cells. When it was connected to GPS the program stored the GSM cells, so all it does, is look back and see if there is a proper fit. As a backup the CellDB.org database can be used to retrieve the location. If it finds a fit, it reports that as a position, meaning that GPS is not necessary anymore for positioning.
If you like to compare GPS results with GSM results please see the documents 'GG-Tracker, no GPS' and 'GG-Tracker with GPS'. It shows a picture of the same travel with and without GPS. Please be aware that everything is experimental and that GSM positioning is as precize as GPS positioning, but it is faster and not everybody has a GPS attached to their mobile phone.
What is this CellDB.org database?
CellDB is an open database which links the cells that make up mobile networks, to their location. Cell locations can be used for location deteminence of mobile handsets. Currently, most applications create their own cell database. Their philosophy is that these applications should compete on features, not on cell coverage. If they use a common database, all applications will work better, enhancing the user experience. That's why they build an open database, that any application can use.
Demo with live data
Some other things
- See my current position (only the map)
- See my current position (plain text)
- List last 100 positions
- Screenshots
Where to download?
GG-Tracker is now ready to download and install for your own use. Please check the text files that come with this installation to ensure a swift installation.
What do I need to make it work?
Please find my personal setup below, as this project is still in a test phase I can not garantee you that it will work. GG-Tracker itself is licensed under the GNU license, meaning its free for all users to share and change.
- Nokia N73 cellphone (probably any Symbian v60 3rd edition phone will do)
- Aspicore GSM Tracker (for your phone)
- GG-Tracker (download up here)
- Webserver including PHP and MySQL
More information
Aspicore - http://www.aspicore.com
This company is the inventor of the "Aspicore GSM Tracker", I have borrow some of
their PHP code and rebuilt it to suit my own situation. This is a great place
if you like to start building your own GSM / GPS tracker.
CellDB - http://www.celldb.org/CellDB is an open database which links the cells that make up mobile networks, to their location. A very easy to use API is available as well for integration.
GSM-Tracker.com - http://www.gsm-tracker.com/
GSM-Tracker is a free and user supported, mobile location service.
GSM-Tracker can help you locate your current geographical location using your mobile phone.
Also, you can use additional services, such as finding friends, points of interest, etc.
Kind regards,
Ebo Eppenga
Without these organizations GG-Tracker wouldn't be alive:
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