Techniques and Methods for the Collection of Location Data

...

(In-) Accuracy of GPS Measures of Smartphones: A Study of Running Tracking Applications.

6 Banks, J. (2005). RFID: Questions answered and examples. MHI. Retrieved from http://www.mhi.org/search?q=rfid

technology is very interesting because even though it was developed in 1970s7, it can easily present the future of geo-location tracking. The paper will present a case of Walt Disney World, using primarily the article by Carr, A. (2015): “The Messy Business of Reinventing Happiness”8, where RFID technology is being used. The park will serve as a micro representation of the real world. Subsequently, the paper will tackle the topic of Ultrasonic Signals and whether they can be used for collecting location data. The information on this topic is scares, however it gives room for predictions and assumptions about the future developments. The article by L.H. Newman(2016): “How to Block the Ultrasonic Signals You Didn’t Know Were Tracking You”9 is a useful start.

Afterwards, the paper will continue by presenting various tools and gadgets that collect location data: mobile phones, personal computers, tablets, smart watches, applications, etc. Which methods they use, for what reason and what are the implications?

Lastly, an important part of the paper will be the issue of privacy, since more than half of the users are unaware that they are being tracked. Additionally, they willingly share their location data on social networks, oblivious to the consequences10.

The structure is planned as following:

1. Introduction

2. Techniques and Methods for Collection of Location Data

2.1. Cell ID

2.2. WLAN

2.3. GPS

3. Possible Future Developments of Location Data Collection

3.1. RFID

3.2. Ultrasonic Signals

4. Tools and Gadgets for Collection of Location Data

4.1. Mobile Phones, PCs and Tablets

4.2. Watches and Bracelets

4.3. Apps

5. The Privacy Issue

6. Conclusion

Finally, the paper should answer the relevant questions concerning location data collection, raise important issues and give insight into future developments.

7 Banks, J. (2005). RFID: Questions answered and examples. MHI. Retrieved from http://www.mhi.org/search?q=rfid

8 https://www.fastcompany.com/3044283/the-messy-business-of-reinventing-happiness

9 https://www.wired.com/2016/11/block-ultrasonic-signals-didnt-know-tracking/

10 Andrews, L. (2013). Where’s Waldo?: Geolocation, Mobile Apps, and Privacy. Retrieved from: http://scholarship.kentlaw.iit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3332&context=fac_schol