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Oldenlame t1_j0gfrwf wrote

Google has been using cell tower locations and wifi hotspot data to improve positioning for years.

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Dragon_Fisting t1_j0gjrzx wrote

The difference is that this system is sending its own triangulating signals. Google just uses the cell tower or access point you're connected to and approximates your location based on the range of that signal.

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Oldenlame t1_j0gmrby wrote

Yes, in the experiment they are adding an additional layer to the system while Google does the same thing with already available resources. Also Google through Android uses more than the tower and access point you are using, it uses any in range as well as gps. It's a evolving technology called SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). As an added benefit Google then uses phone location data of Android users to map traffic patterns in real time. Early GPS and older LORAN systems did kind of the same thing by listening for airport beacons and time signal radio transmitters as their signal contained their identity and their location was precise and publicly available. Makes me wonder if it would be worth it to have a receiver for airport beacons and maritime radio buoys to boost localization.

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