The term GPS, or Global Positioning System, is fairly common these days. Many people have purchased these systems for their cars to help them navigate unfamiliar routes and they are becoming more commonly used in large companies that have large fleets of cars or trucks.

But what about those people who do not own cars? Or those who have just moved to a new and unfamiliar city? With the advent of new technology, these people can now have the same type of navigation help through their cell phones.

Some higher end cell phones are equipped with GPS but this greatly increases the price. However, with the new technology and software available today, you can still determine your location by using your cell phone, even if it does not have GPS. This option helps keep the cost of cell phones low while still providing additional security and a navigation service to the user.

Traditional GPS receives information from satellites circling the earth. Cell phones can get similar location information by using software that triangulates signals broadcasted from Wi-Fi access points and cell towers. Triangulation is simply a way of determining location based on the location of other things. By knowing the location of various wi-fi networks and cell towers, algorithms can be used to determine exact locations very effectively.

Collecting this wi-fi and cell tower data requires a collaborative effort on the part of local cell phone users or companies looking to offer location based services. Cell phone users who have GPS devices can map the cellular landscape of their neighborhoods and send the information to a central server. Once the information is analyzed and processed the locations of base stations identified by cell id can be determined, and this location data served back to other mobile users. Alternatively companies can employee fleets of drivers who collect the cell id data using specialist equipment.

With the user route for example once users have downloaded the specialist software, their GPS cell phones record the locations of any cell towers or wi-fi access points they pass. No extra driving or traveling is necessary and the cell user does not have to do a thing, not even push a button. While running simple errands around town, their phone works to record these locations. They are then uploaded to a server for non GPS capable phones to determine their own position from the data.

Using this type of system of collecting the cell id data yourself avoids the need to become a member of a network such as Navizon or Skyhook which may be cost prohibitive for the smaller business. There are also open source efforts such as OpenCellID however the issue with these is that coverage may be limited, but with the right software you (the local business) can help expand the database to the benefit of being able to offer your own location based services in that area. More and more people also rave about the benefits of having navigation capabilities even though they may not own cars. They make finding your way around a crowded city much easier and less stressful.

Using a cell phone as a navigation tool is increasing in popularity and has many benefits. Not only can you find your way around any metropolitan city in the world but it gives the user some added sense of security knowing they can find their way to safety by doing a quick navigation search. Parents can also have peace of mind knowing their teenagers have instant access to maps should they get lost while driving or out with friends.