A framework for dynamic location-based services via Web services

Current LBS applications present the Point of Interests (POIs) to mobile users as static icons displayed on a location map. In this case the mobile users can not differentiate between open and closed service points. Meanwhile, the size of the transferred file is too big as it includes the location map which is usually represented in a picture format. The developed Dynamic LBS (DLBS) eliminates these two problems by differentiating between open and closed POIs and the backend server needs just to send the position of the POIs. The paper presents a framework for dynamic location-based services. Specifically, the authors improve upon existing location-based services by: reducing third-party map services, affording users with updated POI information, and, lastly, affording service points to update POI data via web-based interfaces. This paper presents the design and the implementation of a work-in-progress DLBS application running on Java handsets as the frontend device getting its GPS signal through a GPS Bluetooth mouse, and communicating with a local gateway using Web services installed in the College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University through the GSM network and Web services. The developed system consists of front-end, backend and service providers. This paper provides an overview of current research and practical applications for this technology.