There was recently an article on CNN about a service called Trapster that allows users to share real-time locations of speed traps.
Subscribers are able to use the service using cellphones or PDAs and it has been integrated into Dash Navigation devices. Due to time sensitivity requirements, Trapster combines WiFi technology (provided by Skyhook Wireless) with GPS to provide instantaneous locations. This likely allows Trapster to perform near populated areas due to WiFi coverage.
The service appears to free, though it is unclear how the site makes money since there aren’t any advertisements on its website.
It could be interesting to see what Trapster will do with its historical record of speed traps, future versions may be able to predict where speed traps will be, based on prior reports. This information could be especially valuable on infrequently used roads and areas with less WiFi coverage.
It appears the technology behind Trapster could easily be used for more benevolent purposes, perhaps other services could be able to alert local police/firefighters of accidents, crimes, or fires.
Representatives of Trapster contend that one of the benefits of a service like Trapster is that it will get people to slow down. While this view could be considered arguable, it’s certain that this is the beginning of spatial social networks.
Tags: CNN · Dash Navigation · location based services · Networked GPS · Wifi · WiMaxNo Comments
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