Cellular mobile devices and Google Maps can be used to provide fast and accurate localization without GPS. Using a database of cell coordinates, the location of an object can be precisely determined.
The cell names, coordinates, and the maximum distance allowed between the cell and the phone before it switches towers must be known first in order to find the position. That information can be compared to cell databases provided by Google, cell phone companies, or even open source projects. Because the circular coverage of a cell is already known, the location of the cell phone can be determined.
Open Electronics has a full series on localization techniques with GSM cellular devices.
Seeed has just come out with a GPRS shield using the new SIM900 module.
http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/gprs-shield-p-779.html?cPath=132_134
Hi MichaelZ,
we also developed a easy GSM shiled with a library.
Check it at http://www.open-electronics.org/arduino-gsm-shield/
Sorry about that I forgot about that one. I like your GSM Module. http://www.open-electronics.org/gsm-remote-control-part-6-gsm-module/
Since I live very close the Seeed and Iteed I reference them.
BTW I was the one who referred the Position location with GSM cellular to DP.
Thank you. I know Seeed and I think their GSM board is very nice.
Mine is very simple but the GSM library is very interesting. I modified the HW Kitchen library.
I would like to talk to you offline. I will contact you by way of http://www.open-electronics.org