[origo] maps is a location-based search software application for mobile devices. While exploring Hungarian cities you can quickly look up information of nearby stores and resources with a simple search. Useful searches would include ATMs, bars, museums, hair-dressers, bike stores, etc.
What makes it different from other location-based info-search applications is that it doesn't require a GPS-capable device; instead it uses cell-based positioning. The database is provided by the 197.hu information bureau so the application can access a huge database of useful information. While designing the software, one of the major goals was that it should be compatible with and enjoyable on a majority of the mobile devices available on the market today. That's why the application is designed to require very little mobile internet bandwidth and processing power. Also, this is why the application is designed to work on low-resolution and small screens. We also investigated alternate possibilities of searching without use of mobile internet.
How to use the application:
When you enter the search term the system returns a map with the closest and most relevant points of interest (POI). A maximum of ten results are given. You can navigate between these points using the device's interface. When any POI is selected, the name of the POI is written on a label next to that point. After clicking, a closer view of the POI's neighborhood is displayed. The POI selected then appears in the center of the window while all the other POI's relative positions are indicated by points on the edges of the screen. You can navigate between these points in a similar way to the previous view, that is when standing on a point you see their names, when clicking on one you are taken to its closer view. Then if you click on the selected POI - the one in the middle - an overlaid semi-transparent box appears. This box contains additional info, including the address, e-mail, website URL, a short description, opening hours.
These are the main characteristics of the J2ME application: determining the actual geographical position uses a cell-based positioning technology which is provided by a T-mobile API designed specifically for this purpose. This API can give the users' geographical coordinates away to a third party without telling information that would identify a particular user. The extra information of the POIs is provided by 197.hu's database and the maps are generated in real time by a web service from Topolisz Kft.
As part of the pilot project we implemented a prototype and produced a study describing solutions to problems concerning development, and other issues such as the interface design.
The project has been made for Magyar Telekom and Origo Zrt..
Participants:
David Dul, Milan Korsos, Andras Szalai
