Time-shifted positioning for location-based logging in mobile devices

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the viability and possible limitations of a time-shifted positioning process for location-based logging in which we want to annotate certain events registered on a mobile phone with location data. Instead of estimating the position when the event occurs, the system stores the radio and Wi-Fi data. At some later stage, this data is passed to a server that transforms it into the respective position. This shifting of the moment of positioning avoids frequent communications, saving energy and possibly communication costs. We have conducted a controlled experiment to assess the accuracy of the positions obtained with this process and interestingly, they seem to suggest that the approach is not only viable, but also more accurate than the positions obtained in real-time.