Google Maps Mobile has recently introduced an improved version of its Google Maps application. It is now possible to display your approximate location on your Google Maps Mobile and that without having to have a GPS plugged on to your mobile phone.

How does that work?

Google Maps Mobile will determine your position using your wireless carrier’s mobile network antennas. So it is not only a Jack Bauer/24 spy thing anymore. Using triangulation technology Google Maps can establish your approximate location. Evidently this technology is less accurate than a true GPS but nevertheless it still allows you to figure out your general location.

All you have to do to activate this function within Google Maps Mobile is press the « 0 » on your keypad or use the menu button and select « My Location » to instantly display your location on the map. A circle will be displayed on the map and once the triangulation completed you will see appearing a blue dot at its centre. The dot represent your “relative” location. Your exact location is within the defined circle.

Google Maps Mobile should display your location in a radius of 1 to 2 kilometres. Since this application is still in development the precision performances should improve in the coming months. If you already have Google Maps Mobile on your wireless phone you will need to download and install the newest version to benefit from this great new functionality. Google Maps Mobile works with regular wireless phones that have web browsing capabilities and most recent Smartphones. The installation of Google Maps Mobile is made directly to your phone through its Internet Browser. While the Google Maps Mobile application is free of charge, using its functionality does require data download.

By Benoit Descary

And Yves L̩vesque РTranslation and adaptation.

Links :

Google Maps Mobile: www.google.com/gmm
Source: Google Blog
More details on this technology: My Location