Facebook App Takes Advantage Of Cell Tower Triangulation

I came across a new Facebook application today called FindMe that relies on cellular tower triangulation to allow it’s user to “tag” locations they frequent, and transmit the location data to their Facebook profile.

When users are at a specific location like home, work, restaurants, etc. they can use their cell phone to tag the location. The software then notes the position of your cell phone by “pinging” nearby cellular towers to get a relatively close approximation of the users location. In the future, when the user is at a “tagged” location, it displays that location in the user’s profile to let their friends and colleagues know where their at.

When user’s aren’t at a tagged location, they show as “unknown” in their profile, so the user has complete control over what information is shared in their profile. You can even “go dark” to turn off your location reporting at any time as well. Since the app doesn’t rely on GPS like other location-based services, it can be used by almost any phone. It looks like it’s suited mainly for Blackberry and Windows Smartphone devices as per their website, but since any phone can ping cell towers to get a location, I’m sure i’ll soon be available across the board.

Another feature is the ability to attach zip codes or address information to your tagged locations to allow your friends to easily find you once they know where your at. Great for on the spot meetings, etc.

I’m glad companies and developers are starting to develop apps and services using triangulation. It seems like such an untapped resource for location-based services only because it opens up the possibilities for almost any mobile device made.