Development of SMS-based G2I System to Generate Reference GIS Maps for Real Time Vehicle Tracking Applications

In this paper details of development and applications of a navigation system known as GPS-GSM Integrator (G2I) are presented. G2I system consists of two modules namely In Vehicle Module (IVM) and Control Room Module (CRM). The IVM is micro controller based system equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) modem. The CRM consists of a Personal Computer (PC) and GSM mobile phone. Relevant software is developed for obtaining position information of vehicle. Drive tests are conducted with G2I system (in different modes) for cellular coverage area determination and for developing comprehensive digital reference Geographical Information System (GIS) maps in real time vehicle tracking. During these tests, the Received Signal Strength Indications (RSSI) of the cellular signal at various locations (latitude and longitude) in urban and rural regions are recorded and coverage area classification is done. The developed G2I system would be helpful for implementation of Location Based Services (LBS) of Third Generation (3G) communications