Did you know that Wifi can be used to locate you device?
How the system works:
Any device with GPS and WiFi can be used to map a WiFi device or an access point.
First the device(most cases our phones) will collect the Access Point (wifi device) mac address (e.g 00:11:22:33:44:55) within its range then gather and combine Cellular tower data (CELL ID:0008888 - 006) together with GPS data (N10° 44.0000', W073° 10.0000) whenever it can; then once it collects these or maybe just part. it may send these data to some GPS company or organization like google maps, maps/icloud from iphone and/or other mapping application. Making Wi-Fi Positioning Possible. With the data above its also possible to make use of feature like Find your lost phone and many useful features that may aid you in times of needs.
AND yes potential trade offs like privacy and stuff. Well unless your a very high profile person you got nothing to worry.
What are the benefits of Wi-Fi Positioning System?
Well there are many some are:
- Allow device w/o GPS to get map positions like Laptops
- Faster positioning
- May allow indoor mapping like in the building
- Some cases allow you to find good hotpots in the area
- Allow positioning when GPS signal is weak or not present
Example:
Phone A (w/ GPS,Wifi,Cell Signal) sees and upload the Following data to GPS org.
- Cell data (CELL ID:0008888 - 006);
- GPS data (N10° 44.0000', W073° 10.0000)
- WIFI AP(BSSID: 00:11:22:33:44:55)
Laptop B: (only wifi) has internet access
- Open Map Application
- The application sees WIFI AP (BSSID: 00:11:22:33:44:55)
- Queries the GPS company and gets the info above
- The Map Application can now determine a certain precise location. You may see a round blue circle on the map. that means you maybe around that area
- The Application may combine more similar data to provide more accurate information base on the signal strength on the other WiFi on that area.
Read More - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_positioning_system
