Location-based services

SURF is examining the possibilities of location-based services as a new type of wireless application. Location-based services are applications that use the location data of objects or people. In collaboration with institutions, SURF is examining the potential applications of location-based services in education and research.

Studenten individueel aan tafels in open ruimte met verschillende devices

Possibilities of location-based services

SURF has commissioned Location-based services voor onderwijs- en onderzoeksinstellingen into location-based services. SURF wants to answer a few questions:

  • What are the technological capabilities of indoor positioning and location-based services?
  • Which options do large Wi-Fi providers currently offer?
  • How can this be applied to education and research?
  • What privacy aspects need to be taken into consideration when implementing location-based services?

Applications with location data

Location-based services are applications that use the location data of objects or people. Their location in a building is determined via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth beacons in combination with sensors such as smartphones.

Potential applications

There are many potential applications of location-based services that are relevant to education and research institutions. For example: measuring when and where there are large groups of students, giving students access to course material when they are in a lecture hall, or helping students find the nearest empty study cubicle in the library.

Give your input on location-based services

SURF would like to work together with institutions to explore the possibilities of location-based services. If you see opportunities for implementing location-based services at your institution, please contact Florian Draisma.

More information