Abstract: Described are methods that utilize a geographic location technology (e.g., GPS) to determine user location data, and existing network-based websites (e.g., Internet websites) for searching and accessing data related to the location data such that the user context can be developed and stored. A location component is provided that determines location data of a wireless communications device of a user. A context component is provided that accesses context data based on the location data to define a context in which the device is located. Activities, goals, and overall context of a user can be inferred through statistical fusion of multiple sources of evidence. The context data is presented to the user via the wireless device such that the user can make decisions as to where to go, for example. User preferences can be accessed and applied to filter context data according to what the user desires to see and access.

Abstract: Location position information of a mobile device utilizing Wi-Fi, FM, AM, television transmissions(s), other radio transmission(s), electromagnetic, acoustic, or other signals received from base stations or access points. The position information can be provided through a Web service and/or locally on a mobile user device. The position information can be provided with a certainty and/or uncertainty probability percentage or other perceivable means for the user to determine the expected accuracy of the location information. Also provided is a means for updating base station information to include newly detected base stations through information from a plurality of user devices, wherein each user device is given a reliance factor. User devices that have a low reliance factor are disregarded and/or scrutinized to determine accuracy prior to such information being utilized to update information. Functioning of the system can be improved through analysis of usage data and/or the additions to the database.

Abstract: The present invention leverages changes in the sensed strength of radio signals at different locations to determine a device's location. In one instance of the present invention, inference procedures are used to process ambient commercial radio signals, to estimate a location or a probability distribution over the locations of a device. In another instance of the present invention, a system utilizes learning and inference methods that are applied to rank vector of signal strength vectors. Moving to such rank orderings leads to systems that bypass consideration of absolute signal strengths in location calculations. The present invention facilitates approximations for locating a device by providing a system that does not require a substantial number of available ambient signal strengths while still providing useful location inferences in determining locations.

Abstract: Location position information of a mobile device utilizing Wi-Fi, FM, AM, television transmissions(s), other radio transmission(s), electromagnetic, acoustic, or other signals received from base stations or access points. The position information can be provided through a Web service and/or locally on a mobile user device. The position information can be provided with a certainty and/or uncertainty probability percentage or other perceivable means for the user to determine the expected accuracy of the location information. Also provided is a means for updating base station information to include newly detected base stations through information from a plurality of user devices, wherein each user device is given a reliance factor. User devices that have a low reliance factor are disregarded and/or scrutinized to determine accuracy prior to such information being utilized to update information. Functioning of the system can be improved through analysis of usage data and/or the additions to the database.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates generating a point of interest related to a map. An interface component can collect a portion of annotation data from two or more users, wherein the portion of annotation data is associated with a digital map and includes at least one of a map location and a user specific description of the map location. An annotation aggregator can evaluate annotation data corresponding to the map location on the digital map. The annotation aggregator can create a point of interest (POI) for the map location based upon the evaluation and populates the digital map with at least one of an identified location extracted from two or more users or a universal description extracted from two or more users.

Abstract: A location-centric signal shadow mapping and storing architecture that creates maps where signals, such as GPS, cannot be seen with ease because of natural or synthetic features such as groups of tall buildings. Such maps are used with other information, such as the dynamics of the sensed velocity that had been seen before the loss of the signals, to reason about the location and likely activities being carried out by one or more people. Inferences can be made based on information about organizations and services associated with structures and locations proximal to the locations where signals were lost. Also, such reasoning can be used to turn off or to reduce the power consumed by the receivers of the location information, potentially with the joint use of accelerometers to identify when significant accelerations occur.

Abstract: A method, schema and computer system for a location service provides data structures that are extensible by allowing different types of location awareness applications to retrieve and deposit location data. The method includes providing an abstract location object arranged in a schema to enable servicing a received request for a logical location of an electronic endpoint; and arranging one or more location elements within the context of the abstract location object. The location elements are configured to act as peers relative to the logical location and each location element is configured to act as a proxy relative to any other location element within the abstract location object.

Abstract: A route-planning system is described that leverages a database of observations about routes taken by drivers in a region to generate context and/or preference sensitive routes. Contextual information such as time of day and day of week, along with such findings as the observed velocities on different roads and the efficiency of trips is noted from the database of trips to inform a route generation component. The route-generation component considers velocities, contextual information, and other findings to compute preferred routes for people requesting directions from a first geographical point to a second geographical point. In one usage, properties of a driver's own prior routes are used to generate personalized routes, including routes between previously unobserved starting and ending locations. In another application, sets of observed routes of other drivers are used in a collaborative manner to generate recommended routes for a specific driver based on inferred preferences of the driver.

Abstract: A route-planning system is described that leverages a database of observations about routes taken by drivers in a region to generate context and/or preference sensitive routes. Contextual information such as time of day and day of week, along with such findings as the observed velocities on different roads and the efficiency of trips is noted from the database of trips to inform a route generation component. The route-generation component considers velocities, contextual information, and other findings to compute preferred routes for people requesting directions from a first geographical point to a second geographical point. In one usage, properties of a driver's own prior routes are used to generate personalized routes, including routes between previously unobserved starting and ending locations. In another application, sets of observed routes of other drivers are used in a collaborative manner to generate recommended routes for a specific driver based on inferred preferences of the driver.

Abstract: Individuals can be organized into travel groups in plans constructed in advance or in real-time to save resources and travel in an efficient manner. Multi-segment trips between starting points and destinations can be constructed with several vehicles, including private, public, and commercial transportation assets. Numerous requests for real-time or planned recurrent commutes by a population of users can be considered in a larger analysis that seeks to optimize one or more attributes such as vehicle usage and/or greenhouse emissions. Data concerning multiple related individuals can be gathered and analyzed—based upon the analysis, a determination can be made if it is logical to group individuals together such that they physically travel together. A transportation asset provider and/or individuals can be offered a reward to become part of the travel group and/or to perform specific tasks related to the travel group, such as using a vehicle with a certain fuel type.

Abstract: Different incentives can be provided to a user for the user to take different routes. Information related to a user's specific situation can be gathered and a reward can be associated with a route. A user can input an intended destination and different routes can be taken, where the routes have various characteristics. The route can be analyzed and a determination can be made as to what routes can be associated with a user taking a particular route. Commonly, different companies can supply rewards such that the user travels past their advertisement or makes a stop at their store.

Abstract: A user can be provided a variety of incentives to take a route that is different from a standard path in order to relieve path load balancing issues. Information on a primary path can be collected and analyzed to determine if it would be beneficial to encourage users to take an alternate path. If it is determined that users should be encouraged to take another path, then analysis of potential users can occur. A result of the user analysis can be used to select users that are offered to take the alternate path as well as an incentive offered to the user to encourage her to take the alternate path.

Abstract: Routes can be produced based on safety characteristics of paths that are included in the route. Safety characteristics can include how susceptible an area surrounding a path is to crime as well as traffic data, such as how many automobile accidents take place on average. Various amounts of safety information can be gathered and a particular path can be assigned a safety score. Analysis can run on different path combinations that would take a user from a starting point to an intended destination. A route can be produced based on the safety score alone, such as a route with a lowest score, based on the safety score with other factors such as anticipated traffic, and the like.

Abstract: Oftentimes individuals have a number of objectives to complete while traveling in a vehicle. The objectives can be arranged automatically and an associated route can be produced such that the objectives can be completed in an effective manner. Data related to the objectives can be collected such as a traffic pattern on paths near a location the objective is to take place. Locations for the objectives to be completed can be determined automatically as well as provided by user. Analysis of the collected data can take place and based on a result of the analysis, an efficient route is produced.

Abstract: A direction set can be augmented with up-to-date information such that a route to be taken by a user is changed. A user can request a direction set to take a user along a long route that minimizes cost to a user. A route can be generated using a set of known fuel prices; however, as the user travels, fuel prices can change. New fuel information can be gathered and the route can be modified based upon the gathered information.

Abstract: When users travel to an intended destination, a plurality of information can be beneficial to assist their travel. If a person is traveling to a crowded event, then information can be provided such that congested traffic areas can be provided. There can be financial opportunities available in relation to providing information concerning an intended destination. An advertiser can pay money to have information played about the advertiser when it relates to the intended destination. Furthermore, a user can pay money for detailed data concerning an intended location, such as where cheapest parking is located.

Abstract: In order to provide advertising to a user concerning an intended travel destination, an auction takes place where multiple companies place bids to have an advertisement disclosed. Bid selection can take place according to various parameters, including matching a user interest, a bidder that offers a highest price, etc. Bids can be solicited and then received—once a bid is selected for presentation, the advertisement can be received, evaluated, and then presented to a user.

Abstract: A user can intend to travel between different locations and employ different traveling manners to reach an intended travel destination. At different points, different devices can be employed for disclosing a route. For instance, as a user walks, a route can be integrated into a personal electronic device, such as a cellular telephone. An evaluation can take place that due to specific route details, for example detailed text, a particular device would be superior for presentment over another.

Abstract: As a pedestrian travels, various difficulties can be encountered, such as traveling through an unsafe neighborhood or being in an open area that is subject to harsh temperatures. A route can be developed for a person taking into account factors that specifically affect a pedestrian. Moreover, the route can alter as a situation of a user changes; for instance, if a user wants to add a stop along a route.

Abstract: A route can be generated that considers social networking information. For instance, a user can be traveling on vacation and individuals designated by a user can add comments to a route. In addition, previous journeys of user contacts can be evaluated and based upon the evaluation results, portions of a route can be constructed. Further functionality can include transferring rewards between parties for disclosing information as well as posting information on various social networking profiles.