Location-based social networking information services in university campus

Abstract

Location Based Services (LBS) and Social Networking Services (SNS) are two increasingly popular service systems which have been widely used in various applications. We offer an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the two different systems. Based on this analysis, we propose an effective approach to bridge these two different systems and demonstrate its applicability in providing a more intelligent set of campus information services. Our research focuses on constructing a platform on which teachers and students on campus can better exchange location based information. The proposed information system consists of four modules: a user information system to manage users' personal information, a 3D campus map system to provide the exact location information of various services in campus, an information navigation system which offers a more reasonable information classification, a location information management system which not only serves as an information distribution platform but also allows users to add comments and information on the campus location themselves. Our system has come into use for one year and has served hundreds of students and teachers in Tsinghua University.