Database Info

trace/track a GSM mobile telephones location

Hi All,
I know it is possibile to trace/track a GSM mobile telephones location all over the world.
I also know some compaines does this for chargeable service.
I am VERY interested in getting this for free! (I bet you are also).
Anyone know how to do this without empty our pockets??
Thanks,

in fact, i have the same interest.

who wouldnt love to know how to do this?

The only information you can get out of your own phone, is the ID of the basestation it is attached to. This is held in a register in the phone internals that can be read via the RIL interface.
It is also stored in the SIM. If the phone is totally powered off it will attempt to connect to the last known good base station on power on. (Quicker than sniffing around all available frequences for an suitable station.)
While a change of basestation could be detected by software running on a phone, only the Telco's database has the location of all active phones, so they can inform the basestation to contact your phone if there is an incoming call or data.
This data is theirs and theirs alone. It is valuable and confidential, hence the charge for any use of it.
In short all you can find out from your phone is where it is. But you know that anyway.

Erm... I just wrote this and then I realized that you want to track the device via GSM and not GPS. This will only work with GPS (can be activated in the background), sorry.
Just look for an application that allows you to track your device if its stolen. Some of the programs still work after changing simcard (which is not really interesting if it did not get stolen in the first place...). If everything is set up, you can easily receive a sms with the current location (you need to activate the programm by sending a sms).
If you need to know the exact position of the device like every second, you can use a jogging-trainer which logs the speed etc. But this will only store the positions on the device (you can upload them to your computer, but this can probably not be done via any wireless connection.
My english is not the best, I am sorry. But I am sure you're gonna understand everything ;D And no, I don't know any programs name because I don't use them.
XphX

Stephj, are You talking about GSM or CDMA? Because for GSM I know for sure that the Telco knows a bit more - at least it is possible to triangulate the user's approximate position using three or more base stations (and probably user's signal strength for each base station too). So the DB should hold more info about the base stations available to user's current position, as for example "ready to go base stations" or something like that.

For tracking the phone, you can try GLympse or LookOut, Look out is better if you loos your phone, it synchronize with their website, and can see the location on the phone anywhere in the world, even can delete your data from your web account on look out.

Earn money with your android device

Earn money with your phone through wifi and phone cell towers UK included.
Navizon have just released a new software version of Navimote (v1.07) for Android handsets.
Ever wondered how you could transform the miles you travel into cash in your account. Well, now you can with Navizon rewards.
When you use Navizon with a GPS device, every Wi-Fi access point and Cell tower that you pass by will be logged and turned into points on your account.
If they are discovered by you (If you are the first one to map them)
15 points for each cellular tower
3 points for each Wi-Fi access point
If they have already been mapped by someone else
(except in a few areas)
1 point for each Wi-Fi access point
2 points for each cellular tower
Once you have 10,000 points, you can redeem them for a reward, and $15 will be wired to your Paypal account (minus the Paypal fee in the amount of $0.29).
Note: You may also choose to redeem a reward for a free upgrade to Navizon Premium.
The idea is fairly simple: some users who have GPS enabled phones, or a standalone GPS device map the wireless landscape (ie. the location of Cell towers and Wi-Fi Access Points) wherever they go, so that other users who don’t have GPS will be able to use a positioning system that works independent of GPS.
Instead, location is achieved by triangulating those same Wi-Fi and/or Cellular signals, whose location is now known thanks to the "mappers."
Like in every community, there are the people who do the work and others who benefit from it.
So users who don't want to map any points, but still want the full featured version of Navizon, need to buy it.
But the money is not going in our pockets, it is going in the pockets of those who make Navizon possible, by mapping the wireless landscape wherever they go.
SetUp Instructions.........
Please uninstall the old one and search for Navimote in the market.
The new one is version 1.0.7.
When you start Navimote, click "menu".
It has the usual options (enable/disable, register token and manage account).
Under the "advanced" option you have "Reset network settings":
Use this is you can't be located - it will re-establish the connection with the server.
And you also have the new options:
Power mode:
High = Navimote will always attempt to use the GPS on, in order to collect data
Normal = Navimote will will attempt to use the GPS only when the phone is connected to an external power source. This makes sense for people who always connect the phone to a car charger when driving.
Navizon account:
Enter your Navizon username/password and you will accumulate points in your Navizon account when you collect data.
Sync:
Upload the data you have collected to the Navizon server.
Just like all other versions of Navimote, the collected cells/wifi or the number of rewarded points are not displayed on the screen - so you will have to check your rewards page on http://www.navizon.com if you want to see your points status. (You can use "manage account" to do this)
I recommend that the power mode is set to normal, and that the phone is connected to external power when you're in the car.
Upload the data every now and then (maybe once per day) and you'll see points accumulating in your account.
To collect as many points as possible, make sure that your phone is configured to let applications use the GPS, and also try to leave WiFi on when collecting.
(Power/profile managers may interfere with the GPS and the WiFi state, so if you use one of these please make sure it does not prevent Navimote from using the GPS and that it does not switch off WiFi.
I use a profile manager and have configured it to allow GPS use and switch WiFi on whenever the phone is connected to AC power. I've also configured Navimote with the "Normal" power mode and it works well.)
Sign Up Here!
Once signed up visit Android Market on your device and download Navimote. In settings you can input your username and password.
Happy earning.
EDIT: Works WorldWide!

potter1984 said:
Earn money with your phone through wifi and phone cell towers UK included.
Navizon have just released a new software version of Navimote (v1.07) for Android handsets.
Ever wondered how you could transform the miles you travel into cash in your account. Well, now you can with Navizon rewards.
When you use Navizon with a GPS device, every Wi-Fi access point and Cell tower that you pass by will be logged and turned into points on your account.
If they are discovered by you (If you are the first one to map them)
15 points for each cellular tower
3 points for each Wi-Fi access point
If they have already been mapped by someone else
(except in a few areas)
1 point for each Wi-Fi access point
2 points for each cellular tower
Once you have 10,000 points, you can redeem them for a reward, and $15 will be wired to your Paypal account (minus the Paypal fee in the amount of $0.29).
Note: You may also choose to redeem a reward for a free upgrade to Navizon Premium.
The idea is fairly simple: some users who have GPS enabled phones, or a standalone GPS device map the wireless landscape (ie. the location of Cell towers and Wi-Fi Access Points) wherever they go, so that other users who don’t have GPS will be able to use a positioning system that works independent of GPS.
Instead, location is achieved by triangulating those same Wi-Fi and/or Cellular signals, whose location is now known thanks to the "mappers."
Like in every community, there are the people who do the work and others who benefit from it.
So users who don't want to map any points, but still want the full featured version of Navizon, need to buy it.
But the money is not going in our pockets, it is going in the pockets of those who make Navizon possible, by mapping the wireless landscape wherever they go.
Sign Up Here!
Once signed up visit Android Market on your device and download Navimote. In settings you can input your username and password.
Happy earning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this only for uk? or usa as well.

Kush.Kush™ said:
is this only for uk? or usa as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its for the USA aswell sorry forgot to mention that

potter1984 said:
No its for the USA aswell sorry forgot to mention that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol iight did you get my message

Kush.Kush™ said:
lol iight did you get my message
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea thanks for that m8
Glad to have you onboard

Just to update have already started logging cell towers up, and have 4,526 points already within 3 hrs, This app is MINT!!

this stuff legit or is it hokie?

Sounds Hokie.
10000 towers thats 15 dollars for every tower in Arizona.

You'll never make 10,000 points at that rate, unless you seriously travel. And if you have the money for all of that traveling, what's 15 dollars to you?
This sounds like a good way for a company to trick a bunch of muppets into going out and field sweeping for radio sources, for them, instead of having to hire someone...

Is this each time you pass a tower you get points, or does it have to be "new" towers? So if I pass one, I can only get points for it once? Say, if I keep this on during commuting to work and back, I will only get points the first time I pass them, and then never again?

will this work in Australia?

When you pass already mapped towers, yes you still get points. Just not as much as the first time you map it.
Yes this app works world wide.
If you hit the navimote web site their faq will tell all on how it works.
And yes this is legal, the faq will tell you how the money is made
Also this app will benefit people who travel a lot in their jobs. Or very keen ramblers! Lol.

This program is great I have always used navizon or navimote.

Varking said:
Is this each time you pass a tower you get points, or does it have to be "new" towers? So if I pass one, I can only get points for it once? Say, if I keep this on during commuting to work and back, I will only get points the first time I pass them, and then never again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think You owe me a Copy right appology!!!
Y you say??
Next time make your OWN post, dont just copy and paste, Its lazy, and just shows how intelligent your are, Ctrl + a, Ctrl + c, Ctrl + v.
Are you telling me thats all you can muster??
NOT COOL BRO NOT COOL.....................................

I tried this app, but just didn't understand how to see if you earned any points...After about a 2 hour drive, I went to sync my account and it said there was nothing to sync. I love the idea, just can't get it to work.

oMenaceTigero said:
I tried this app, but just didn't understand how to see if you earned any points...After about a 2 hour drive, I went to sync my account and it said there was nothing to sync. I love the idea, just can't get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sync on the app is not nesseccary the app automatically sends the info off!. The Sync option is their incase you have no data connection, so upload when you get home.
You can check the points you have earnt from the web interface, but it takes a few hours to show up on the site.
Check your account on the web, If you have set it up properly then the points will be their

Just an update....
i had had my First £15 back today!! Woop Woop, 2weeks 1 day from installing the app.
Hope everyone else will follow suit soon

Tell Me Some New Ways if any?
Suggestion: Tell Me Some New Ways if any, that will increase interest of reading your Thread,
Thank you,

Quick GPS fix. From Samsung!

Samsung just wrote that apparently the use wireless networks, which is the option above use gps satellites must be selected to get proper locks.
I was skeptical because i just assumed that when I went exploring I selected it, but it actually wasn't.
Put it on, and agreed to the disclaimer and then right away the maps got my location and the live wallpaper map got my location.
you'll get an email saying google knows where you are and yeah its pretty ****ty that you have to do this, but it does work. at least for me.

not a real fix, I've had that on forever and still dont get a proper lock

Confirming that this does seem to work. It might merit mentioning that I've also messed around with my GPS settings quite a bit as well.
Regardless, I got a lock within two seconds after opening Google Maps. Cheers!
-deuX`

The phone used networks to locate you. Not GPS.

PuffinNugz said:
The phone used networks to locate you. Not GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, good to know. Thanks for the info!
-deuX`

This is to assist in the GPS lock. This is not a fix.

True it isn't a real fix, hence the "quick" fix in the title.
it's just another way to help maps get a lock.
obviously this won't help in no service zones but if you're using the data anyways might as well use it to help.
plus it unlocks all the fun location based services, and that maps live wallpaper is pretty freakin sweet!

This will only give you the location of the nearby cell tower. Unless you live under the cell tower all the time, I don't think this is useful. It might be useful for things like check the nearby stores and attractions. But will not give you navigatable fixes and does not speed up your GPS lock. If you're using Google maps, try to zoom out, and you will notice a big circle. Your location is anywhere inside that circle.
That's Samsung tip is pure BS and Engadet should be ashamed to even believe in that BS.

I not only allowed the use of wireless networks for location, but also changing the GPS setting to MS Based to allow for simultaneous use of triangulation and assisted GPS... before this change I NEVER got a successful GPS lock...after I changed the settings I finally can get a GPS lock after about about 3 minutes with direct line of sight outdoors.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

foxbat121 said:
This will only give you the location of the nearby cell tower.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite. its actually doing cell tower triangulation, using the signal of all nearby towers your phone sees. In the city, this can be pretty accurate and is rarely off by more than a couple blocks. To see the accuracy, turn off GPS and click 'locate me' in google maps. The blue circle around your location shows the margin of error. The more towers you are in range of, the more accurate the fix.
As far as helping GPS, all this location can really do today is help you grab the most appropriate gps almanac/ephemeris info - if youve got an internet connection. I suppose it could possibly also be used in conjunction with the gps error in some kind of a filter to improve accuracy, but as far as I know that is not being done.

I actually started getting quicker locks with just using the GPS and having the wireless networks unchecked

Just an update:
I changed the SUP/LCP setting to Auto-config and the Operation mode to MS Based. I tend to get a gps lock within a minute or two with it sitting on my dashboard. I also tried it with the"Use wireless networks" setting turned off and it worked the same.
Also, I did try out the MS Assisted SUP/LCP setting and I was able to get GPS signal while indoors, but it was less accurate all around.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I'm not saying it's completely 100% accurate, but much in the same vein that an iPod Touch can get a location using just the wi-fi this is using much the same.
it uses whatever a-gps it can and then it helps with the cellular data. triangulation. it's useful and if it keeps getting me a signal then its all good

GPS Fix - new possible settings

This might be my first post ever, however, long time lurker on the boards.
I think I have a potential fix for the GPS issue with the Captivate. I don’t think this is the same as the “quick fix” found elsewhere on these and other the boards. I am not sure what (if any) 'side effects' there are to this.
My phone previously had the AT&T/Samsung fix from late September applied, although it didn’t seem to help.
Get to the Lbs test menu; previous available through *#*#1472365#*#*. However, if you previously installed the recent AT&T/Samsung (supposed fix) for the Captivate, you can’t get to the menu through the dialer. Use Anycut from market to get to the Lbs test screen.
My GPS now gets a great lock about 30 seconds.
BTW, I am not root….
YMMV. You should record your original settings prior to making these changes, just in case you need to revert.
Standard Disclaimer; I am not at fault for any issues this causes your device…..
Now, down to the settings that I use:
In Lbs test menu:
I “deleted GPS data”
Application Settings
– Session Type: Tracking
– Test Mode : S/W Test
– Operation Mode: MS Based
– Start Mode: Cold Start
– GPS Plus: Off
– Dynamic Accuracy: On
– Accuracy: 50
– Use Skyhook: Off
– Use PC Tool: Off
SUPL/CP Settings
- Server FQDN Type: Auto Config
- Server [leave what is autopulated]
- Server Port [leave was is autopopulated]
- Supl Secure Socket: On
- AGPS Mode: SUPL
Reboot.
Use GPS Test from Market, or the The “Get Position Test” menu from Lbs screen to validate.
WIFI Problem:
One thing I have noticed is that depending on the settings above, wifi (if on) sometimes inhibits the ability to see more than 1 satellite. I think the problems with GPS are overall related to Wifi in some way.
If you do not have luck with above settings, turn wifi off and see what happens.

I only had to change a couple of the settings but this is working nicely so far...Ill try again over the next day or so in various situations and report back.
Changed:
Op Mode to MS Based
Start Mode to Cold
Turned off GPS Plus
Secure Socket to off
Thanks!

I'll admit some of this seems counter-intuitive, but at this point anything is worth a shot.I'll let you know how it goes!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

You don't need to download anything to access the Lbs test. Just type *#*#3214789650#*#* in the dialer and you will get access. Works with JH7 and Froyo.

Before anyone else reads this and declares their GPS fixed, they should read at least the first post of this thread completely. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789383 If you understand what is being said by that post, then you can offer GPS solutions. The only thing you have changed is AGPS settings. While those settings will get you a lock, they don't help out with accuracy. If you really want to test your GPS, you have to turn off the use wireless networks feature, take it outside and see how well it works then.
Everything that has been said in this thread has been said elsewhere and is not a solution.

Nope, it's definitely not fixed...but it did give me a better lock than before. Same old...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Well if its not a fix then it is most definitely better...I can get a lock in ~20 seconds where as before it might not even come close.

l7777 said:
Before anyone else reads this and declares their GPS fixed, they should read at least the first post of this thread completely. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789383 If you understand what is being said by that post, then you can offer GPS solutions. The only thing you have changed is AGPS settings. While those settings will get you a lock, they don't help out with accuracy. If you really want to test your GPS, you have to turn off the use wireless networks feature, take it outside and see how well it works then.
Everything that has been said in this thread has been said elsewhere and is not a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Additionally, a lock is not enough to say it works. Take it for a drive along with another GPS device - use Google my tracks or some other tool to record your path. Even use GPS test and watch your MPH, direction and location.
You will find that it is not fixed. It works OK sometimes, but many times it is behind or inaccurate.

msinkovich said:
Well if its not a fix then it is most definitely better...I can get a lock in ~20 seconds where as before it might not even come close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to do that every week as your cached GPS data expires. And you can literally use any settings as long as you can use the lbstestmode to accquire a lock. That's all you need to do (accquire your first lock and it will cache the data for 5 to 7 days).

Any "fix" that involves "settings" isn't a "fix" at all since it demonstrates an utter lack of what the real problem is and how GPS fundamentally works.
The real "fix" won't come in the form of settings. Any purported settings "fix" is snake oil.

I've given up on GPS a while ago.
It's a fringe feature anyway.

I never have "use wireless networks on" and gps works good enough. It may not be perfect but everytime ive used it it has got me where i need to go no problems. It may jump off track or be slow to turn for a second but it still gets me to wherever just fine.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

If I read this correctly your turning off skyhook ? I read this http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/, and to me you need it turned on for urban areas and in the city need wi-fi turned on because of the occlusions caused by buildings and such...?
Mac

roadrash7 said:
I never have "use wireless networks on" and gps works good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That option has nothing to do with GPS. 'Use Wireless Networks' is actually quite useful for location aware apps like Google Maps, Places, Speed Test etc. where an accurate but slow GPS lock may not be needed (or even possible if you're underground or inside a concrete building). This option enables those apps to use cell tower or wi-fi signal trianglation to get a quick estimation of your current location so that apps can give you relavent information, i.e. nearby gas stations or resaurants. It has nothing to do with aGPS either.

MikeyMike01 said:
I've given up on GPS a while ago.
It's a fringe feature anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to be kidding saying its a feature right? I can't believe how many say that its a feature and that it is ok that Samsung is screwing them ( along with placebo updates) . I myself love and would like a Galaxy S phone or even the new Focus 7, but its looking like it too has GPS issues from early reports with the Omnia 7.
I know most of you guys are already locked in with your carrier and don't have much choice with the GPS issue but its not a feature, its a valuable function just like placing calls, sending emails, texting, etc.. If you don't care about this, then you should of bought a Razor flip phone.
I have been keeping up with this because I really want to see Samsung resolve this and make right.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

So the only reason you need a phone is for the GPS? Otherwise just stay with my 1996 model flip phone? Just...wow!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I think their point is that it is an advertised function of the phone and we would like to work properly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

GimpyLeg said:
So the only reason you need a phone is for the GPS? Otherwise just stay with my 1996 model flip phone? Just...wow!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My reasons for a working GPS are as follows:
Pinpoint your location, get turn-by-turn directions to restaurants, businesses and other destinations, location-based mobile games, social networking sites, real-time position tracking, lost or stolen phone tracking, etc., etc., etc..
What I am saying is just quit making excuses for Samsung and demand what you paid for! There are people on here who would really like for their GPS to be working and rightfully so.

Oh, I agree that it should work as advertised. Can't say Samsung is ' screwing' me because they can't get it right. Would have bought the phone if I knew about it beforehand anyway. There are many other features that led me to the Cappy. Samsung does need to fix the problem and I hope they do so soon. Buy I won't try discourage anyone from Samsung products in the meanwhile.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

wsantiagow said:
My reasons for a working GPS are as follows:
Pinpoint your location, get turn-by-turn directions to restaurants, businesses and other destinations, location-based mobile games, social networking sites, real-time position tracking, lost or stolen phone tracking, etc., etc., etc..
What I am saying is just quit making excuses for Samsung and demand what you paid for! There are people on here who would really like for their GPS to be working and rightfully so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The solution to the GPS problem is quite simple, but most people still don't see it.
If 100% accuracy and < 10 second fixes are more important to you than the rest of the Galaxy S features, then you do not want a Galaxy S phone. Either return the one you have or don't buy it. For most people, that good of a GPS is a bonus and not a requirement.
The GPS problems are not undocumented, anyone reading any reviews for the phone will realize that the GPS is not as good as other devices. Even if they don't realize it before they buy it, they have 30 days to return it. Samsung may or may not ever get the problem worked out since phones have such a short life cycle. *****ing about it in thread after thread, online petitions, and idle threats of legal action will have absolutely no impact on Samsung.

Receiving Weather using GPS Only?

Hey guys.
So I have a friend that says he can receive Weather on his Samsung Galaxy phone using GPS Only and that all phones should be able to. I have searched Google and Bing and everywhere and can't find anything... All I can find is apps that basically download the forecast when you are connected to the internet but Oklahoma weather is always changing and that doesnt work.
Anyone know of a way to do this?
Being part of a Scout troop, we go on camp-outs a lot and in fact just got back from one last night. Nobody had service the entire time as we were about 15+ miles from a nearby cell tower, campsite was down in the valley area, and was touring around between caves.

The only thing that bothers me with this, is you need data to download (& update the current) forecast from the weather service provider the app uses. Sure, some apps need GPS only..such as a mapping app or a compass that shows your coordinates along with the heading.
What is the name of the app your friend has? Maybe the app uses the barometric sensor to (sort of) predict the coming weather? My Galaxy Note 3 has that sensor to show air pressure. Changing air pressures are a good start to predicting the weather, so maybe this is it??

I have no clue.

You need data. Some map apps work with GPS only, but that's only because the maps have been downloaded before hand. GPS can tell you where you are, but not where you are, if you get my meaning. A weather app, whether it needs maps or simply just receives bulletins, needs data. In some areas you might be able to receive alerts through your phone (including Amber alerts and presidential stuff) without data, if you're still with in range of telephony signal. But that's not the same.
Your friend is either mistaken of full of crap (I'd lean toward mistaken - I can't see why anyone would deliberately lie about that). I think your best bet would be to take an emergency AM/FM/NOAA radio with you. I believe the Boy Scouts have a motto this sort of thing.