School of Computing and Intelligent Systems, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK; Tel: +44 2871 375565; Fax: +44 2871 375470; E-mail: kj.curran@ulster.ac.uk

Received 20 September 2005.

Abstract

Global positioning systems have enabled the accurate measurement of very large distance and in conjunction with ubiquitous Wi-Fi hotspots have enabled the widespread adoption of location-based tourism application which utilise online mapping services to provide users with accurate directions. This paper documents an 'E-Local Advisor' application which provides street maps, directions and location of local services. The application works by receiving signals from the GPS service which interact with online mapping services that are accessed through outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots. Tourists can locate places of interest, find out where they are and query the system for exact directions from one location to another.