How Does Google's MyLocation Really Work?

While the video says it uses algorithms and implies it contains some sort of signaling smarts, that's not possible without access to network RF GIS data or network timing information.  Could MyLocation be more inline with an involuntary crowdsourcing technique like this?  Yikes GSM Carriers,... watch your back bros!   

Comments

[thomas landspurg]

I am 100% convinced that's the way Google created his cellId database outside the US.

You can experiment it easily: find an area where that is not yet covered in terms of CellID. Then use GoogleMap on N95 with GPS enabled, and go back to the CellID mode only: the area start to be located....

[giovanni barolo]

http://skyhookwireless.com/press/skyhookapple.php

[Jon]

Ted Morgan - care to comment?

[Ted Morgan]

Skyhook is the Wi-Fi location engine behind the iPhone and the iPod touch. Google's cell tower based positioning is a separate system and Apple has combined the two on their devices. Check out the youtube video below to see the Man himself describe how they are using the two systems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F624yzZ0Ysc

Having said that you should expect to see Skyhook play in role in cell tower positioning in the very near future.

[Rainer]

BTW the crowdsourcing is not exactly "involuntary": In fact the terms of use on the info screen (the one that pops up every time you switch on 'My Location' on Google Maps Mobile) does give clear information that location data is being uploaded to Google to "make the service better" or something like that.

I agree though - the explanation is anything but explicit about what's actually happening under the hood.