iZone: A Location-Based Mobile Social Networking System

TL;DR

iZone is a mobile social networking system that leverages location data and GIS technologies to provide social services on smartphones, enhancing personalized user experiences.

Contribution

This paper introduces the design and prototype implementation of iZone, integrating mobile GIS, LBS, and J2ME for location-based social networking.

Findings

Successful integration of GIS and LBS in a mobile platform

Prototype demonstrates real-time location-based social services

Enhances personalized social interactions on smartphones

Abstract

The rapid development of wireless technology, the extensive use of mobile phones and the availability of location information are facilitating personalized location-based applications. Easy to carry, easy to use and easy to buy, smart phones with certain software are of great advantage. Consequently, mobile social networking (MSN) systems have emerged rapidly, being a revolution for our everyday life. Based on the analysis of general requirements of MSN and location-based services (LBS), this paper presents the design of iZone, a mobile social networking system, as well as a prototype implementation. This platform exploits mobile GIS (Geographic Information Systems), LBS and J2ME technologies, combining geographical data to display map on mobile phones. It can provide a number of social networking services via smartphones.