The Development of Location Based Services in Malaysia Ahmad Haris Abdul Halim Department of Information Science Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-7967 6385 aharis_halim@yahoo.com Sri Devi Ravana Department of Information Science Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-7967 6354, Fax: +603-7957 9249 sdevi@um.edu.my Maizatul Akmar Ismail Department of Information Science Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-7967 6324, Fax: +603-7967 6339 maizatul@um.edu.my ABSTRACT This paper discusses on the development of a Location Based Services (LBS) in Malaysia. As first of its kind, it plans to take full advantage of the data provided in our National Spatial Database Infrastructure (NSDI). The system cooperates with Open Location Service (OpenLS), which is based on web service platform as it provides suitable method to gather requested information. By using an open LBS platform, different kinds of data can be obtained from different kinds of sources. The case study involves areas in Kuala Lumpur as there are needs of implementing LBS on that area. First of all, the paper will provide a brief introduction about OpenLS and why it should be implemented. Basic architecture and core components will be discussed. With this, the role of web service can be fully understood especially when transporting XML-based data. Overview of NSDI implementation in Malaysia will also be given, in terms of standard usage and current architecture.The paper will also highlight the use of Rapid Application Design (RAD) in system design and development process. Finally, the possibilities of obtaining and handling data sharing with NSDI architecture will be a concern, in order to provide efficient data management. INTRODUCTION Location Based Services (LBS) are one of the new technologies derived from the capability of Geographical Information System (GIS) technology. An LBS is capable to provide real time data through different kinds of positioning methods. Such technology can be crucial to the public especially in developing countries because an LBS will not just enhances personal decision making, but also helps business functionality depending on its implementation strategy. By embedding this technology to mobile phone users, this kind of information can be retrieved anywhere, and more people will notice and gain benefit of this new wave technology [1]. LBS can be considered as a new platform of providing current information to the user. By capturing current location of a user, LBS has the ability to tell the user their exact location, and also provide information regarding their surroundings. Thus, it is important to maximize the capability of mobile network technology to a level where it can be reached by most people in the country. The focus of this research is to use the standard specification in providing an LBS service. The core standard is OpenLS, which specifies several guidelines that makes a system an LBS. Other standards included were Web Map Service (WMS) and other standards from Open GIS Consortium (OGC). These standards also will help to leverage the presentation of the system, which can be easily accessed on any platform. By following the specification recommended by OGC, it is also possible to overcome the problem of different data types through different Computer Aided Design (CAD) software used by providers, thus enhancing data sharing. This study may in long run help to boost user awareness on the capability and importance of such system, in providing location based information. The system would provide similar information provided by a kiosk machine in a shopping complex, but with an enhanced capability of data analysis and manipulation. It would provide a detailed presentation of the data and simplify most of the maintenance process involved. 1 PROBLEM DOMAIN The implementation of LBS is still at its infancy stage, and many may still be wondering what LBS is all about. Up until now, information such as current traffic status and weather reports are mainly available for the public use via media such as radio and television. These media would not provide users with current information, because of the data collection and summarization were done before the user requested for the information. City Hall of Kuala Lumpur (CHKL) has taken some alternatives by providing real time traffic data through its Integrated Transportation Information System (ITIS). However, still lack of information, with its only focus is for the traffic condition. Imagine how convenient it would be if users can gain access to a system that is integrated from different data sources at a single time through their mobile phones. Before this, It is tedious to get data on traffic report and landmarks that are compiled into a system if the source is not the same. Now, there exists an advanced web technology that can provide a total solution for it. Data from different systems can be integrated by using web services over the web. Web services, which uses XML as its basic foundations, makes data transformation and manipulation easier so it can be shared among different systems. The syntax of a web service can be exposed through Web Services Definition Language (WSDL), whish allows provider to publish information related to service location and its access mode. The information exchange is performed through the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), which sends and received information coded in XML through the internet. GIS has been around in the industry for quite some time in Malaysia with only a few which are open for public access, such as PLUS GIS that provides user with information about highway routes and others. Malaysian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (MyGDI), has played a major role in spatial data distribution and sharing in Malaysia for years, but are currently not ready for public accessed and custumization outside the MyGDI platform.
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