Search

This paper presents the results from a study where 3D city maps is used on mobile computers. The aim of this study is to get feedback from the users on how they experience the use of 3D maps as an interface in search for tourist information. To do this an application is developed that use a 3D map for routing and way finding. The application is tested on a group of boat tourists in the harbour of Tønsberg (Norway). The results showed that a rather large group of people found the use of 3D maps valuable both as a navigational tool and as a tool for geographic orientation. In the paper, also some technical issues that enable the transmission of 3D maps in a wireless network and its use on mobile devices, is also discussed. The research is carried out as part of the EU-Project TellMaris (1ST 2000-28249) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the mobile Internet is still quite small. However, with GPRS and MMS, the anticipated growth has started. Still very few have tried location based services, but survey results indicate that there is a clear interest in location based services, particularly travel services that make use of location information. A key issue in this paper is who should control access to location information according to the users of mobile services and advanced mobile phones? This has implication for services such as a prototype for controlling access to location information described in the second part of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vision of nomadic users having seamless, worldwide access to a range of tourist services seems within reach, within only a few years from now. While much of the underlying technology is already available, there are challenges with respect to usability that need intelligent solutions. CRUMPET has realized a personalized, location-aware tourism service, implemented as a multi-agent system with a concept of service mediation and interaction facilitation. The system has been validated in terms of technical and user-perceived qualities at four European trial sites. This paper reports the findings of the user validation and draws conclusions concerning mobile tourism services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survey results show that travelers with e-commerce experience are among the early users of mobile Internet services. The members of this segment seem to be relatively willing to share personal information on the Internet. It can be hypothesized that in most case the individual does not experience misuse of this information. In the mobile environment, location based service are now starting to appear. The user of the mobile phone will then be aware of the fact that others will know his/her location. Hence, the question of how users can make privacy decisions in this new mobile environment is important.- In the paper, a prototype of a new service is described. This service or application gives the user the control over to whom information about his or her location is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourists are increasingly using various sources in order to collect tourism information before and during their trip. The upcoming third-generation (3G) mobile services will offer targeted information according to the location that will support travellers' flexible behaviour. This study identifies the travel information needed by travellers using mobile phones and wireless devices (mTravellers) during their visit to a tourism destination. The needs of mTravellers are first extracted through an exploratory survey, followed by a quantitative study to assess the usefulness and the best offering (price and presentation) of the location-based travel and tourism services. Finally, an attempt is made to detect the influence of these services on destination information providers, mainly Destination Management Systems (DMS). It is concluded that the value of mobile travel solutions lies in increasing the offering across the travel activity chain by providing wireless real-time useful information and services, combining tourism products, transportation networks and navigation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]