Geofencing
With geofencing (word from English geographic "geographically" and fence "fence") is referred to the automated triggering of an action by the exceeding of a limit on the imaginary surface of the earth or in the air. In most cases the boundary defines a closed area so that a distinction can be made between inside and outside . For example, a notification can be triggered when entering or leaving the area. The observed object must send its position at regular intervals or enable its position to be queried from outside. This location can be determined via the mobile radio system at radio cell level or in relation to coordinates via a navigation satellite system.
Circles or rectangles can be defined as geofencing areas; however, by using polygons , complex geometries such as administrative boundaries can also be processed. The decision as to whether the observed object is inside or outside the predefined area is made with the help of a geographic information system .
The triggered action can be limited to a notification by e-mail or SMS , but in vehicles it can also be the activation of an immobilizer or a warning signal from the device that signals the user that the area has been exceeded. By using data from other sensors, the decision to trigger an alarm can be differentiated.
Depending on the complexity of the task, the data is collected and evaluated by third parties, which, particularly in the case of personal surveillance, is associated with additional data protection issues.
Applications
- Monitoring of the area of application of machines, e.g. B. when renting construction machinery, as the fees may depend on it, or as protection against theft.
- In the Apple iOS mobile operating system , you can create “location-dependent reminders”, define areas around them on a map and choose whether the reminder should be triggered when you enter or leave.
- In the case of rental cars, geofencing ensures that the vehicles are only used domestically.
- When transporting valuables, an alarm is triggered if the vehicle moves out of a corridor along the planned route.
- Limiting the airspace for drones
- Recognize whether checkpoints are reached in (time) critical transports.
- Location and target group-oriented marketing strategies of companies
- Terrain games in which a safe area must not be left or a destination has to be found like in a scavenger hunt or geocaching
Advantages and disadvantages
This technology has the following advantages:
- Companies can send personalized messages to attract customers.
- Physical locations can be represented virtually.
The following aspects are disadvantageous:
- There are data protection concerns when collecting and analyzing movement profiles .
- When consumers enter areas that are surrounded by a geo-fence due to various organizations / companies , the number of notifications increases sharply.
- costly implementation
- costly maintenance
Limits of technology
The reception of signals from navigation satellites may be disturbed inside buildings or vehicles. This makes it difficult, for example, to find stolen objects if they are transported in a closed van, or even makes it impossible to find them. The use of jamming devices can also prevent satellite reception.
By simulating signals from navigation satellites ( spoofing ), a position other than the actual position can be simulated.
In areas with poor cellular coverage, the GPS receivers used for geofencing can no longer send position reports.
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ DJI GEO: Dynamic airspace maps and registrations for no-fly zones. In: drohnen.de. November 18, 2015, accessed January 28, 2018 .
- ^ Stephan Gärtner: Geofencing and data protection: Big Mother is watching you. In: Legal Tribune Online. November 16, 2011, accessed January 28, 2018 .
- ↑ Hi- tech anti-theft protection: bodyguards for construction machinery. In: Sicherheit.info. April 3, 2009, accessed January 28, 2018 .
- ↑ Advantages and disadvantages of geofencing. In: openpr.de. Retrieved July 29, 2018 .