Twitter & GPS System - Coursework Example

GPS vs. Map Utilizing a GPS system is similar to using a paper map, but may vary in results. The outcome in both cases is disrupted by human error and the malfunction of secondary devices. A group that prepares to navigate and find places with a map may encounter some difficulty. First a group must convert given points of decimals into degrees. This mathematical development will more than likely have to be initiated with a device that can perform a calculation without error. In the case of using a map, the use of a laptop is in order. The following is the formula used to translate the coordinates: Decimal Degrees = Degrees + minutes/60 + seconds/3600 After configuring the degrees of the points the group must plot these positions on the paper map. The lack of identifying local landmarks or road signs in any case would cause issues with accuracy on pinpointing location. In order to avoid lack of accuracy a group should use some form of tracking device. For this project the iPhone is issued as a viable tracking device to be used secondary to the laptop. In reference to the project, a group encountered a problem when uploading data. The group had covered the laptop tracking device and could not retrieve a track record. The issued was solved by enabling the tracking system on the iPhone. The understanding that can be developed in this case is that the use of the paper map without assistance from electronics could be crippling. Utilizing a GPS as the main source for navigation and finding places has different outcome possibilities. Naturally coordinates have to be enabled on the system. This can be done by entering the same decimal degrees as map groups. The GPS will calculate and pinpoint these locations automatically. The tracking system within the GPS will develop a path for the group. However, the issue here can be based solely on the accuracy of the device. Should the pseudorandom code and the local copy of the coordinates be flawed by heavy error there will be destinations that do not match up. In the case of groups there should be a second record to show how accurate the findings are. In this case the use of a local map is implemented to show the right destination of the course. What can be picked up using the GPS method is that the accuracy of the device is hardly incapable of being disrupted. For that reason, individuals should not depend on one GPS result or test. A more accurate reading could be done if more than three devices are used. In general the use of a GPS system in combination with a map could be a suitable match. Though the project requires the use of paper maps and devices separately, they were typically used together to confirm information. The laptops were tracking as GPS devices would and the local area maps were a considerable replica of those paper maps. Twitter Twitter has an entire system is based on an Open System Environment. Currently, the users are implementing a Geo-tagging API to allow themselves to create TwitterVision, #UKSnow, and Trendsmaps in connection with Google Maps. With Geo-tagging one basically uses an iPhone (with viable signal) to deliver a corresponding coordinate to the system that transfers the iPhone signal into a location tag. Focusing more on the use of open systems can qualify the Twitter system to implement forums for educational environments and a larger scale of customer to business purchases as used in Second Life. The only major improvement that could be linked to the mapping system at present could be a location to location open video attachment blog in real time to create a video conferencing concept. There is a current possibility of geo-tagging a video to a map using a camcorder that is GPS enabled. The basic concept is to utilize the available system the same as one would to geotag a photo (Catt 1). Should the concept of open software be generated to act as a system such as CISCO Webex there would be a live feed to connect universal Geo-taggers. This way individuals that use Geo-tagging for mapping could also enable real time video messaging responses from location to location. Strengths of this application refer solely on a basis for need to know information. Users are able to tag the growth and effects of all types of issues. For instance the tracking that Twitter enabled for the findings of Swine Flu and being able to retrieve tags about celebrity whereabouts. However, there are some flaws to this environment. One issue is that the security screening that is not implemented by the system. Allowing such an open environment subjects the users and the system to higher security needs. Allowing users access to remarkable applications creates an environment with plenty of back door access. Also, individuals using the Geo-tagging methods can interfere in the privacy of some lives. When a person can blog and upload personal locations of others they take on the role of media (not always looked kindly upon). I find that the system is vulnerable to hacking purposes. It is too open to suggestion by allowing such wide access and could be used to gain access to a large amount of personal information. The current ongoing exploit is hacking twitter databases using an elementary hacking code (O’Keith and O’Keith). The code is a basic hacking tool that only requires the hacker to have their username and the username of an unsuspecting victim. I do not think that it poses a large disturbance for celebrities (because they expect these trespasses), but can be used for harassing individuals that are not subject to the spotlight. It is no secret that in the past environments like The World of War Craft enabled individuals to stalk and kill other online gamers. Twitter may not be an online gaming platform, but just the same it offers a virtual setting that can viewed as so. References Catt, Dan. (8, April 2008). Geotagging Video (on Flickr). Web. 3 Mar. 2011 O’Keith Amanda and O’Keith Andrew. (1, May 2011). Learn how to hack any twitter account using a web based exploit. Web. 3 Mar. 2011. Read More