FamilyFinder > How it Works uLocate's service integrates GPS enabled cell phones with the convenience of the internet to deliver a cost-effective, easy to use wireless location-based service for consumers and small businesses. The service enables subscribers to locate individuals in their group (e.g. family, vehicle fleet). GPS is an acronym for the US Defense Department's Global Positioning System, a set of 24 staellites that orbit the earth. The system uses these satellites to calculate positions accurate within several hundred feet. Here's how it works. A small java application is wirelessly downloaded over the air and installed on the phone. This application performs two functions: 1. It grabs the location data obtained by the GPS chipset on the phone (i.e. the latitude and longitude) and transmits to the uLocate servers across the Nextel network. [note: uLocate currently is only available on the Nextel, Southern LINC and Telus/MIKE networks] 2. It controls the menu system on the phone and enables users to retrieve location data, etc. to their handset. Once installed and running, the service will attempt to obtain and transmit location data (i.e. latitude and longitude) every two minutes. This data is parsed and stored in a database. MapQuest technology is used to resolve this latitude and longitude data into a physical address (i.e. 202 Broadway), display it and plot it on a map. There are various factors that can influence uLocate service. The GPS system that uLocate works with requires that the handset have a clear line of sight with the sky in order to obtain latitude and longitude data. The more GPS satellites the handset can ?see?, the more accurate the location information will be. GPS location data cannot be successfully transmitted if the handset is inside a building such as a school, shopping plaza, or movie theater. The ability of a GPS enabled hand set to establish its location can also be affected by the immediate environment. For example, urban settings can have a 'canyon effect' that can occur in urban areas such as midtown Manhattan. This can result in the location reported being less accurate (actual location may be up to a block away). Another factor that influences successful transmission of location data is cell coverage. If the phone is out of coverage it cannot update its location. Also, if the hand set is in use, a phone call is in progress or direct connect walkie-talkie is in use, the phone will not transmit its location. Lastly, it is important to ensure that the battery is properly charged. When battery power is low the application will automatically shut itself off to preserve power. When the uLocate application is running it will consume battery power. Overall battery life will be reduced. How much more quickly the battery will be drained depends upon habits of personal use.