Location-based Mobile Research Articles

The design of a location-based mobile service with augmented reality to capture perceptions of coloured photovoltaic scenarios in rural and urban environments

The design of a location-based mobile service with augmented reality to capture perceptions of coloured photovoltaic scenarios in rural and urban environments

The effect of flow experience on reuse intention of mobile navigation apps: The mediating role of location-based mobile service quality

This study aims to determine the effect of consumers' flow experience on their intention to reuse mobile navigation apps and reveal the mediating role of location-based mobile service quality in this effect. Data were collected through an online survey of 513 respondents who were actively using mobile navigation apps and analyzed using structural equation modeling and mediation analysis. The results reveal that flow experience affects the intention to reuse mobile navigation apps and that location-based mobile service quality mediates this effect. When the mediating role of location-based service quality was tested, the direct effect of flow experience on reuse intention became insignificant. Information, reliability, and design quality are the most significant dimensions of location-based service quality. Considering the limited number of studies on mobile navigation services, particularly user behavior, this study contributes substantially to services marketing literature. In addition, this study provides insights for practitioners on how to design service proposals and the realization processes of mobile navigation apps.

Effectiveness of Heatwave Emergency Alert Messages through Analysis of Floating Population

Heatwave emergency alert messages (EAM) not only provide objective information on heatwave occurrences but also include behavioral guidelines, such as avoiding outdoor activities or going out to respond to heatwaves and minimize damage. To investigate the EAM's effectiveness, we analyzed the changes in the floating population during 2021 using Seoul dong-unit and hourly location-based mobile big data. We also examined what socioeconomic and physical environmental characteristics could cause differences in the effectiveness, focusing on the fact that EAM may have different effects depending on regional factors. The findings revealed a notable reduction in the overall floating population of Seoul, ranging from 0.1 to 3.4%. When examined by region, an average decrease of 2.4 to 5.6% was observed, indicating the different effects of EAM by region. Further analysis of regional characteristics highlighted that areas with low EAM effectiveness were characterized by a lower ratio of senior residents, higher employment concentration, and higher accessibility to public transportation. Additionally, the number of household members, gender distribution, average age, and presence of green spaces can contribute to the gap in the effectiveness of EAM between regions.

Rising in the ranks!: learning math or playing games?

This qualitative case study examines the learning that occurred when a small group of middle grade youths embarked upon a personal excursion during a game-based math walk. Math walks are an informal learning activity where learners and facilitators explore mathematical concepts embedded in everyday spaces. The MathExplorer app is a location-based mobile game designed to enhance and gamify math walks. In our broader research, we investigated a group of 18 middle grade learners who used MathExplorer to engage in math walks at a local nature preserve. While most youths in this study used the game as planned by the researchers, one group deviated from the plan and devised new ways of playing the game and participating in the math walks. We see this deviation, or personal excursion, as a source of insight for research on game-based math walks. To understand the learning that took place during this personal excursion, we draw upon sociocultural and self-directed theories of learning. Using methods of interaction analysis and embodied action conversation framework, we analyzed the small groups’ discussion, movement, and game-use to understand: (1) the point at which the students departed from the planned use of MathExplorer; and (2) the learning that took place after this departure. The findings include how the youth explicitly incorporate mathematics into game play through an activity-as-planned, and how the youth embark on a personal excursion relating to game mechanics and gamification, with an implicit focus on mathematics. We discuss the importance of personal excursions for designing informal mathematics learning experiences.

The potential use of location-based mobile game application toward disaster education for regional disaster prevention

The potential use of location-based mobile game application toward disaster education for regional disaster prevention

Propelling International Marketing Research with Geospatial Data

Geospatial data have a long history in marketing research that goes back to Huff’s seminal gravity model from the 1960s. Their applications in research and practice range from location-based mobile targeting of individual consumers to store competition analysis and city marketing. In the past decades, geospatial data have become more readily available and have grown considerably in both breadth (i.e., countries and regions covered) and depth (i.e., granularity and diversity of information covered). Nonetheless, international marketing research has not yet fully embraced the opportunities that geospatial data bring to the field. To address this shortcoming, this article shows how geospatial data may propel international marketing research in various domains and develops future research questions for the field. In addition, it introduces OpenStreetMap as a rich geospatial data source to the discipline. The authors illustrate the use of geospatial data in general and OpenStreetMap in particular through a concrete application in which they analyze city center composition in nine countries across three continents. In doing so, they reproducibly describe the extraction of geospatial data, constructions of metrics and operationalizations, and visualizations.

CARica: Enhancing Travelling Experiences in Wonosobo Through Location-Based Mobile Augmented Reality

Wonosobo, as a Regency in Central Java Province, Indonesia, has attractions including the Dieng Plateau Theater Kalianget, and Menjer Lake. The research is intended to provide more experience for tourists who visit the tour through Location-Based Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR), an application we developed, cARica. This application includes experience travelling in Wonosobo and is aware of other information displayed through AR content. It was an alternative medium for tourism promotion to be easy, attractive, and inexpensive. It is a practical guide to attract tourists to visit tourist sites. In its development, we use the prototyping method so that each stage is carried out under the procedures that have been prepared. To get the point of Interest (PoI) points of tourist sites, use Global Positioning System (GPS) data taken through Google Maps to get the Latitude and Longitude of each object. The results of this study present that cARica is a Location-Based Mobile Augmented Reality service platform that can be accessed using an Android smartphone and has three-dimensional animated character content with the Wonosobo regency icon. cARica is a form of innovation in providing exceptional services and experiences for tourists and has the potential to be continuously developed.

Pokémon GO with Social Distancing: Social Media Analysis of Players' Experiences with Location-based Games

Pokémon GO is a popular location-based mobile game that seeks to inspire players to be more active, socialize physically and virtually, and spend more time outside. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, several game mechanics of Pokémon GO were changed to accommodate socially-distanced play. This research aims to understand the impacts of the pandemic and subsequent game adjustments on user perceptions of the game. We used an exploratory mixed-method approach, a machine learning technique (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) for topic modeling, and thematic analysis for qualitative coding of top-level Reddit comments to identify whether and how the social distancing approach changes the players' behaviors. The results demonstrate that players were less physically active, less eager to discover, and more interested in remote social practices. We discuss which players leverage social distancing changes and reflect on key game features that provide a better gaming experience in the age of remote play.

Location-based mobile learning on relief mapping methods

ABSTRACT Modern approaches in education extensively use recent technologies in the learning process: One of them is using mobile devices to make the learning more interesting to students and to allow them to learn outside the classroom. With a mobile learning application for a field exercise for cartography students, this paper builds on research in Location-Based Mobile Learning (LBML). The approach is based on (1) gamified learning in a real-world context and (2) applying the user experience theory to designing a concept of mobile learning. The outcome is the quiz-based mobile application mCartoLearn. The approach was tested with two classes of university students and the results are presented in this paper. This approach extends lecturing of cartography at universities from indoor traditional and e-learning to outdoor contextual mobile learning. The mobile application allows the learners to better connect with the real-world to understand the cartographic methods of representing relief on maps.

Context-aware distribution of fog applications using deep reinforcement learning

Fog computing is an emerging paradigm that aims to meet the increasing computation demands arising from the billions of devices connected to the Internet. Offloading services of an application from the Cloud to the edge of the network can improve the overall latency of the application since it can process data closer to user devices. Diverse Fog nodes ranging from Wi-Fi routers to mini-clouds with varying resource capabilities makes it challenging to determine which services of an application need to be offloaded. In this paper, a context-aware mechanism for distributing applications across the Cloud and the Fog is proposed. The mechanism dynamically generates (re)deployment plans for the application to maximise the performance efficiency of the application by taking operational conditions, such as hardware utilisation and network state, and running costs into account. The mechanism relies on deep Q-networks to generate a distribution plan without prior knowledge of the available resources on the Fog node, the network condition, and the application. The feasibility of the proposed context-aware distribution mechanism is demonstrated on two use-cases, namely a face detection application and a location-based mobile game. The benefits are increased utility of dynamic distribution by 50% and 20% for the two use-cases respectively when compared to a static distribution approach used in existing research.

The impact of customised mobile marketing on passenger shopping behaviour in the airport terminal

With growing popularity of mobile devices, digital marketing strategies are increasingly important for modern airports. This paper studied context-aware mobile marketing strategies in the airport retail environment. An on-site mobile marketing experiment was conducted at a partner airport to explore how preference and/or location-based mobile coupons could affect passengers’ retail behaviour. Results show that retail shopping became more efficient (less browsing time) with mobile marketing influence, but not necessarily more effective (not higher spending amount). Randomly pushed mobile marketing information is effective in keeping passengers in shops for longer but context-aware mobile marketing is more effective in increasing spending amount.

Understanding mediators in location-based mobile marketing and why commuting hubs are so effective—a mediation analysis of a randomized field experiment

ABSTRACT Due to its inexpensiveness, speed of implementation and adaptation, push location-based mobile advertising (LBMA) can constitute a powerful, cost-effective marketing tool. Thus, in theory, LBMA bears considerable potential for conducting effective marketing campaigns. However, in reality, to tap into this potential, practitioners, and academics must first understand how targeting strategies, and in particular spatial targeting – determine LBMA’s success rates. While the role of location for the effectiveness of LBMA is well understood, the underlying mechanisms through which location can influence LBMA redemption rates remain widely unexplored. Based on a field experiment with same-day LBMA coupons, this study extends the existing research and shows that location determines LBMA redemption rates via a cognitive and affective component of consumers’ ad perception. Further, this study shows that surprisingly, and contrary to the prevailing mantra that location congruency yields the best LBMA redemption rates, commuting hubs are an appealing alternative to location congruent LBMA.

Location-Based Mobile Gaming and Local Depression Trends: A Study of Pokémon Go

ABSTRACT Emerging literature has begun to investigate the role of technology in public health. Yet, a minimal amount is understood about whether, how, and why digital games, notably mobile games, might affect mental health, particularly depression. In this work, we examine the effect of location-based mobile gaming on local depression trends. We measure population-level depression using a well-established mechanism from the medical and public health literature, internet search of depression-related terms. We argue that the introduction of Pokémon Go, a mobile game that encourages outdoor physical activity, face-to-face socialization, and exposure to nature, may alleviate non-clinical forms of mild depression for users playing the game. To identify the effect, we employ a difference-in-differences approach to exploit the staggered release of Pokémon Go into 166 regions in 12 English-speaking countries. We empirically document a disproportionate decrease in depression-related search in those regions where users are able to play Pokémon Go. This finding lends credence to anecdotal claims that location-based mobile games may alleviate symptoms of depression of their users, underscoring the mental health opportunities of location-based mobile gaming and creating new opportunities for information systems research.

Location-based Mobile Application for Blood Donor Search

Location-based Mobile Application for Blood Donor Search

DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCATION-BASED MOBILE APPLICATION FOR SMARTPHONES USING OPEN-SOURCE TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract. Smartphones capable of receiving Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals and location-based mobile applications have been finding new usage areas day by day. The most popular mobile applications have become a part of our life in many ways, especially in spatial data collection, logistics, sports activities, routing, navigation, information exchange, shopping, emergencies and entertainment. The location-based feature has been the characteristic of the apps realized in real-time or near real-time. Within the scope of this study, a mobile application that can be used on smartphones with the Android operating system and is designed to save time and location information during the desired time and sampling interval and send it to the desired e-mail address is presented. The development stages of this location-based mobile application developed using open-source codes and its use on smartphones were shown. The usage areas of the application and a realized test study were explained.

How location-based messages influence customers' store visit attitudes: an integrative model of message value

PurposeThis study aims to develop an understanding of how customers of a physical retail store valuate receiving location-based mobile phone messages when they are in proximity of the store. It proposes and tests a model relating two benefits (personalization and location congruency) and two sacrifices (privacy concern and intrusiveness) to message value perceptions and store visit attitudes.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a vignette-based survey to collect data from a sample of 1,225 customers of a fashion retailer. The postulated research model is estimated using SmartPLS 3.0 with the consistent-PLS algorithm and further validated via a post-hoc test.FindingsThe empirical testing confirms the predictive validity and robustness of the model and reveals that location congruency and intrusiveness are the location-based message characteristics with the strongest effects on message value and store visit attitude.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the underexplored field of store entry research and extends previous location-based messaging studies by integrating personalization, location congruency, privacy concern and intrusiveness into one validated model.

An Interactive Information System That Supports an Augmented Reality Game in the Context of Game-Based Learning

Mobile augmented reality applications are gaining prominence in education, but there is a need to design appropriate and enjoyable games to be used in educational contexts such as classrooms. This paper presents an interactive information system designed to support the implementation of an augmented reality application in the context of game-based learning. PlanetarySystemGO includes a location-based mobile augmented reality game designed to promote learning about the celestial bodies and planetary systems of the Universe, and a web application that interacts with the mobile device application. Besides face-to-face classes, this resource can also be used in online classes, which is very useful in social isolation situations as the ones caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it is the inclusion of the web application, with a back-office, in the information system that makes it possible to include curricula contents according to the grade level of students. Moreover, it is intended that teachers use the information system to include the contents they find appropriate to the grade level they teach. Therefore, it is crucial to provide their professional development to be able to use this resource. In this regard, a pilot study was conducted with teachers who participated in a STEM professional development programme in order to assess if the system is appropriate to be used by them. It is concluded that teachers found this resource relevant to motivate students to learn, and also acknowledged that the web application facilitated the introduction of appropriate curricula contents and also was useful to assess student performance during the game. Teachers need support, however, to implement these types of technologies which are not familiar to them. The necessary support can be provided through collaboration among the researchers and teachers in their schools. Besides engaging students to learn about celestial bodies, it is concluded that the information system can be used by teachers to introduce appropriate curricula contents and to be implemented in class.

Competition Strategies for Location-Based Mobile Coupon Promotion

Location-based service heightens consumers’ shopping convenience. By utilizing spatial flexibility of consumers, retailers can target consumers via location-based mobile coupons (LBMCs) to enhance market performance. Considering the strategies for LBMC promotion for two competing retailers, we find that under different market intensities, only no adoption and symmetric adoption of LBMC promotion are the possible equilibria for the competing retailers at a low marginal targeting cost. Then, we extend our model to consider vertical (quality) differentiation and analyze the implications of adopting LBMC promotion for a superior-quality firm (with higher product valuation) and an inferior-quality firm (with lower product valuation). Mixed strategies for LBMC promotion emerge when firms’ products have different qualities. Our research findings provide useful guidance for managers and marketing practitioners to formulate strategies for targeted LBMC promotion.

A Multidimensional Analysis of Released COVID-19 Location-Based Mobile Applications

The spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has triggered a series of responses worldwide ranging from traveling restrictions and shelter-in-place orders to lockdowns, contact tracing, social distancing, and other mitigation measures. To assist with contact tracing and ensure the safety of citizens, a significant number of mobile applications has been developed, utilizing geospatial information and proximity sensing. We perform a thorough research on seven digital databases (Appbrain, e-Health Hub, GDPRhub, “fs0c131y”, News Sites, Appstore, and Google Play), identifying a total of 160 apps regarding COVID-19 related to our research questions. The aim of this research is to identify the main categories of apps and analyze their functions based on a proposed framework of by mapping aspects that affect their functionalities regarding Services, Technology, Societal & Business, and Legal aspects. As the world comes to the new normal, the utilization of these apps might become more essential for more mobile users and developers. The new encryption protocols that are established are also in favor of this argument. Future work can utilize our framework to further examine the development, design, and adoption of such mobile applications.

Network Analysis for Learners’ Concept Maps While Using Mobile Augmented Reality Gaming

Using mobile augmented reality games in education combines situated and active learning with pleasure. The aim of this research is to analyze the responses expressed by young, middle-aged, and elderly adults about the location-based mobile augmented reality (MAR) games using methods of content analysis, concept maps, and social network analysis (SNA). The responses to questions related to MAR game Ingress were collected from 36 adult players, aged 20–60, from Greece, and subsequently analyzed by means of content analysis, concept maps, and social network analysis. Our findings show that for question 1 (How do you feel when you endow the geographical space with personal preferences?), there was a differentiation of the answers between age groups with age groups agreeing in pairs, the first two and the last two, while for question 2 (Do you think that the game offers opportunities for learning and teaching geography, building on your previous geographical knowledge?), there was an overlap in responses of participants among age groups. It was also revealed that the MAR games foster a constructivism approach of learning, as their use learning becomes an active, socially supported process of knowledge construction.