Getting a list of nearby cellids and signal power

[jeet232]

Using j2me, how can I find out a list of nearby cellids and their respective signal power strength.

I'm building a location based app. I can find out current cellid, mcc etc. but to improve the estimation further, I need other cellids nearby.

Thanks

[rahulvala]

Just check the below two article for getting the Cell-id:

http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.ph...ture_Cell_Info
http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.ph..._ID_in_Java_ME

For near by cell make some modification.

Best regards,

[r2j7]

Hello jeet232,

and welcome to Forum Nokia Discussion Boards!

These data can be retrieved as system properties from Nokia devices by using Java ME as follows:

com.nokia.mid.cellid:
-for Symbian devices, this has been available starting from S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2
-for Series 40 devices, this has been available starting from Series 40 5th Edition Feature Pack 1 for MIDlets signed to manufacturer or operator domain.

com.nokia.mid.networksignal :
-for Symbian devices, this has been available starting from S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2

Usage:

System.getProperty("name.of.the.system.property");

More information regarding Nokia-specific system properties on Forum Nokia Java Developer's Library:

Java Developer's Library 3.5 > Developer's Guides > Application framework > System properties > Nokia-specific system properties

Regards,
r2j7

[jeet232]

Thanks for the info r2j7
But I also need to know the list of nearby cellids. Is there any property for that as well?

[petrib]

No, there are no properties or APIs to get info for other cells (basestations) of the same operator or another operator nearby.

[jeet232]

No, there are no properties or APIs to get info for other cells (basestations) of the same operator or another operator nearby.

Petrib, is there any other way to do that. I need that info to get better estimation of the user's location. I think Google Maps on mobile is very accurate. How does it do that?

[rahulvala]

If you want the information about the location, then why are you asking about the Cell-id information and signal power related informaiton..

For location see the google map data in J2ME.

http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.ph...API_in_Java_ME

Best regards,

[jeet232]

Rahulvala, my requirement is to record the location of the mobile and deliver it back to the server. With current cellid, I get a less accurate position (after checking in a celldb) but if I use nearby cells, I might be able to estimate the position more accurately.

Thanks

[petrib]

Petrib, is there any other way to do that. I need that info to get better estimation of the user's location. I think Google Maps on mobile is very accurate. How does it do that?

Google Maps collects cell ID information as well as WLAN information. And when people use a real GPS in the vicinity of those same cells and WLANs, Google also gets to combine the GPS data with other data. The more people move around, the more and more accurate data Google collects. This way they can quickly estimate the location fast by cell ID and WLAN info, even if the user doesn't have actual GPS and even if they do not get the exact cell coordinates from the network operators.

You can do the same: All you need to is to write an app, get millions of people to use it, and sending you data.

If you can't get millions of people to do that for you, your two options are:

Best one: Use a real GPS (external Bluetooth GPS, or a phone with built-in GPS)

Alternative: Work with a network operator, who has a reasonably accurate network-based LBS (Location Based Service) support. Most operators don't. All that do charge for it, and for most it also needs to be turned on for the subscriber (so an app developer has little or no control over it).

So, I'd say: Real GPS is your only good and reliable solution (but of course only works for user with an external GPS or GPS in their phone).

[jeet232]

Thanks Petrib.
So should I assume that there is no way to get nearby cellids in a mobile app. GPS method works but not everyone has that so can't use it.

[Tiger79]

sure you could get the cell-id's, just not that easily with j2me, with the Symbian/C++ it might be a lot simpler ! Even though that would mean you could only target S60 devices...

[jeet232]

Thanks Tiger79, any references or links for how to do it in Symbian/C++ ?

[ektasrv]

references or links for how to do it in Symbian/C++ ?

Try FN Wiki Symbian code examples like - http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.ph...in_3rd_Edition
http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.ph...ith_CTelephony
http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.ph...on_information