Location-based services (LBS) are growing at an unprecedented rate within professional business markets, while they have just begun to gain momentum in mainstream consumer markets. Next-generation broadband wireless networks are finally in place, powerful devices that run on these networks are location ready and available, and a healthy energetic system of developers and focus communities has formed. With all the required technology infrastructure pieces, partnerships, and business models in place, clever new GIS-powered location-based applications are cropping up everywhere—in the workplace and at home.

At work, fleet management-type applications are no longer confined to fleets and businesses that can afford expensive tracking systems. Small- to medium-sized business users and organizations across all industries are using these new LBS applications to increase internal productivity and streamline their operations by enhancing workflow progress, accounting for billable employee time, and serving customers better. These sophisticated, yet inexpensive, applications get strong return on investment results.

At home, consumers are discovering that their GPS-enabled cell phones are even more useful than conventional consumer-grade GPS receivers. Several social networking location-based applications now offer users the ability to collect location-stamped photos with camera phones; upload their photos to the Web; and, finally, share their experiences within their communities of interest.

Location-based services have arrived, and they are here to stay. For more information, visit www.esri.com/lbs.