At first glance, the term "geolocation" might give the impression that it's a tool reserved exclusively for the police, secret services or the military. Fortunately, the advent of technology means that today we can use the devices at our fingertips to find, track or follow another device, whether it's a cell phone, a tablet or a laptop. What's more, if we have the right tools like AirTag, for example, we can geolocate even our wallet or car keys. But how does geolocation work? When do we use it? Read this article dedicated to explaining how location tracking works and the best solutions for tracking your smartphone or someone else's.
What is cell phone geolocation?
Briefly, geolocation or simply "tracking" is the act of finding a lost or stolen tool or device using another device which, if conditions are right, presents you with the exact position of the mobile in question. This can be done in a number of ways, such as using third-party services, integrated or non-integrated applications, social networks, or the traditional way: with the help of your cell phone operator, using your phone number and IMEI.
Despite the different methods mentioned, one element links them all: the technology behind them. Most smartphones use one, while your operator deploys another to provide you with its services. Here's how it works:
The GPS
Global System Positioning (GPS), developed by the USA for military purposes in 1973, uses satellites to calculate geographic position in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude. With nearly 11,000 satellites, this system enables precise positioning in most environments, although it can encounter problems in rural areas or in the event of a weak signal.
WPS
Unlike GPS, Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) uses Wi-Fi signals from nearby terminals to locate a receiver, mainly in urban areas. Although accurate in the city, WPS is highly dependent on the density of Wi-Fi terminals or GSM antennas, which can make it unstable in certain environments.
The GSM
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), introduced in Europe in 1992, uses cell phone networks to locate a device based on its connection to the operator's antennas. Accuracy depends on the density of the antenna network, similar to WPS.
RFID
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enables data to be stored and retrieved remotely, using markers known as "radio tags". These tags, found in payment cards, modern passports and other objects, contain an antenna and a microchip that respond to radio requests from a transceiver.
Geocoding
Geocoding assigns geographic coordinates to a postal address, enabling each address to be located on a digital map using a geographic information system(GIS). This method is used to locate addresses or points of interest, and can be reversed to find an address from geographic coordinates.
Why locate a phone?
There can be many reasons for wanting to locate a phone. Here are a few to give you an idea:
- Personal security relies on the use of geolocation to communicate one's position with loved ones in the event of an emergency, enabling them to know the person's location in the event of difficulty.
- Parents can use geolocation to monitor the movements of their children or the elderly, to guarantee their safety. Similarly, geolocation can be used to monitor the movements of the elderly and guarantee their safety.
- It's possible to find a lost or stolen phone using the geolocation function, which tracks its position on a map.
What are the best solutions for cell phone geolocation?
This list provides you with information on geolocation options. Bear in mind that each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Geoloc.be
Geoloc.be provides a practical and efficient solution for quickly locating a cell phone, whether iPhone or Android, using a third-party geolocation service. Simply enter the phone number you wish to locate on the Geoloc.be website to use the service. After submitting the request, Geoloc.be sends a notification to the individual concerned, asking them to communicate their position. After pressing the tracking link, the user is informed and redirected to a page showing a map with the phone's exact location.
Geoloc.be offers benefits such as compatibility with all types of smartphone and all networks, as well as guaranteed security and confidentiality, as no personal information is transmitted to the person you wish to locate. What's more, the service can be accessed from any device, be it a smartphone, tablet or laptop, and from anywhere in the world.
Android from Google
Google owns Android, an essential operating system for smartphones, which is used by over 80% of phones worldwide. Unlike Apple's iOS, which is reserved for iPhones, Android is used by many phone brands such asSamsung,Huawei,LGand many others, giving consumers a wide selection of options.
If you lose your Android phone, there are various ways of getting it back. Google's search tools, such as Find My Device, allow you to locate your phone, make it ring, display a message on the screen, or even delete your confidential information remotely in the event of theft.
Apple iOS
The iOS operating system, which is tailored to iPhones, plays a central role in controlling all its elements thanks to thousands of lines of code. Created in 2008, iOS is currently available in 13 versions and includes fundamental applications such as Maps, Messages and iCloud.
The Locate function gives users the option of locating their device in the event of loss or theft, locking it remotely, making it ring, displaying its itinerary, or even wiping its data remotely to preserve their privacy.
IMEI
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique code assigned to each mobile device, including Android phones, enabling them to be uniquely identified. Contrary to popular belief, the IMEI cannot be used to trace a lost or stolen phone, but it is required to block the device from being used on a network.
To render an Android phone unusable, you can file a complaint with your operator and the relevant authorities using its IMEI. To obtain this number, you can refer to the purchase invoice, the phone's original box, the battery or press *#06# on the device's keypad.
Social networks and non-integrated applications
- WhatsApp is a popular instant messaging application, accessible on the two main mobile platforms, IOS and Android. Real-time sharing is the method used to locate a cell phone. It is also possible to share your location repeatedly, however this will display your last known geographical location.
- Another popular messaging app, Facebook Messenger, is compatible with both IOS and Android platforms. If you'd like to share your location between smartphones, select "Location" from the menu, then share your position with your contact.
- For its part, Waze, a well-known navigation application, also offers the possibility of sharing your position in real time. When you want to locate someone via Waze, simply open the application, access your profile, choose "Share my location", determine how long you want to share your location for, and then send the link. This feature is advantageous for Waze users who want to locate someone using their phone number when they're on the move.
What is the legality of geolocation?
Locating a person without his or her consent entails significant legal and ethical risks. This can constitute a violation of privacy, regulated by laws such as the French Data Protection Act (Loi Informatique et Libertés) and the Criminal Code, which provide for penalties for the unlawful collection of location data. The processing of location data must respect data protection principles and the rights of the data subject, except in cases authorized by law, such as judicial investigations.
Outside these legal situations, this can have harmful legal and ethical consequences, compromising personal and professional relationships and leading to a loss of trust. Articles of the French Penal Code, such as Article 226-1 on the violation of the secrecy of correspondence, can be invoked in cases of non-consensual localization, depending on the specific circumstances.
Cell phone geolocation: is it worth using?
These days, cell phone geolocation is accessible to everyone, thanks to a variety of technologies. But why search for a cell phone? To guarantee protection, monitor movements or find a lost or stolen device. Practical options such as Geoloc.be or integrated Android and iOS applications are available. However, it's essential to preserve the privacy of others and seek their agreement. In short, geolocation has its benefits, but it must be used with care and in compliance with the laws in force.
