Mapping on the blockchain, explained

Can blockchain-based location mapping replace GPS mapping?

A Global Positioning System (GPS) determines a person’s location and integrates it with their surroundings, then shows the result in real time on their mobile device through a user-friendly interface. Blockchain technology ensures transparency and protection against manipulation for these systems.

Using GPS navigation devices is now commonplace. People frequently utilize platforms like Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, and Foursquare, all relying on GPS technology. Unfortunately, these popular services face a significant issue – they are centered around a single entity. As a result, they can be hard to understand and have a vulnerable central point when it comes to security breaches.

Blockchain technology brings numerous benefits compared to centralized systems and assists users in overcoming the constraints of conventional tools such as GPS mapping. This technology enhances transparency, strengthens defense against hacking attempts, and accelerates data processing. Consequently, many businesses are either adopting blockchain technology or are investigating its potential uses.

The inefficiencies in current interactive maps

Despite the fact that GPS interactive maps have been in use for over a decade, they still encounter some inefficiencies. At times, the data from these systems can be inexact, and loading this information onto devices may take an unreasonable amount of time.

The use of GPS mapping involves handling vast amounts of data, typically kept on centralized servers, which can lead to delays in accessing and sharing information. Since these systems monitor a user’s location in real-time, they potentially infringe upon privacy concerns. Moreover, developing and maintaining traditional GPS systems could be financially burdensome for businesses.

In simpler terms, centralized mapping systems may not provide up-to-date information on roads and infrastructure due to their reliance on private data that can quickly become outdated. GPS navigation also struggles with accurately mapping densely populated areas. Creating detailed maps for narrow streets requires significant effort from the map provider, making it both time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, civil applications like surveying and transportation rely heavily on GPS, but it has vulnerabilities such as being unencrypted, lacking authentication features, and susceptible to hacking, jamming, or spoofing attacks.

Mapping initiatives often rely on crowdsourcing to function effectively. For example, OpenStreetMap employs a vast array of contributors who utilize GPS devices, aerial photographs, and traditional maps to edit map information. With the approach of the Internet of Things (IoT) era, innovative crowdsourcing applications may arise. Nevertheless, challenges such as issues with accuracy and centralized decision-making that have been common in crowdsourced projects remain. An alternative solution is offered by blockchain-based mapping systems.

How blockchain augments interactive digital maps

In simpler terms, the decentralized system of blockchain technology can offer viable solutions to typical challenges encountered in standard interactive digital maps.

GPS mapping involves managing vast quantities of data, typically kept on one or a few central servers. Since GPS mapping is centralized, it can result in processing and transmission delays due to the heavy workload placed on these servers. In contrast, decentralized applications (DApps) scatter data across numerous network devices (nodes). This distribution lessens latency and ensures seamless access to data.

Decentralized applications, unlike those with a central authority, use a network of nodes to constantly check transactions and update data in real-time. This results in more up-to-date and accurate location information. The blockchain’s consensus mechanism, which requires approval from multiple nodes before making any changes, ensures the data’s security and prevents unauthorized modifications.

When it comes to mapping, using blockchain instead of traditional GPS offers an added benefit of enhanced privacy. With conventional GPS mapping, users are required to share their location data with large corporations, allowing these entities to profit from the geotagged information without obtaining explicit consent from the users first. In contrast, blockchain operates without a centralized authority that can make unanimous decisions. Instead, data is distributed across numerous nodes, ensuring that user privacy is safeguarded as there is no single entity controlling all the information.

Can blockchains be used for spatial verification?

Spatial verification in blockchain is the process of authenticating the physical location of an event, object or user within a decentralized network.

Confirming the accuracy of a location claim is referred to as spatial verification. This process is particularly valuable in numerous sectors, most notably supply chain management.

When an Amazon drone delivers a package to your doorstep, you are charged automatically, thanks to location confirmation. This approach prevents issues with fraudulent delivery people and disputes about lost items, ensuring accurate billing.

In a similar fashion, an individual with a damaged windshield could employ the use of blockchain technology for spatial verification to bolster their insurance claim. By submitting a photograph and relevant documentation showing the time and location, this method expedites the insurance processing, minimizes disagreements, and acts as a deterrent against fraudulent activities.

Instead of providing proof of address for remote account creation, spatial verification lets you confirm your residence simply by being at home.

In simpler terms, a contract set up on a blockchain using a location-verification protocol called Proof-of-Location (PoL), can authentically confirm locations in specific applications. These systems ensure trust without the need for intermediaries, thereby promoting openness and streamlining processes across multiple industries.

What is proof-of-location protocol?

Pol ensures the accuracy of users’ location data through a mix of encryption techniques and agreement processes, eliminating the need for a sole authority.

In the context of blockchain technology, Proof of Location (PoL) refers to the process of verifying a user’s real-world position within a decentralized network. This mechanism ensures the accuracy of location-dependent transactions and services in various applications, such as supply chain management, asset tracking, decentralized finance, and others. In simpler terms, PoL authenticates users’ physical locations to maintain the integrity and precision of geolocated operations.

A common method for Proof of Location (PoL) involves establishing a network of reliable nodes or oracles that gather and authenticate location information from various resources such as GPS, WiFi, and cellular towers. Once verified, these nodes send confirmed messages or proofs to the blockchain, thereby confirming the user’s location.

Through integrating Proof of Location (PoL) in blockchain platforms, users can interact with location-sensitive smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps), all while preserving privacy and confidence. PoL broadens the scope of location-based solutions and fosters groundbreaking applications that demand verified location information on the blockchain.

Core elements of a PoL smart contract

Location data submissions, verification mechanisms, data storage, and linking spatial verification to specific actions are the core elements of a PoL smart contract.

Location data submission

The smart contract would define how users or devices submit location data, including: 

• Geotagged photos or videos.
• GPS coordinates from a mobile device.
• Sensor readings from IoT devices confirming a location.

Verification mechanisms

The contract would need ways to verify the submitted location:

• Using reputation systems to assess the reliability of data providers.
• Cross-checking with multiple data sources.
• Employing cryptographic techniques to prevent location spoofing.

Data storage

To ensure the security of verified location data, it would be stored on the blockchain in an unalterable manner.

Triggering actions

In simpler terms, a smart contract can link the spatial verification process to specific tasks. For instance, it could result in payment disbursements in supply chain scenarios, approval of insurance claims once verified, or providing access only after confirming someone’s physical presence.

What are the limitations of a proof-of-location protocol?

Although PoL holds great promise, it comes with some limitations. For instance, it requires external data, poses challenges in terms of scalability, and its effectiveness varies from one location to another. Other drawbacks include…

PoL comes with its benefits, but it also has notable drawbacks. A major issue is the dependence on external data for location verification, which increases the risk of deceitful activities like manipulation or spoofing. Moreover, handling location data for a vast number of transactions could put a strain on processing capabilities, potentially causing scalability challenges.

In addition, PoL (Proof of Location) solutions may not work uniformly in various geographic areas or circumstances, leading to uneven verification precision. Unfortunately, there isn’t a universally adopted approach for integrating geographical data like locations, addresses, or coordinates into smart contracts.

In simpler terms, every growing platform for blockchain apps has unique hardware requirements, communication rules, and commercial structures. Overcoming these limitations is essential for broad acceptance and success of Proof of Labor (PoL) in this field.