OpenDMTP: An open framework for Asset Tracking

For all of us developing commercial telematics/Asset(Vehicle..)
Tracking solutions, I found a great, open framework coming up
(www.opendmtp.org) which does the analysis of the space-time tracking
domain and defines the protocol for exchange of logged and transmitted
data between vehicle tracking devices (GPS/GLONASS-Wireless Units) and
the 'Tracking Server'. In my experience, I have dealt with many stupid
bare-bones, ultra cheap Chinese made devices (No offence intended to
anyone!), each with their own variety of 'formats' and somehow
managing to get the data across to the server in the most unreliable
manner. I also have come across beautifully engineered devices such as
the Trimble TrimTrac, which integrate time-position tracking with
great understanding of how the telecom domain operates and function
with great reliability.

Still I see the lack of a standard. I think this framework has the
potential of being that standard, and I think one is badly needed,
thanks to the pace at which asset tracking domain is growing, for it
finds application in so many areas-be it emergency vehicle tracking,
taxi dispatch operations, long haul tracking..

Do have a look at the site.. more inputs will yield faster growth and
benefits for all who work in this domain.

You may be interested in the following ISO standards:

ISO 19116: Geographic information -- Positioning services
FDIS 19132 :Geographic information -- Location-based services-
Reference model
ISO 19133: Geographic information -- Location-based services --
Tracking and navigation
ISO 19134: Geographic information -- Location-based services --
Multimodal routing and navigation
FDIS 19141: Geographic information -- Schema for moving features
DIS 19147: Geographic information -- Location based services --
Transfer Nodes
DIS: 19148: Geographic information -- Location based services --
Linear Referencing System

In turn these depend on other standards. ISO means published standard;
FDIS means Final Draft International Standard and DIS means Draft
International Standard. FDIS is pretty much the final document barring
correction of typos, DIS is technically complete but may change
significantly in wording. I may have missed one or two that are
directly relevant as well.

As well as these, there is SensorML, a GML schema for sensors
(http://vast.nsstc.uah.edu/SensorML/ ). This is being used widely in
traffic management GIS.

Paul