DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF INDIVIDUALS ON AN INTERACTIVE MAP DISPLAY ON A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE

摘要

Location-based social network manager processes are described. The processes are executed on a computer coupled to location-aware mobile communication devices over a wireless network. The process determines geographic location of a mobile device operated by a user, displays a map representation of the area around the mobile device on a mobile device GUI, and superimposes on the map respective locations of other users of mobile devices coupled to the mobile device. The user can build a database of friends among the other users whose location can be displayed on each respective mobile device. A privacy function allows a user to define who among the network of friends can view location information of the user on their mobile devices. Messaging and alert functions using the communications of the mobile device can incorporate location information resulting in interaction among users based on user identity as well as relative position to one another.