Question

Using GPS, how can I notify a cab operator in the area if I wanted to be fetched? I’ve seen a lot of apps regarding finding a taxi and fetch you wherever you are, example http://www.taxifinder.com/ .

I’m wondering what’s the idea behind it?
Does the cab operator need to have a server where I can access it and tell them I need a taxi?
I really don’t know how to do it, can someone enlighten me. Steps / list on how it should be done.

Answer 1

I don’t know the scalability of it but here is a try:

1. A webserver that can process the request from the frontend and processes it. A simple case scenario would be that it receives the requestor’s information including GPS coordinates. It would then check for drivers in the vicinity that are registered to the webserver and dispatch the push notifications to them.

2. A push notification system to push the notification to the cab driver/s. Check out Google Cloud Messaging although I believe there are no options for filtering the users in this case.

3. A web/native application that communicated with the server.

ps. The Taxi driver/s will have to have their devices registered for the push notification. On a second thought, the Taxi driver[s]’ location access would be required as well so as to filter the drivers that would receive the dispatch request. Then maybe add a functionality where if one driver ‘accepts’ the dispatch, the user is notified and the other drivers cannot accept it any more.