WO2013117222A1

WO2013117222A1 - Location services in a mobile system

Info

Publication number: WO2013117222A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/052088
Authority: WO
Inventors: Duncan Sample; Carlos Manzanares Sancho; Irving Benjamin Cordova; Mikhael Harswanto TANUTAMA; Joao Martins; Ivo RODRIGUES; Marc HEIDE; Tri Wasono Adi NUGROHO; Konrad Garlikowski; Lukasz JASTRZEBSKI; Beata BARTOSZEWSKA-KARAS; Ahmer JAVAID; Jeremy Johnson; Vaughn EISLER
Original assignee: Nokia Siemens Networks Oy
Priority date: 2012-02-08
Filing date: 2012-02-08
Publication date: 2013-08-15

Abstract

Location services based on information from a mobile communication system are enabled in circumstances where normal operation of the mobile communication system is prevented. Information can be received from the mobile communication system relating to events associated with mobile devices in a location service element. The information is stored for at least a predefined period in the location service element. In case of e.g. an emergency information of locations of mobile devices can be estimated based on the stored information and information provided based for use in an area where information from the mobile communication system is unavailable.

Description

Description Title

Location services in a mobile system

This disclosure relates to location services in a mobile communication system, and more particularly to providing location information in an area where normal operation of the mobile system is prevented.

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more nodes such as fixed or mobile communication devices, access points such as base stations, servers and so on. Signals can be carried on wired or wireless carriers. A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device. A communication device of a user is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. Wireless communications can be provided for users by devices provided with an appropriate radio arrangement for enabling communications with other parties, typically a base station. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMN) such as cellular networks, satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). Wireless systems can be divided into coverage areas referred to as cells. A cell can be defined as a certain geographical area given wireless coverage by at least one base transceiver station (BTS). A cell is connected, typically via a radio access network, to a core network which provides call control and performs mobility and high-level functions such as location updating and authentication. Wreless systems enable mobility for users. Cellular radio networks allow the mobile devices to move from one location to another. In cellular systems the cells can be used in management of locations of the devices. Mobile devices can roam between the cells and also from one network to another network. In heterogeneous cellular systems handover may occur between different layers. Mobile communication systems need to manage the mobility of the mobile devices.

For these purposes the mobile system tracks the current location of the mobile device. In addition to providing information about the location of mobile devices for the operational purposes, mobile network apparatus and/or mobile devices such as mobile stations can also be employed for provision of information for external clients regarding the geographical location of the devices and thus the users thereof. The location information can be provided by a feature known as location services (LCS). Location services can be supported by a communication system comprising appropriate network elements, entities, functionalities and interfaces for providing information for estimation of the location of a user. The current location of a user can be estimated based on information such as location updates and/or measurements, by the mobile devices and/or at the base station apparatus. The information is communicated from the network to a location service entity adapted to provide information about the current location of a mobile device to requestors of such information.

The external client can use the location estimates for various purposes. One potential use of the information would be in association with events such as natural catastrophes and other disasters. After a large scale catastrophe, like an earthquake, avalanche, flooding, storm, tsunami of the like, it can be important to be able to immediately locate potential victims, survivors and/or anybody in the relevant area. Often at least a rough estimate of whereabouts of people in the affected area could be helpful. It would also be helpful to know how many people there are in the affected area. A problem is that it is likely that the mobile devices in the area are no longer working at the time of the rescue operation. Even if the mobile devices would still be on and able to send and/or receive signals, they may be out of coverage (e.g. buried under rubble/snow/water) and/or the network may be damaged, overloaded and/or down altogether. This can prevent generation and/or transmission of information such as location updates from the mobile system, and thus prevent provision of information about the current location of the devices based on information from the mobile system, and/or at least make the current location information inaccurate.

It is noted that the above discussed issues are not limited to any particular communication environment and apparatus but may occur in any appropriate system where information from a mobile system is used for providing location information. Embodiments of the invention aim to address one or several of the above issues.

In accordance with an embodiment there is provided a method for enabling location services based on information from a mobile communication system in circumstances where normal operation of the mobile communication system is prevented, comprising receiving information from the mobile communication system relating to events associated with mobile devices in a location service element, storing the information from the mobile communication system for at least a predefined period in the location service element, estimating information of locations of the mobile devices based on the stored information, and providing information based on the estimated information of locations for use in an area where information from the mobile communication system is unavailable.

In accordance with another embodiment there is provided an apparatus for location services that are provided based on information from a mobile communication system, the apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to receive information from the mobile communication system relating to events associated with mobile devices, store the information from the mobile communication system for at least a predefined period for use in circumstances where information from the mobile communication system is unavailable, estimate information of locations of the mobile devices based on the stored information, and provide information based on the estimated information of locations for use in an area where information from the mobile communication system is unavailable.

In accordance with a more specific embodiment location update information is provided by the communication system. The information may relate to events such as handovers and communications connections. The normal operation may be affected by a natural catastrophe. The information based on the estimated information of locations can be communicated to at least one device associated with a rescue operation.

The information based on the estimated information of locations may comprise at least one of the estimated locations, number of mobile devices or users in the area, density of mobile devices or users in the area, a specific location requiring attention, direction of movement of mobile devices or users, and personal information associated with mobile devices in the area. A mobile device may be categorized in a predefined category.

Information from the communication system may be stored in a buffer for at least thirty minutes. The information from the mobile communication system may be provided in anonymous form.

Said information based on the estimated information at a mobile device can be used in the area where said information from the mobile communication system is unavailable. An input regarding a mobile device or user indicated by the information may be provided and status of the mobile device or user may be changed in response thereto. A status update may be sent to a central entity managing operations in the area.

A computer program comprising program code means adapted to perform the herein described methods may also be provided. In accordance with further embodiments apparatus and/or computer program product that can be embodied on a computer readable medium for providing at least one of the above methods is provided.

A node such as a base station or a mobile device can be configured to operate in accordance with the various embodiments. It should be appreciated that any feature of any aspect may be combined with any other feature of any other aspect.

Embodiments will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network according to some embodiments;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile communication device according to some embodiments;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a control apparatus according to some embodiments; and

Figure 4 shows a flowchart according to an embodiment.

In the following certain exemplifying embodiments are explained with reference to a wireless or mobile communication system serving mobile communication devices. Before explaining in detail the exemplifying embodiments, certain general principles of a mobile communication system, access systems thereof, and mobile devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples. Examples of mobile communication systems include the second generation (2G) system known as the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) and third generation (3G) Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). A non-limiting example of the further development, sometimes referred to as the fourth generation (4G), in mobile communication system architectures is known as the long-term evolution (LTE). The recent development of the LTE is sometimes referred to as LTE-Advanced. Other examples of radio access system include those provided by base stations of systems that are based on technologies such as wireless local area network (WLAN) and/or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access).

Mobile communication devices 101 , 102, 103, 104 and 105 of Figure 1 can be provided wireless access via base stations or similar wireless transmitter and/or receiver nodes providing radio service areas or cells. A mobile communication device may be located in the service area of different cell, communicate with more than one cell and be handed over from a cell to another. Although in Figure 1 four different neighbouring cells 100, 110, 117 and 1 19 are shown as being provided by base stations 106, 107, 118 and 120, the number of cells in a system can be considerably greater than this. It shall also be understood that the sizes, shapes and underlying technologies of the cells may vary considerably from those shown in Figure 1 and described herein. Non-limiting examples of different types of possible cells in relation to the LTE include those known as macro cells, pico cells, micro cells and femto cells. For example, in LTE-Advanced the transmission/reception points or base stations can comprise wide area network nodes such as a macro eNode B (eNB) which may, for example, provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area. Base station can also be provided by small or local radio service area network nodes, for example Home eNBs (HeNB), pico eNodeBs (pico-eNB), or femto nodes. Some applications utilise radio remote heads (RRH) that are connected to for example an eNB. Base stations are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller apparatus so as to enable operation thereof and management of mobile communication devices in communication with the base stations. The control apparatus can be interconnected with other control entities. The control apparatus can typically be provided with memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control apparatus and functions may be distributed between a plurality of control units. In some embodiments, each base station can comprise a control apparatus. In alternative embodiments, two or more base stations may share a control apparatus. In Figure 1 the base stations are shown to be connected to respective radio access network level controllers 108, 109 1 11 and a core network controller entity 1 12. Depending on the standard, the controller entity 112 may be provided by various elements. For example, it may comprise mobile switching centre (MSC) or server, 2G or 3G signalling general packet radio service support node (SGSN) or a mobility management entity (MME). Although not shown, the mobile system further comprises various databases for information about the location of the mobile devices. Examples of these include a home subscriber server, a home location register, and a visitor location register. A possible mobile device for communications with the base stations will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a mobile device 200. Such a device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile device may be provided by any device capable of sending radio signals to and/or receiving radio signals from multiple cells. Non- limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) such as a mobile phone or what is known as a 'smart phone', a portable computer such as a laptop computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility, personal data assistant (PDA) provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combinations of these or the like. A recent development of the mobile devices is known as tablet. A mobile device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their devices. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. User may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.

The mobile device may receive and transmit signals over an air interface 207 with multiple base station via an appropriate transceiver apparatus. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device. A mobile device is also provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202, at least one timer function 206 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204.

The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

In Figure 1 mobile devices 101 , 102, 103 and 104 are shown to be moving each in different directions, see the arrow. This can mean that the mobile devices move from a cell to another at some point of time. Location information of the device will become updated accordingly in the mobile system.

Figure 3 shows an example of a control apparatus for an entity providing location information based on information from the communication system. The control apparatus 300 can be arranged for example in association with a gateway mobile location centre (GMLC) or another entity that can be contacted by e.g. emergency teams and/or other users for location information. . Such element is denoted by 120 in Figure 1. Element 120 can be arranged to serve external location service clients 122 of Figure 1. A GMLC can be used for location lookups, and is therefore an example of an element that can be used to provide location Services (LCS) in accordance with the herein described embodiments. More than one GMLC or similar elements may be provided in a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). A GMLC may be the first node an external LCS client 120 can access, for example when requesting information from a GSM, UMTS or LTE based network. The GMLC may request and receive routing information from a Home Location register (HLR) and/or Home Subscriber Server (HSS). After performing registration authorization, it can send positioning requests to e.g. a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC), Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) or Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) Server of the communication network. A more detailed example of architecture and functional aspects of location services can be found for example from 3GPP technical specification (TS) 23.271 Version 10.2.0 of March 201 1 titled "Functional stage 2 description of Location Services (LCS)". The control apparatus 300 can be configured to provide control functions in association with generation and communication of location information based on information from the communication system. The information can be indicative of movements of mobile devices relative to cells. For this purpose the control apparatus comprises at least one memory 301 for storing historic data, at least one data processing unit 302 for location estimations, 303 and an input/output interface 304 for communication with the network and recipients of the information. At least one timer function 306 may also be provided. The control apparatus can be configured to execute an appropriate software code to provide the control functions. Referring again to Figure 1 , the dashed line denotes an area 130 where the normal operation of the communication system is affected. For example, base station equipment in cells 100, 117 and 1 19 may have been cut off by an earthquake, storm, flooding or similar event, thus preventing the system from producing information such as location updates in the normal manner. Arrows in Figure 1 illustrate particular movement paths of the devices. In Figure 1 device 103 is heading from cell 1 10 via cell 117 to cell 100 towards the middle of the area 130. Device 101 has moved into cell 119 and is heading towards cell 100, both of these cells being affected. Device 102 however, would not appear to be affected or even moving to the area 130. Device 104 would appear to be moving away from the area 130. Device 105 is stationary.

In accordance with an embodiment shown by the flowchart of Figure 4 location services can be enabled based on information from a mobile communication system when information, such as location updates, from the mobile communication system is not available. In the embodiment data relating to movements of mobile devices is collected at in a location service element. More particularly, information is received at 40 from the mobile communication system relating to events associated with mobile devices in the location service element. The information may be pushed from the mobile system. The information is then stored at 42 for at least a predefined period in the location service element, thereby providing a location information history data for a user. In case of circumstances where the normal operation of the communication system is prevented information of locations of the mobile devices can be estimated based on the stored information at 44. Information based on the estimated information of locations can then be provided at 46 for use in an area affected by the circumstances where information from the mobile communication system is unavailable. A location information database can be provided for storing the history information. For example, a location information database can comprise a history buffer. The history information may be buffered for a predefined time back. For example, half an hour worth of history data may be enough to enable provision of accurate enough estimates of the locations of mobile devices when no current information is available so that e.g. a rescue operation can be managed more efficiently.

The location information provided based on the history data can comprise various information. For example, an estimate of the number of mobile devices in the area, locations of individual devices in the area, and information about the persons / subscribers of the devices in the area may be provided. For example, the personal information may comprise information regarding the name, sex, age, medical records, relations and so forth of an individual may be attached to information provided to the rescuers.

Determining of position information based on historical location data rather than just current location data can be provided by means of an element associated with the location services, or at the mobile communication system itself. The estimation may be based on appropriate estimation algorithms. For example, the location of device 103 can be estimated to be within the area 130 because it has crossed several cell borders, these events pointing towards a location that is in the middle of area 130. Similarly, the movement / location update history of device 101 would indicate that it was moving towards the middle of the area before the loss of the network. Device 105 has not been subject of any update within the predefined time and therefore, the last information being that it is attached to cell 100, it can be estimated that this device is still within the cell. The rescue efforts can thus be concentrated to find users whose estimate based on the history information is that they are within the area and in location pointed by the estimate. Devices 102 and 104 have been moving such that they are can be estimated as not being in the area 130. Thus an assumption may be made that they are not in the disaster zone, and lesser, if any, attention can be paid on these devices.

A rough approximation can be made on the basis of retracing the movement of the mobile devices into appropriate categories. For example four categories can be defined as follows: towards the area (e.g. devices 101 and 103), away from the area (device 104), within the area or stationary (device 105).

Changes in location of a mobile device may be stored e.g. in the accuracy of a cell, a routing area or a location area. By storing this data for a sufficiently long period of time it is possible to analyse movements of the mobile devices even when no current information is available.

In accordance with an embodiment a Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC) is employed for providing the location information based on the historic data. A GMLC can be provided with a passive data collector (PDC) component for collection of the history data. This component can be notified of location changes. For example, reports from one or more visitor location registers (VLR) may be stored therein for a predefined period.

Location update data can be pushed to the passive data collector, for example on cell handovers. Information based on other data, such as data in a radio network controller (RNC) and regarding each call and/or SMS made can be communicated to the data collector.

A rescue worker or a team of rescue workers can be provided with a device enabling downloading of information based on the location history data. For example, a device such as a GPS device, a mobile phone, a smart phone or personal data assistant, a tablet or laptop computer may be adapted for use of this information. An example of an appropriate device is shown in and described with reference to Figure 2. Information may be communicated to and/or from the user devices in various manners. For example, should the mobile network in the area be affected, connectivity may be provided e.g. via, a satellite system, emergency WLAN(s) or WiFi hotspots, or a wired connections.

The device may also be adapted to record the status of a device once its estimated location has been checked. Also, information regarding checking status of an area can be recorded. For example, after a user or a location has been checked, the status can be changed to indicate that the particular user or location has been checked. Information such as if a user/device was found in the estimated location can be recorded. Other information may also be recorded, e.g. regarding the conditions in a particular location (e.g. total destruction, survivors possible, mildly affected and so on) and/or of victims that have been found (e.g. deceased, seriously injured, walking and so on). This feature can be at least partially automated e.g. based on use of GPS positioning. This information can be reported back to a central entity. This can be used to avoid double efforts by different rescue teams/workers.

Collection of history data may be optional. For example, the feature can be activated for areas where risk of a disaster is imminent or which are known to be prone for e.g. flooding or earthquakes. Appropriate user security considerations may need to be taken. For example, information may be collected for use by authorised emergency teams also for users whose subscriptions prevent provision of location information e.g. for commercial uses. Appropriate data security measures may be taken. In accordance with an embodiment anonymity of the users is provided, for example by delivering locations estimates of devices without revealing the user identities. Anonymisation can be used to provide the emergency location as a background service that may not need to rely on where on opt- in/out measures. A secure data storage may be provided in a datacentre of an operator, wherefrom data can be delivered in raw or analysed form in the case of emergency to other processing devices, e.g. cloud servers for further analysis and delivery to emergency services.

In the above GMLC is described as an example of elements that can be used to estimate location while recording of each data point. Instead of GMLC, another location service element may be used for the embodiments. For example, a general Geographic Information System (GIS) can be used to analyse movement data. If an operator does not have a GMLC there may be more coarse data available from other components such as the MSC, RNC or traffic data and this information can be processed by an appropriate data processing apparatus for proving information of estimated locations and/or numbers of devices.

An estimate of the speed of movement can be taken into consideration when estimating the current location of the devices in area 130. Mobility information generated within the communication system based on measurements by a mobile device, such as mobility information about the velocity of a mobile user can be used. Information about the velocity can be defined by means of parameter known as mobility state. The knowledge of the mobility state history can be used for example to determine if the device was a slow moving device or a fast moving device.

Several layers of data may be taken into account in the estimation. Individual data points can be created by triangulation providing a relatively good network-based data accuracy. These data points, for each subscriber can be judged in multiple ways when other layers, for example road and/or rail network, topographic and/or public transport layers are added. For instance, if a device appear as being travelling along a railway line and has stopped in station locations, then the direction and speed of travel can be forecast more accurately. Any trends rather than single subscriber actions can also be taken into account, and used for example to judge any 'panic' movements before the disaster occurs. If a device or devices are estimated as having been stationary in a location as a large building, this can be determined as areas where interior population estimation may be provided. Such information may be used, for example, to make rescuers aware of buildings which may not have gotten an evacuation message in time. The above described embodiments may provide several advantages. In particular, estimates of locations and/or numbers of people in an area where the network is no longer operational can be provided. The rescuers may be provided with additional information about the persons that are likely to be in the area. Rescue management operations may be automated to certain extend. In embodiments where only network based information is used for providing the estimates a good coverage can be obtained as there should be information regarding all devices that have been switched on and thus registered in the network.

It is noted that whilst embodiments have been described using networks such as those based on the GSM, UMTS, LTE and LTE Advanced as examples, similar principles can be applied to any other communication system or indeed to further developments with LTE. Thus, the invention may be applied to other standards as well. For example, at least a part of the communication system may be based on techniques known as the unlicensed mobile access or similar networks such as 3GPP "Generic Access to A/Gb Interface" solutions, and more particularly to the support of location services in such networks. Also, instead of carriers provided by base stations at least one of the carriers for providing information to the mobile devices of the rescuers may be provided by a communication device such as a mobile user equipment. For example, this may be the case in application where no fixed equipment provided but a communication system is provided by means of a plurality of user equipment, for example in adhoc networks. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain exemplifying architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

The required data processing apparatus and functions of a base station apparatus, a communication device and any other appropriate apparatus may be provided by means of one or more data processors. The described functions at each end may be provided by separate processors or by an integrated processor. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non- limiting examples. The data processing may be distributed across several data processing modules. A data processor may be provided by means of, for example, at least one chip. Appropriate memory capacity can also be provided in the relevant devices. The memory or memories may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more of any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1. A method for enabling location services based on information from a mobile communication system in circumstances where normal operation of the mobile communication system is prevented, comprising

receiving information from the mobile communication system relating to events associated with mobile devices in a location service element, storing the information from the mobile communication system for at least a predefined period in the location service element, estimating information of locations of the mobile devices based on the stored information, and providing information based on the estimated information of locations for use in an area where information from the mobile communication system is unavailable.

2. A method according to claim 1 , comprising receiving location update information.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation of the network is affected by a natural catastrophe and the information based on the estimated information of locations is communicated to at least one device associated with the rescue operation.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the information based on the estimated information of locations comprises at least one of the estimated locations, number of mobile devices or users in the area, density of mobile devices or users in the area, a specific location requiring attention, direction of movement of mobile devices or users, and personal information associated with mobile devices in the area.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising categorising a mobile device in a predefined category.

6. A method according to any preceding claim 5, wherein the mobile device is categorised in at least one of categories towards the area, away from the area, within the area, and stationary.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the information from the communication system is stored in a buffer for at least thirty minutes.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the event comprises a change from one area of the mobile communication system to another and/or a communications connection of a mobile device.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the area comprises at least one of a cell, a routing area, and a location area.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the location service element comprises a gateway mobile location centre or a geographic information system device.

11. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising obtaining said information based on the estimated information at a mobile device in the area where said information from the mobile communication system is unavailable.

12. A method according to claim 11 , comprising receiving an input regarding a mobile device, user and/or area indicated by the obtained information and changing the status of the mobile device, user and/or area accordingly.

13. A method according to claim 12, comprising sending a status update to a central entity managing operations in the area.

14. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the information from the mobile communication system is anonymous.

15. An apparatus for location services that are provided based on information from a mobile communication system, the apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to receive information from the mobile communication system relating to events associated with mobile devices, store the information from the mobile communication system for at least a predefined period for use in circumstances where information from the mobile communication system is unavailable, estimate information of locations of the mobile devices based on the stored information, and provide information based on the estimated information of locations for use in an area where information from the mobile communication system is unavailable.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, configured to provide the information based on location update information and/or information relating to communications connections of the mobile devices.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the information provided based on the estimated information of locations comprises at least one of the estimated locations, number of mobile devices or users in the area, density of mobile devices or users in the area, a specific location requiring attention, direction of movement of mobile devices or users, and personal information associated with mobile devices in the area.

18. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 17, configured to categorise a mobile device in a predefined category.

19. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 18, comprising a buffer for storing the information from the communication system for at least thirty minutes.

20. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 19, configured to provide said information based on the estimated information for a mobile user device in the area where said information from the mobile communication system is unavailable.

21. A location service element comprising an apparatus according to any of claim 15 to 20.

22. A location service element according to claim 21 , comprising a gateway mobile location centre or a geographic information system device.

23. A user device configured for receiving information from a location service element according to claim 21 or 22, being further configured to receive an input regarding a mobile device, user and/or area indicated by the received information and to cause a change in status of the mobile device, user and/or area.

24. A user device according to claim 23, configured to send a status update to a central entity managing operations in the area.

25. A computer program comprising code means adapted to perform the steps of any of claims 1 to 14 when the program is run on a processor.