Find Computer Location with Windows 7 and Geosense

Leveraging Location on Windows 7 with Geosense

Modern smartphones, equipped with GPS, simplify tasks like obtaining directions and accessing location-specific weather updates due to their automatic location awareness.

With Geosense, this functionality can be extended to any Windows 7 computer, even those lacking a built-in GPS chip.

The Windows 7 Sensors and Location Platform

Windows 7 introduced a new Sensors and Location platform designed to enable the operating system to dynamically respond to environmental factors detected by sensors like light, orientation detectors, or GPS modules.

This feature enhances a computer’s awareness of its surroundings, allowing it to adjust accordingly.

The location platform is particularly noteworthy, as it unlocks the potential for automated location-based searches and mapping capabilities on your PC.

However, many laptops currently available do not include GPS hardware.

Geosense provides a solution, allowing you to utilize the location platform even without a GPS chip.

How Geosense Determines Your Location

Geosense employs various methods to pinpoint your location with the greatest possible accuracy, including IP address lookup, WiFi network analysis, and cell tower triangulation.

The software registers itself as a sensor within the Windows Sensors and Locations system.

Once installed, any location-aware applications or services will be able to access your location data through Geosense.

It’s important to note that Geosense is compatible only with Windows 7 Home Premium and subsequent editions, as Windows 7 Starter does not include the Sensors and Locations platform.

Getting Started with Geosense

Geosense is available as a free download for Windows 7, offering both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Select the appropriate version for your system and proceed with the installation.

During installation, you will be prompted to install a device driver.

Confirm the installation by clicking "Install".

You may also encounter a User Account Control (UAC) prompt, which should be accepted.

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Upon completion of the installation process, Geosense is ready for use.

First, verify that Geosense is enabled.

Type "Location" into the Start Menu search bar and select "Location and Other Sensors".

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Within this window, you should find Geosense listed as a sensor.

If it is currently disabled, check the corresponding box and click "Apply".

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Clicking on the sensor’s name will reveal additional information about Geosense.

This page allows you to modify the description, control user access, and uninstall the software if desired.

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Utilizing Geosense

Currently, relatively few applications fully leverage the Location platform in Windows 7, though it is anticipated that this number will grow over time.

The weather desktop gadget, however, is location-aware, providing a convenient way to test the accuracy of your Geosense location.

After installation, a grey logo will appear next to your city’s name on the gadget, indicating that a sensor is available.

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Click the settings icon to access the options pane.

Select "Find location automatically" to display weather information for the location detected by Geosense.

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A blue icon beside the city name will then appear, confirming that the location is being sourced from your location sensor.

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Occasionally, Geosense may be unable to accurately determine your location.

In such cases, it may display an incorrect city (Seattle, WA is the default) or a red icon indicating a location detection failure.

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Location-Aware Google Maps

A location-aware Google Maps application is also available from the Geosense website (link provided below).

This application automatically opens Google Maps centered on your current location, facilitating searches for directions and nearby businesses.

This can be particularly useful when exploring a new city.

However, if location detection fails, it may default to a generic Google Maps view.

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In Conclusion

Geosense, in conjunction with the Windows 7 Location Platform, provides a valuable means of enhancing your computing experience with location-based services.

Geosense extends location awareness to a wider range of users, potentially fostering the development of innovative applications in the future.

Even the currently available location-aware apps offer a compelling and enjoyable experience.

Please review Google’s privacy policy regarding the service if you have concerns about privacy while using the Location-Enabled Google Maps Client.

Link:

Download Geosense for Windows 7 and the Location-Enabled Google Maps Client