The objective of the project was the development of a multiuser wireless telecommunication system with the possibility of representing users in a graphical interface, using location based technologies. The research project studied an attempt of composing different technologies: wireless mediated communication (two-dimensional and three-dimensional), depiction multiuser interface environments and location based technologies. The expected outcome of the project was the implementation of an integrated and scalable multi-user wireless telecommunication system and content exchange (LOcation-based Communication Urban NETwork: LOCUNET), where mobile participants were identified according to their position in the physical space and represented in real time, in the GUI interface.

The LOCUNET project, with the New Technologies Laboratory being the lead partner of it, aimed to explore new forms of communication that emerge as a result of the convergence of location-based technologies, wireless communication and graphic interface environments, a convergence which led to the emergence of  Location Based Communication Media. More specifically, the aim of this research project was to create a theoretical model concerning the use of Location Based Communication Media systems and forms of social interactivity that can support the modern urban environment. This model can assist the design and development process of Location Based Communication Media systems. For the evaluation of the proposed model, a Location Based Communication Media system was designed and implemented, which was used to perform the aforementioned activity with the simultaneous participation of many users moving in the center of Athens. In LOCUNET project, apart from the New Technologies Laboratory, the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Athens and ANKO company participated as well, while Vodafone company participated in the project in the means of subcontracting.

Project website: http://www2.media.uoa.gr/locunet/?q=hom