GPS + Compass = Richer Geographical Info

Wouldn't it be great if you could point your cell phone at an historic building while walking around (insert your vacation spot here) and within seconds have a brief history of the structure? Or point it at a restaurant and know if it's kid-friendly?

The technology has arrived—in Japan.

The New York Times reports the service is provided via a joint venture of three Japanese companies and a small American tech firm, GeoVector. By combining GPS (global positioning system) technology, a compass and an Internet connection, Japanese consumers hold the key to up-to-the-minute geographical information in their hands.

GeoVector's father-and-son founders, John and Thomas Ellenby, came up with the idea during a 1991 sailing trip. It's taking hold in Japan first because of regulations requiring all cell phones have GPS receivers by next year. Here in the U.S., a less precise locating technology is required. Only two carriers, Verizon and Sprint Nextel, have GPS receivers in phones. But the Times article says there are no plans to add a compass.

I can see lots of great uses for this mobile technology, particularly on family vacations. Is this a service you'd like to see on your cell phone soon?