WO2009074166A1

WO2009074166A1 - Improvements in or relating to geographical data systems and associated apparatus and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2009074166A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/010812
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terhi Tuulikki Rautianen
Original assignee: Nokia Corporation
Priority date: 2007-12-11
Filing date: 2007-12-11
Publication date: 2009-06-18

Abstract

An apparatus arranged to provide for association of geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for an internal structure to provide for generation of geographical calendar event associated connection point data for use in providing geographical data associated with the internal structure.

Description

Improvements in or relating to geographical data systems and associated apparatus and methods

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of apparatus for providing geographical data, associated methods, computer programs and apparatus. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to portable electronic devices, in particular, but not limited to, so-called hand-portable electronic devices which may be hand-held in use (although they may be placed in a cradle in use). Such hand-portable electronic devices include so-called Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

The portable electronic devices of the present invention may provide one or more audio/text/video communication functions (e.g. telecommunication, videocommunication, and/or text transmission (Short Message Service (SMS)/ Multimedia Message Service (MMS)/emailing) functions), interactive/non- interactive viewing functions (e.g. web-browsing, TV/program viewing functions), music recording/playing functions (e.g. MP3 or other format and/or (FM/AM) radio broadcast recording/playing), downloading/sending of data functions, image capture function (e.g. using a (e.g. in-built) digital camera), and gaming functions.

Background

Geographical data, such as positional information, obtained from global positioning satellite systems (e.g. Global Position System (GPS) and Galileo), is increasingly being provided and used on many portable electronic devices, such as PDAs and the like.

However devices that use data from such positioning satellite systems have several limitations. Due to the fact that the signals received from such satellites are radio frequencies (RF) and relatively low powered, they generally fail to permeate structures, such as buildings and the like. This leads to problems in receiving geographical data in challenging positioning satellite environments, such as in urban canyons and inside buildings. Additionally the received strength of such signals deteriorates in poor weather conditions (e.g. overcast skies).

One solution is to try to provide geographical data based on other communication signals, which may be radio signals. Such signals may be WiFi, WiMax, or other WLAN protocol, Bluetooth™ UMTS, GSM, or the like. Geographical data may be obtained by observing the received signal strength of a signal from a particular access point, or a number of particular access points in a particular location, and storing this information in relation to a corresponding GPS signal relating to that particular location.

This data may be acquired either by a single party surveying a particular location (e.g. acquiring data while driving around a city), or by a collective group of people (e.g. user of devices sending information back to a third party).

In such a manner an accurate database of geographical data may be established for other signals that may be prevalent in an urban environment. However in this arrangement, the GPS signal is still required, and thus this arrangement still suffers from similar limitations as those described above.

However such an arrangement again has limitations. A user is often unmotivated to provide such information to a third party, or provider. Similar for the third party, or provider to acquire such information they would have to travel to all those particular locations (e.g. US2006095349). In some instances this may be impossible as the third party would not have access to inside all building, or the like.

There is a requirement to provide a method and apparatus that addresses the above problems. The listing or discussion of a prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the present invention may or may not address one or more of the background issues.

Summary

In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus arranged to provide for association of geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for an internal structure, to provide for generation of geographical calendar event associated connection point data for use in providing geographical data associated with the internal structure.

The apparatus itself may be arranged to associate the geographical calendar event data with the respective connection point data to generate the geographical calendar event associated connection point data. The apparatus may be arranged to provide for association of the geographical calendar event data with the respective connection point data by providing the calendar event data and the respective connection point data for association by another apparatus (e.g. a remote network element, the portable communication device and/or another portable communication device).

The apparatus may be arranged to provide for the generation of the geographical calendar event associated connection point data for wired/wireless transmission (e.g. automatically/under user control/initiation) upon wired/wireless communication/connection with the respective connection point.

The apparatus may be arranged to provide for the generation of the geographical calendar event associated connection point data for wired/wireless transmission by the time of the calendar event. Thus, at the time of the calendar event, the apparatus is arranged to provide for association of the geographical calendar event data with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more access points which are available for connection, or connected, to the portable communication device.

The apparatus may be arranged to provide for the generation of the geographical calendar event associated connection point data for wired/wireless transmission upon user initiation.

The wireless transmission may be using one or more WLAN, UMTS, and GSM protocols.

The geographical calendar event data may be stored on the portable communication device. The geographical calendar event data may be stored remote to the portable wireless device (e.g. in a network element or another portable communication device).

The geographical calendar event data may comprise one or more of a (e.g. user- entered or entered under the initiation/control of a user) non-coordinate description of a geographical location and an associated time entry. The non- coordinate geographical location description may comprise an internal structure name (e.g. building/underground station name) and/or a sub-internal structure name (e.g. room/lobby/area name, platform number).

The connection point for the internal structure may be a dedicated connection point of an internal structure.

The portable communication device may be a portable wireless device for wireless communication over the air interface between the device and the one or more connection points. The portable communication device may be a portable communication device for wired communication over a wired connection between the device and the one or more connection points. The connection point property may be one or more of a connection point name, connection point received signal strength, connection point IP address, connection point MAC address, connection point SSID, connection point ID, impulse response, shape spread, delay spread, and angle of arrival.

The connection point property may be differentiated between a signal parameter (e.g. SSID) or on signal quality (received signal strength, shape spread, etc.). The geographical calendar event associated connection point data may be weighted depending upon signal quality.

The connection point may be a cellular connection point for providing wireless connection of the portable wireless device. Such a connection point may have a CeIl_ID associated therewith. The cellular connection point may be one or more of a WLAN access point and a pico-cell network access point.

The connection point may be a radio connection point for providing radio communication, such as AM/FM radio stations and DVB-H. The radio connection point may have a Cell_ID, or transmitter ID, associated therewith.

The portable communication device may be one or more devices selected from the group comprising a portable computer (e.g. laptop), a PDA, a mobile phone, and a radio communications device.

The apparatus may be a portable communication device or an apparatus for a portable communication device. The apparatus may be a network element or an apparatus for a network element (including a network server). The apparatus may be a module for a portable communication device or a network element (including a network server).

The apparatus may be arranged to receive and compile geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, and one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for the internal structure. The apparatus may be arranged to receive and compile pre-generated geographical calendar event associated connection point data and/or arranged to associate received geographical calendar event data with received connection point properties of a respective connection point to generate the geographical calendar event associated connection point data.

The apparatus may be arranged to provide for association of geographical calendar event data during a connection between the portable communication device and the connection point.

There is also provided a method of operating an apparatus for use in providing geographical data associated with an internal structure.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of generating geographical calendar event associated connection point data for use in providing geographical data associated with an internal structure comprising associating geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for the internal structure.

In a third aspect there is provided a method of compiling geographical calendar event associated connection point data, for use in providing geographical data associated with an internal structure, comprising receiving and compiling geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for the internal structure.

The method may comprise receiving and compiling the geographical calendar associated connection point data by associating the received geographical calendar event data with the respective connection point data. The method may comprise receiving and compiling pre-generated geographical calendar associated connection point data. The compiling may comprise updating the geographical calendar event associated connection point data over time to provide updated geographical connection point data associated with an internal structure.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a computer program, the computer program compήsing computer code arranged to associate geographical calendar event data, of the portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for an internal structure, to generate geographical calendar event associated connection point data for use in providing geographical data associated with the internal structure.

In additional aspects, there is provided apparatus and methods arranged to provide for use of geographical data generated using the aforementioned aspects. This geographical data may be used to give the present/last known geographical location (and possibly time at the geographical location) of the portable communication device (and thus a user of the device).

The is also provided a means, the means for providing for association of geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for an internal structure, to provide for generation of geographical calendar event associated connection point data for use in providing geographical data associated with the internal structure.

The present invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. Corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting. Brief Description of the Figures

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Figure 1 shows an apparatus according to the present invention; and

Figure 2 shows a flow chart of the steps taken according to the embodiment of Figure 1.

Description of Specific Embodiments

Figure 1 shows an apparatus 100, which in the present embodiment is a communications device, such as a PDA, or the like. The device 100 comprises a processor 110, memory 120, transmitter 130 and receiver 140, a display 150 and a user input 160, arranged in a known manner to provide communication capabilities. In the present embodiment both the transmitter 130 and the receiver

140 are arranged to communicate via UMTS, GSM, WiFi, and Bluetooth™ protocols. It will readily be appreciated that the receiver/transmitter 130, 140 may be provided by a transceiver.

The display 150 is arranged to display geographical calendar event data. In the present embodiment the geographical calendar event data is provided on the device 100 by personal organiser software (e.g. Calendar provided with Windows Mobile). The device 100 allows therefore a user to input, via the user input 160, time and location data relating to particular events (e.g. Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Helsinki, Conference Room Florida - "Meeting" - 12 July, 14:00). Such calendars are well known and provide a useful way in which to remind a user of certain appointments and allow a user to optimise time usage.

Figure 1 also shows a network element 200, which in the present embodiment is a server 200. The server 200 is provided with a remote processor 210 and remote memory 220 and a geographical calendar event associated connection point database 230. The server 200 is in communication with a cellular base station 300, via a cellular network 350 (e.g. such as that provided by Vodafone™, AT&T™, or the like). The cellular base station 300 is arranged to communicate, via UMTS, with the device and communicate with the server 200. The base station is provided with a unique ID, which in this embodiment is a Cell_ID. It will readily be appreciated that in such an arrangement the Cell_ID is related to a particular location of the base station 300. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may relate to GSM/Wireless Local Area Network (WLANAViFi) communication.

The server 200 is arranged to communicate with the device 100, via the base station 300 and visa versa. In the present embodiment data may be transferred from the server 200 to the device 100 and visa versa.

A skilled reader will readily appreciate that in alternative embodiments both the server 200 and the device 100 may be in communication via different base stations 300, each with a different Cell_IDs, wherein the particular location of the device 100 will determine through which base station 300 the device 100 and server 200 communicate.

Figure 1 shows two WLAN connection points 400, 450 and a Bluetooth™ connection point 500. The WLAN connection points 400, 450 are both configured to communicate via WLAN protocol (e.g. IEEE 802.11 family or similar). The first WLAN connection point 400 is arranged to communicate via an encrypted protocol, such as WEP, WPA, or the like. The second WLAN connection point 450 is arranged not to require encrypted communication. The Bluetooth™ connection point 500 is arranged not to require encrypted communication. Both the WLAN connection points 400, 450 and the Bluetooth™ connection point 500 are connected to further networks, in a known manner (e.g. Internet, local Intranet, etc.). Each connection point 400, 450, 500 is associated with a particular SSID (Service Set Identifier), as well as other information such as static IP address, MAC address, or the like. Using the receiver 130, the device 100 is arranged such that it is able to observe the radio signals emitted from each of the connection points 400, 450, 500 as well as the base station 300. The device 100 is further arranged to observe the received signal strength (RSS) of the said signals in a known manner. In this example, the RSS is measured from Bluetooth™ and WLAN connection points, but it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, RSS measurement may be from other sources e.g. FM/AM radio stations and DVB-H. Some data sanity checks may also be based in FM/AM radio channel ID data, similarly to Cell_ID checks. Similarly in other embodiments the device 100 may be arranged to observe impulse response shapes, delay spread, angle of arrival, etc. Fingerprinting may be provided by observing the impulse response shape and delay spread of a signal, as will readily be appreciated.

In the present embodiment the connection points 400, 450, 500 are associated with a particular locality, such as the ground floor of the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Helsinki. In this example the second WLAN connection point 450 is, in particular, associated with the conference room Florida at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Helsinki.

Figure 2 shows the present embodiment in use 600. In a first step 610 a user sets a calendar appointment so as to provide geographical calendar event data, which includes both temporal and geographical data (e.g. Radisson SAS Royal Hotel,

Helsinki, Conference Room Florida - 12 July, 14:00). In the present embodiment the geographical calendar event data comprises further information, including an indication as to the type of appointment (e.g. meeting), event duration (e.g. 2 hrs), as well as details relating to other attending parties (e.g. names, device 100 identifiers). It will be readily appreciated by the skilled reader that geographical calendar event data may be provided by another party, and not the user. For example, the geographical calendar event data may be provided in a requested attendance communication received by the device 100, such as in an email or the like, to which the user accepts, or confirms tentative attendance. The user in a second step 620, having the device 100 with them at the particular time, attends the event (e.g. arrives at Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Helsinki, Conference Room Florida at 14:00).

The device 100 in a third step 630 then observes by scanning, from time to time during the event (e.g. every 15 mins) (and/or when a reminder is provided to the user to attend the event some time shortly before the event), the various visible connection points 400, 450, 500, the said connection points 400, 450, 500 being indicative of the locality, as described above. In the present example the device 100 is arranged to observe the RSS and the SSID of all three connection points 400, 450, 500, as well as the RSS and CeIlJD of the base station 300.

In a fourth step 640 the data obtained from each scan is then stored on the memory 120 of the device 100 as scanned data (e.g. "SAS-nerwork, +7 dBm", etc.). In alternative embodiments, the device 100 may be arranged to obtain scanned data at only one time during the event, such as roughly at the middle of the event. A skilled reader will readily appreciate that in other embodiments the scanned data may comprise other data, such as mobile device data (e.g. manufacturer and model), scan reliability data (e.g. tentative attendance of event, overlapping events), time stamps, such as time of scans, etc.

In a fifth step 650 the device 100 is arranged to communicate the scanned data relating to the visible connection points 400, 450, 500 and the base station 300 along with the geographical calendar event data to the server 200. The server 200 is arranged to store the scanned data and the geographical calendar event data as geographical calendar event associated connection point data on the geographical calendar event associated connection point data database 230. In the present embodiment the scanned data and the geographical calendar event data are transferred at some time roughly immediately after the scan. However, the skilled reader will readily appreciate that the scanned data and the geographical calendar event data can be transferred at some later time, such as at a particular time of day, week, month, or the like in other embodiments. Such later transferred data may be considered as a batch transfer and may comprise data relating to a plurality of events and/or other users at the same event.

Similarly, it will readily be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the scanned data may not be initially stored on the device 100, but may be communicated to the server 200, for example without storing on the device 100.

The server 200 is arranged in a sixth step 660 to provide sanity checks on the geographical calendar event associated connection point data. In the present embodiment the server 200 is arranged to assess the locality of the Cell_ID to confirm that the location of the event is in a similar location as the Cell_ID (e.g. in the same country, city, etc). Geographical calendar event associated connection point data in which the Cell_ID does not match the locality of the present event is discarded. The server 200 is further arranged to cross-reference the geographical calendar event associated connection point data with geographical calendar event associated connection point data obtained in the same locality, such as the geographical calendar event associated connection point data obtained during a different event. When there is an observed overlap in the data, the server 200 is arranged to combine the geographical calendar event associated connection point data for that locality.

In alternative embodiments the server 200 may additionally be arranged to compare the scanned data from multiple users who are attending the same event. In such an arrangement the server 200 may disregard unique scanned data that does not correlate with the common scanned data. For example the server 200 may disregard that scanned data from one user that is not similar to the data from other users. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that such erroneous data may occur when a user does not attend a planned event and their device 100 obtains scanned data from a different locality.

A skilled reader will appreciate that, once the database is populated with geographical calendar event associated connection point data, the device 100 and/or other apparatus may then utilise the data in the database 230 so as to ascertain a particular locality of the device/apparatus based upon the WLAN, UMTS, etc. signals observed by the device/apparatus at that present locality. For example, it would be possible to provide a non-coordinate description of the location of a particular user, or more accurately the portable communication device of the user, based on where the device was last (or is currently) connected to a particular connection point. In such a case, it would be appreciated that the non-coordinate description of the connection point would have earlier been compiled/verifi ed) .

In such an arrangement the device 100/server 200 may be further arranged to provide information based on that geographical position, such as a list of local services (e.g. closest dining area), directions, information regarding the locality (e.g. name of the company in which the device is presently located), etc.

It will be readily appreciated that while in the above embodiment the calendar is provided on the device, this need not always be the case. The calendar may be provided by the server 200, remote apparatus (e.g. office computer), or the like. In such an arrangement the server/remote apparatus may communicate with the device 100 so as to initiate a scan of the visible communication points in that locality. Such communication may be via the base station 300 in a known manner, or alternatively via a connection point 400, 450, 500.

Similarly, while in the above embodiment the device 100 is arranged to store the scanned data and the geographical calendar event data, and then transmit this data to the server 200 via the base station 300, in alternative embodiments this need not be the case. The device 100 may be arranged to communicate the scanned data and the geographical calendar event data to the server 200 when the device 100 is connected to another apparatus, such as a computer connected to the Internet. Such an arrangement may reduce the data being transferred across the cellular network 350.

In addition, although in the embodiment described above the device 100 is arranged to observe the Cell_ID of the base station 300, this need not be the case. In such an arrangement the sanity check on the Cell_ID would not be performed. The skilled reader with readily appreciate that additionally and/or alternatively, the device 100 may not communicate with the server 200 via a base station 300, and visa versa. The device 100 may communicate via a further network, such as through the Internet. In such an arrangement the device 100 may communicate scanned data and/or geographical calendar event data with the server 200 when the device 100 is connected to a communication point (e.g. an open WLAN communication point 450), which in turn is connected to a further network connected to the server 200, such as the Internet. The connection may be wired or wireless. In such an arrangement further scanned data may be provided, such as MAC address, IP address, etc.

In the event that multiple scans are acquired during an event, the device 100/server 200 may be arranged so as to compare the scanned data from each scan. In the event that substantially different data is acquired during the event the device/server 100, 200 may be arranged to use the most consistent scanned data, or disregard the scanned data entirely.

It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the association of geographical calendar event data may be during a connection between the portable communication device and the connection point e.g. while the connection point is available for connection. However, if the portable device is for example a laptop, the user may not always carry it with him, or not at least as frequently as a mobile phone for example. Thus, laptops, which typically contain also calendars as well as radios, (at least WLAN + Bluetooth™), may not be with the user at the place where the event is according to the calendar (e.g. when the user is at a gym). Therefore, for such "less-portable" devices (which are not handheld in use), checks could be made to examine whether the user actually has the laptop with him, and whether it makes sense to make scans with such a device for an event. For example, one could check one or more of:

- whether the laptop has been moved recently / just before the event: from gyro and/or accelerometer information + time stamps; - whether the user has recently / during the event typed the keypad, opened the device or similar;

- how long the laptop has been connected to a power supply;

- any earlier geographical calendar event data already associated for the "current connection point" (e.g. the last connection point to which the laptop connected or the connection point currently available for connection to the laptop). It will be appreciated that this procedure is not limited to such less portable devices, but may be done before an association when using the "more portable" devices.

It will be appreciated to the skilled reader that the device/server and/or other features of particular apparatus may be provided by apparatus arranged such that they become configured to carry out the desired operations only when enabled, e.g. switched on, or the like. In such cases, they may not necessary have the appropriate software loaded into the active memory in the non-enabled (e.g. switched off state) and only load the appropriate software in the enabled (e.g. on state). The apparatus may comprise hardware circuitry and/or firmware. The apparatus may comprise software loaded onto memory.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned device may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same device.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

Claims

1. An apparatus arranged to provide for association of geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points for an internal structure, to provide for generation of geographical calendar event associated connection point data for use in providing geographical data associated with the internal structure.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the apparatus is arranged to associate the geographical calendar event data with the respective connection point data to generate the geographical calendar event associated connection point data.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 that is be arranged to provide for association of the geographical calendar event data with the respective connection point data by providing the calendar event data and the respective connection point data for association by another apparatus.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus is arranged to provide for the generation of the geographical calendar event associated connection point data for wireless transmission upon wireless communication/connection with the respective connection point.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus is arranged to provide for the generation of the geographical calendar event associated connection point data for wireless transmission by the time of the calendar event.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus is arranged to provide for the generation of the geographical calendar event associated connection point data for wireless transmission upon user initiation.

7. An apparatus according to any of the claim 4 to 6 in which the wireless transmission is one or more WLAN, UMTS, and GSM protocols.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus is arranged to store the geographical calendar event data on the portable communication device.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus is arranged to store the geographical calendar event data remote to the portable wireless device.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the geographical calendar event data comprises one or more of a non-coordinate description of a geographical location and an associated time entry.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 in which the non-coordinate geographical location description comprises at least one of an internal structure name, and a sub-internal structure name.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the connection point for the internal structure is a dedicated connection point of an internal structure.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the portable communication device is a portable wireless device for wireless communication over the air interface between the device and the one or more connection points.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the connection point property is one or more of a connection point name, connection point received signal strength, connection point IP address, connection point MAC address, connection point SSID, connection point ID, impulse response, delay spread, and angle of arrival.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which at least one connection point is a cellular connection point for providing wireless connection of the portable wireless device.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 in which the cellular connection point is one or more of a WLAN access point and a pico-cell network access point.

17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the portable communication device is one or more devices selected from the group comprising a portable computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, and a radio communications device.

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is a portable communication device or an apparatus for a portable communication device.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is a network element or an apparatus for a network element.

20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus is a module for a portable communication device or a network element.

21. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged to receive and compile geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, and one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for the internal structure.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21, in which the apparatus is arranged to receive and compile pre-generated geographical calendar event associated connection point data and/or arranged to associate received geographical calendar event data with received connection point properties of a respective connection point to generate the geographical calendar event associated connection point data.

23. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged to provide for association of geographical calendar event data during a connection between the portable communication device and the connection point.

24. A method of operating an apparatus for use in providing geographical data associated with an internal structure.

25. A method of generating geographical calendar event associated connection point data for use in providing geographical data associated with an internal structure comprising associating geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for the internal structure.

26. A method of compiling geographical calendar event associated connection point data, for use in providing geographical data associated with an internal structure, comprising receiving and compiling geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for the internal structure.

27. A method according to claim 26 in which the method comprises receiving and compiling the geographical calendar associated connection point data by associating the received geographical calendar event data with the respective connection point data.

28. A method according to claim 26 or 27 in which the method comprises receiving and compiling pre-generated geographical calendar associated connection point data.

29. A method according to claim 26 or 28 in which the compiling comprises updating the geographical calendar event associated connection point data over time to provide updated geographical connection point data associated with an internal structure.

30. A computer program for an apparatus, the computer program comprising computer code arranged to associate geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for an internal structure to generate geographical calendar event associated connection point data for use in providing geographical data associated with the internal structure.

31. A means, the means for providing for association of geographical calendar event data, of a portable communication device, with one or more connection point properties of respective one or more connection points, for an internal structure to provide for generation of geographical calendar event associated connection point data for use in providing geographical data associated with the internal structure.