5 components of Location-based services (LBS)

1. Mobile Devices
   A tool for user to request the needed information, it can be given by speech, using pictures, text and so on.


2. Communication Network
   Mobile network which transfers the user data and service requested from the mobile terminal to the service provider and then the requested information back to the user.


3. Positioning Component
   The user position can be obtained either by using the mobile communication network or by using the Global Positioning System (GPS), WLAN stations, active badges or radio beacons.


4. Service and Application Provider
   The service provider offers a number of different services to the user and is responsible for the service request processing.


5. Data and Content Provider
   Service providers will not store and maintain all information which can be requested by users, so geographic base data and location information data will be usually requested from the maintaining authority or business and industry partners.

Source:
http://www.geo.unizh.ch/publications/cartouche/lbs_lecturenotes_
steinigeretal2006.pdf