An Intelligent Location-Based Service System (ILBSS) using mobile and spatial technology: A proposal for Abu Dhabi petrol stations

Many services in Abu Dhabi such as petrol stations are witnessing increasing demand and high congestion levels which adversely affect both service quality and efficiency. To help combat such a situation, this article develops a mobile-based spatial system to solve petrol station problems and to reduce the delays in service. The nearest petrol station is selected based on a match with its current congestion status (empty, full, or partially full) that will be extracted from a real-time satellite imagery analysis and Global Positioning System (GPS) earth coordinates. Secondly, the developed system automates the payment process at petrol stations using mobile devices via three payment options: website payment by credit card, use of a mobile payment registered account, or payment from a mobile credit. A reservation algorithm is also provided by which the customer can reserve a service number at a certain designated petrol pump with an authentication code that will be scanned and verified upon arrival.