[mapping] Ubiquitous computing

[Trebor Scholz]

Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp, or sometimes ubiqcomp) integrates computation
into the environment, rather than having computers which are distinct
objects. Another term for ubiquitous computing is pervasive computing.
Promoters of this idea hope that embedding computation into the environment
would enable people to move around and interact with computers more
naturally than they currently do. One of the goals of ubiquitous computing
is to enable devices to sense changes in their environment and to
automatically adapt and act based on these changes based on user needs and
preferences. Some simple examples of this type of behavior include
GPS-equipped automobiles that give interactive driving directions and RFID
store checkout systems.