The universally popular Google Maps application gathers approximate location data using the proximity of cell towers relative to your phone. Once a GPS lock is completed, this location can be more accurately represented on the map. However, using GPS can be (especially with older devices) a much slower process, and it obviously requires an internal or external GPS chip to be connected to your phone in order for it to operate.

This is one of the reasons why Google Maps is so popular: the initial use of cell towers means that virtually any smartphone's location is calculable. Recently, XDA user DavidTiger has created a .NET Compact Framework v3.5 DLL file which allows you to incorporate the use of cell towers to find a phone's approximate location into your own applications!

Hopefully, this DLL file will inspire developers to provide those who want an alternative to GPS navigation with an option. For more information and the DLL itself, visit the development thread.