Context-aware computing systems and methods are described. In particular
embodiments, location aware systems and methods are described. In the
described embodiments, hierarchical tree structures are utilized to
ascertain a device context or location. The tree structures can be stored
on or accessible to mobile or stationary computing devices so that the
devices can determine their own particular context or location. In one
embodiment, one of the tree structures comprises a Master World tree
structure that contains nodes that represent geographical divisions of
the Earth. Another of the tree structures can comprise a so-called
Secondary World that contains nodes that represent physical or logical
entities that are organization or company specific views of the world. A
computing device can automatically determine its context or location by
ascertaining a node on one or more of the tree structures and then
traversing the tree structure to ascertain the complete context. Once a
context or location is ascertained, goods or services associated with the
context or location can be accessed.