Thanks to outdoor mapping in most parts of the world, you can easily travel from one place to another without the inconvenience of having to stop for directions or carrying paper maps with you. All you have to do is pull out your smartphone and the highly advanced mobile technology will allow you to get directions to your destination within the shortest time possible. However, GPS technology, even with all its high tech, becomes useless once you reach the entrance of the shopping mall, hospital, museum, hotel or even airports. There was, thus, the need to develop an indoor navigation system that would give directions to visitors who are not familiar with certain indoor environments.
GPS uses satellite signals to point out directions. On the other hand, the indoor positioning system does not rely on a single line of sight. Instead, it utilizes different approaches to provide updates of locations.
Wi-Fi fingerprinting is the use of Wi-Fi signals in various parts of a building to pick out the location of a phone user. Indoor mapping companies have developed software that enables efficient indoor navigation through the application of the Bluetooth features of a phone or the use of other handset tools such as gyroscope or accelerometer to get information on the position of the user. In addition, some companies draw up virtual indoor maps for business establishments or provide guidance on how to do it.
Application
Many companies are working round the clock in an attempt to provide a better GPS for indoors than their rivals. As a result, thousands of indoor maps have been collected with the aim of providing users with precise information on crucial locations. For instance, you can easily find the nearest washroom in a stadium or your gate in an airport. Some of the indoor environments whose floor plans have been created include Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and Wembley Stadium in London.
Through the use of an app, shopping mall customers are personally directed to any brand or department they may be interested in. In addition, they can see the exact location of the items on their shopping lists through the application of an app. Museum visitors have not been left out. There are apps which not only enable them to know their precise location but also provide information on the nearby displays.
Conclusion
There is no limit to the development of indoor navigation technology. In days to come, there will be more, highly advanced technology intended for various settings including hospitals, schools and the hospitality industry. Big and small companies as well as startups are already doing wonders in their effort to make the world a more familiar place.