Key Technologies for Indoor Positioning Systems

It has always been important to know where we are in the world. In the past we used maps and compasses to find our way but today we are using GPS devices when travelling by foot, car or bike. The developments in location-based techniques and the growing usefulness of ubiquitous computing and context-dependent information have resulted in an increase business interest in location-based applications and services. Currently, there are many applications requiring precise location or real-time tracking of humans, animals or other things inside buildings. The current global positioning system is unreliable for interior spaces. Therefore, demand for indoor localization services is becoming a key requirement. This paper makes an analysis of recent developments in wireless indoor localization methods and systems, to have a better understanding of the state of the art and to inspire new scientific initiatives in this promising area. In order to achieve the purpose of the paper, the existing wireless localization systems and location methods are reviewed, and also comparing the related techniques and systems with future trends.