Even though most people don’t understand how GPS works, we still rely on it and appreciate the role it plays in our lives. Global positioning makes mapping and direction programs like Google Maps work, ensures deliveries arrive on time, and is used in almost every technology that currently uses tracking, synchronization, positioning or navigation. A lesser-known, similar technology that uses more localized reference points called interior positioning systems (IPS) also helps map the interior of spaces.
What is the difference between GPS and IPS?
There’s a reason why people talk about GPS when referring to IPS, so it’s worth starting by understanding how GPS works. Many countries have satellites orbiting the Earth specifically for GPS purposes. These satellites send and receive signals from objects on Earth and, at a very basic level, track the time and distance of that object between satellites. By doing this, they create a map of objects and their relative location and distance from each other and the time it takes for them to move.
GPS is arduous to exploit indoors because signals may be weaker due to interference from buildings. Moreover, as precise as GPS is, it has accuracy 7 meters (22 feet). 22 feet of space may not make much of a difference when it comes to DoorDash delivery accuracy, but it can make a huge difference when it comes to finding a product in the aisle at Ikea or in the right room at the hospital. Since people need support navigating both indoors and outdoors, a more precise system is helpful. This is where IPS comes in handy.
Like GPS, IPS uses smartphones and other clever devices as tracked objects, and then uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and any other possible internal signal to measure the clever device’s time and distance from points in space. The more points it can track, the more precise the IPS can be.
It is also possible to tag people or objects with portable tracking devices such as NFC or RFID tags to make it easier to find someone or something. Imagine entering a confusing space, such as a hospital, and being presented with a visitor badge with an embedded NFC tag. An NFC tag location tracking app can direct you to the exact room you’re looking for, showing your location in real time as you move through the halls.
IPS is already used in the places you have been
You may not have heard of IPS, but it’s probably already been used in places you’ve visited. In theme parks, for example: Disney it already uses IPS technology in its parks The world of Ferrari. The hospital example above was not just an example: healthcare facilities such as National Taiwan University Hospital IPS has already been implemented around the world, which not only helps patients find places, but also enables tracking of patients themselves, including infants. They like shopping malls Canary Quay in London is another example. Airports, convention centers, zoos, immense offices, and even underground transportation hubs such as subways can and already exploit IPS.
While it is possible to exploit IPS to observe traffic patterns of people passing through an airport in real time, the accuracy offered by IPS can also support plan for better human traffic flow in the future. For example, if data shows that people are congregating in one area of a store but not purchasing any products in that area, managers can investigate what the problem might be and fix it. Data can support users navigate, but it can also be a powerful tool for companies managing spaces themselves.
