Indoor localization using a magnetic flux density map of a building

The need for indoor localization has become increasingly important in recent years for a number of applications. Magnetic flux density fluctuations, caused by reinforced concrete or metal objects, are common in indoor environments. Originally, these fluctuations were considered to be harmful for localization because they can cause electromagnetic interference in sensitive sensors like a compass. However, in many papers it is suggested that these interference patterns can be mapped and used to achieve indoor localization. During this research, tests were performed to determine how feasible geomagnetic indoor localization is for a handheld smartphone device. Pattern matching, a technique often used by radio-frequency based localization technologies, will be used to determine the position of such a device. Advantages of this technology are discussed and possible obstacles are exposed.

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