i-Locate. A comprehensive solution for indoor/outdoor localization

Abstract

Indoor localization continues to be a subject of a growing importance. Recent studies prove that on average, we spend about 90% of our time indoors, often in unfamiliar environments. Reaching to a precise target location is a crucial aspect in this process and has a great influence on many simple or complex social daily tasks. The goal of i-Locate project is to enable guidance and other location-based services in indoor environments such as office buildings, airport terminals, hospitals, museums, shopping-malls, etc. To accomplish this, several software components were developed. Indoor positioning technologies were identified, tested, and integrated. The technology was piloted in various locations and contexts in order to ensure a horizontal progress route from concept to service.  This article briefly describes the overall perspective of the project architecture and how each component addresses specific issues.