At ITSOFT, we have been working for years to develop solutions focused on the localization and positioning of people and assets.
That is why we have prepared a brief guide to the different positioning systems available on the market and their potential applications.
Indoor and outdoor positioning systems are technologies that share the ability to track and locate objects or people in real-time, but are used in different contexts and applications.
Below, we will explore the key differences between three positioning technologies: Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS), Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), and Global Positioning System (GPS).
Indoor Positioning System (IPS)
Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) are technologies that allow for the real-time tracking and location of objects or people within an enclosed space, such as buildings, hospitals, shopping malls, airports, and museums.
IPS have been developed to solve the challenge of indoor navigation, where GPS positioning signals are unreliable due to signal obstruction and reflections in enclosed spaces.
Technologies Used in IPS
Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) utilize a variety of technologies, such as:
– Bluetooth Beacons: They emit signals that are detected by mobile devices to determine the location of the user or an asset. The beacons used are typically a special type of low-energy Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).
– Wi-Fi: It uses the triangulation of Wi-Fi signals from different access points to calculate location, as well as detecting when a device is approaching or moving away from access points.
– RFID: It uses RFID tags (Radio Frequency Identification) to track objects or people.
– Ultrasound Sensors: They employ ultrasonic waves to calculate the distance between the object and the sensors.
– Infrared Sensors: They detect the heat emitted by objects to determine their location.
Accuracy and Coverage of IPS
The accuracy of Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) can vary depending on the technology used, but in general, they can offer accuracy ranging from a few centimeters to a few meters.
The coverage of IPS is limited to enclosed spaces, and their range extends only within buildings or other structures.
Applications of Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS)
IPS have various applications, including:
Indoor Navigation: Helping users find routes and destinations within large or complex buildings.
Improving Customer Experience: Providing personalized services and notifications based on the user’s location.
Asset Management: Enabling the tracking and control of assets in industrial or commercial environments.
Security: Enhancing security in enclosed spaces by allowing real-time tracking of people.
Real-Time Location System (RTLS)
Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are a subcategory of IPS that focus specifically on providing real-time location information. RTLS are used to track moving objects or people within a space and provide precise, up-to-date information about their location.
Technologies Used in Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)
RTLS use technologies similar to IPS, such as Bluetooth beacons, Wi-Fi, RFID, ultrasound sensors, systems based on Ultrawideband (UWB), and infrared sensors. The key difference between IPS and RTLS lies in the real-time focus of the latter.
Accuracy and Coverage of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)
The accuracy of RTLS can also vary depending on the technology used (it can range from centimetric [UWB] to a few meters, like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi), but their main objective is to provide real-time information about the location of moving objects or people.
Coverage is limited to enclosed spaces, similar to IPS.
Applications of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)
RTLS find applications in:
Inventory Control: Improving efficiency and accuracy in tracking inventory in warehouses and stores.
Operations Management: Helping to optimize logistics and workflow in industrial and healthcare environments.
Security and Emergencies: Facilitating rapid response in emergency situations by tracking the location of people and assets.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a network of satellites orbiting Earth that transmit signals, allowing GPS receivers to calculate their precise location on the planet’s surface.
Technology Used in GPS
GPS uses radio frequency signals transmitted by satellites, which receivers in mobile devices, such as smartphones and navigation devices, utilize to determine their location based on the triangulation of multiple satellite signals.
Accuracy and Coverage of GPS
GPS accuracy can vary, but under ideal conditions, it can achieve an accuracy of approximately a few meters. The main advantage of GPS is its wide coverage, which spans the entire globe.
Applications of GPS
GPS is widely used in various applications, including:
Personal and Automotive Navigation: Providing precise routes and directions to reach specific destinations.
Mapping Applications: Allowing the visualization of maps and locations on mobile devices and navigators
Fleet Tracking: Facilitating the management and real-time tracking of vehicles to optimize routes and operations.
Geolocation Applications: Offering location information for social media, tourism, and other applications.
Summary
Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS), Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), and the Global Positioning System (GPS) are localization technologies that have different applications and scopes. IPS and RTLS focus on providing location information in enclosed spaces, while GPS is used for navigation and localization in outdoor areas. Each technology has its own advantages and is adapted to various applications in different environments.
If you are looking for location tools, do not hesitate to contact us. We can help you.
Check out our Solutions that include positioning technology:
Everpaths > Localization and guidance of people and assets both indoors and outdoors.
TrackGPS –> Asset localization using GPS.