Using Magnetic Field Anomalies to Map building Interiors, Track Location
Compasses don’t normally work inside buildings because metallic structures disturb the Earth’s magnetic field, making it impossible to reliably find north, so IndoorAtlas takes a different approach by using these disturbances to create a unique map within each building. Map makers simply have to align their building’s blueprint with a traditional map, then wander along designated paths with smartphone in hand to chart the magnetic variations.
Visitors to the building can then download the map to their own phone and navigate as normal, though users do have to travel a distance of 3-5 metres before the system locks on to their location. It might be worth the short wait though - unlike other proposed indoor navigations systems based on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, IndoorAtlas doesn’t require any additional infrastructure, making it suitable for locations that suffer from radio interference while also reducing maintenance costs.