Development of an Indoor localization and positioning system in non-GPS environment using standalone smart phones and its implementation in construction site photo management application.

Abstract

This research paper presents a novel indoor localization and positioning system designed for GPS-denied environments, specifically construction sites. It addresses the challenge of self-positioning on construction sites, where GPS signals are unavailable, such as in tunnels, buildings, and underground areas. We developed a high-precision self-positioning algorithm using a smartphone's camera and sensors to track location without external signals. The system combines a camera-based algorithm that tracks image pixel movement with augmented reality (AR) and smartphone sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and barometer).Unlike existing technologies like beacons, Wi-Fi, UWB, markers, and SLAM, which often lack accuracy, our system achieves centimeter-level precision for indoor positioning. The system is integrated into a construction site photo management app that automatically tags photos with accurate location data, including latitude, longitude, and the camera's orientation (roll, yaw, and pitch). The app places a pin on a map showing the camera's direction, ensuring precise geotagging. This system enhances construction site productivity by providing reliable documentation, essential for tracking and managing site progress. Geotagged images and metadata can be used for site inspections, progress monitoring, and decision-making. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of combining smartphone-based camera algorithms, AR, and sensor fusion to solve indoor positioning challenges in construction environments. This system have been tested in several construction sites and confirmed the accuracy of centimeter (cm) precision. The system's high precision and real-time capabilities offer a groundbreaking solution to the limitations of current indoor positioning technologies used in the construction sites.