Indoor positioning with wireless anchors
Three fixed anchors inside the building measure the signal strength of a moving tag; its position is calculated from the three estimated distances and shown on the floor plan. A practical alternative to GPS, which doesn't work indoors.
The problem
GPS stops working inside buildings, while warehouses and hospitals need to know where carts, devices, and staff are. Commercial systems cost thousands of dinars and need a complete infrastructure.
How it works
- BroadcastThe mobile tag sends a periodic signal.
- MeasurementEach anchor measures the strength of the signal reaching it.
- EstimationSignal strength is converted into an estimated distance using on-site calibration.
- TrilaterationThe position is calculated from three distances and drawn on the floor plan.
Project features
- Three anchors cover a whole hall for the cost of just four boards.
- The route is drawn on the floor plan instead of just showing coordinates.
- On-site calibration improves accuracy a lot — the heart of the project.
- Easy to expand: each extra anchor improves coverage.
Parts
All the parts you need in one place. Remove what you already have, and swap parts to fit your budget. Parts with a photo are available in our store at their current price.
Prices are estimates and may change. Parts marked “other supplier” are ordered outside our main store.
Expected challenges
These are the main obstacles to expect during the build, laid out clearly so you know them before you start.
- Signal strength doesn't reflect distance precisely, as walls, people, and metal affect it, so accuracy is in meters, not centimeters.
- Results are random unless calibration is done on the site itself.
- Signal reflections make the estimated distance longer than the real one.
- Readings from the three anchors must be closely synchronized, or the calculated position jumps around.
The consultation gives you a solution for each one.
Similar projects
Projects close to this one in idea or parts. Check the differences before deciding, and borrow ideas you can add to your own project.
Students' experiences
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Need solutions to the challenges and a complete technical path?
In the consultation we give you a solution for each challenge above, plus a practical build plan from the first step to the last: technologies, libraries, wiring diagram, timeline, and tips for the defense.
- Consultation session
- PDF with solutions and a plan
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