GPS/WiFi real-time positioning device: An initial outcome

Abstract

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has a typical outdoor positioning accuracy of up to 15m for civilian users. Thus, it has become a viable method for civilian to carry out coarse positioning. However, it has its shortcomings; it is available only in indoors with a clear view of the sky. Since WiFi has become another proven positioning technology that is capable of performing positioning in indoor environments and urban canyons, it is desirable to combine both of these technologies for ubiquitous positioning. Therefore, by means of integrating GPS positioning with a WiFi positioning system, indoor and outdoor positioning may be performed using only one device. The device can be implemented using FPGA embedded systems technology that allows easy reconfiguration of the device. Such a combination allows GPS and WiFi positioning technology to transition seamlessly.