On automatic metric radio map generation for the purpose of WiFi navigation

Abstract

We present a novel method of fast and reliable data gathering for the purpose of location services based on radio signal strength services such as WiFi location/navigation. Our method combines the acquisition of location and mapping based on computer vision methods with WiFi signal strength stochastic data gathering. The output of the method is threefold: 3D metric space model, 2D floor plan map and metric map of stochastic radio signal strength. The binding of location data with radio data is done completely automatically, without any human intervention. The advantage of our solution lies also in a significant speed-up and density increase of Radio Map generation which opens new markets for WiFi navigation services. We have proved that presented solution produces a map allowing location in office space of accuracy 1.06 m.