Assessing a UWB RTLS as a Means for Rapid WLAN Radio Map Generation

The utility of a commercially available low cost ultra-wideband (UWB) real-time location system (RTLS) to provide reference position information for the generation of accuracy high-density radio maps is investigated. The UWB RTLS hardware is deployed in a medium-sized office space in a university building and UWB ranges are recorded in static and kinematic mode over an array of precisely surveyed locations within the room. WLAN received signal strength indicator (RSSI) observations are taken simultaneously to UWB range measurements. Radio maps are then generated by interpolating the observed RSSI measurements using both the precisely surveyed coordinates and the UWB RTLS coordinates. The maps are compared and the feasibility of the method is discussed.