Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Navigation using the Earth's magnetic field


To accurately determine the position of the earth's surface can be used satellite navigation system. However, some animals, such as pigeons, firing does not have satellites to know well where they are currently. Researchers from the University of Oulu, Finland decided to use the same principle and create a navigation system based on the Earth's magnetic field.
According to the claims IndoorAtlas, founded by scientists to get the system on the market, navigate using the magnetic field boasts an accuracy of 0.1 to 2 meters. All you need is a phone and the sensors in the corresponding application. Finns have come to the conclusion that the solution is suited for navigation inside buildings because every wall in some way modifies the magnetic field and the magnetometer built into the phone can pick up subtle changes in the magnetic field.
It just so happens that almost every smartphone has a built-in magnetometer today, so it can be used to create a very accurate map of the premises. Just use the applications developed by scientists. The first step is to draw a plan of the room and upload it to the application. Then it's just a walk around the area to collect data on the magnetic field and the other users will now be able to navigate such as the mall.
Finnish idea of ​​navigation in confined spaces is very simple - do not require additional infrastructure such as the Access Points, Wi-Fi, and also can be used in virtually all circumstances. Underground, in large factory halls, airports or hospitals.
It has only one drawback - the Earth's magnetic field is constantly changing, albeit very slowly. Maps created space today with an accuracy of up to 10 centimeters in five years may not be quite as accurate.

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