Researchers create GPS-free indoor navigations sytem

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Finnish researchers have developed an indoor navigation system that uses the Earth's magnetic field rather than GPS to ascertain your position. The technology will be marketed by IndoorAtlas, it promises an accury of between 0.1 and 2 meters.  IndoorAtlas STATES its system has an accuracy of between 0.1 and 2 meters.

The system is based on the idea that every part of the Earth emits a magnetic field which gets modulated by man-made concrete and steel structures.  It's not just accurate, to less than 6.6 feet, but can work without help from wireless signals and at depths that would scare off mere mortal technologies: IndoorAtlas has already conducted tests in a mine 4,593 feet deep. Geomagnetic location-finding is already available through an Android API, with hints of more platforms in the future. It will still need some tender loving care from app developers before we're using our smartphones to navigate through the grocery store as well as IndoorAtlas does in a video after the break.




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