A New Paradigm for Developing and Delivering Ubiquitous Positioning Capabilities

Theoretical and practical approaches to developing ubiquitous positioning systems have traditionally been based around the fusion of all available signals to deliver a positioning solution that overcomes the limitations of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Whilst still valid, the technical and operational landscape across which this paradigm has existed has changed dramatically over the past five years. The most significant of these changes is the rapid growth of location based applications that have performance requirements that no longer centre on demands for high accuracy solutions, but where position availability and integrity are more significant. In addition, increasing volumes of potentially useful measurement data is available from developments in low-cost, low profile traditional augmentation sensors which have merged with the availability of new non traditional signals and sensors that can be used for positioning. Operational platforms with limited processing capabilities, the availability of application specific information sources and the increasing utility and ubiquity of qualitative information across these application domains are also emerging as important considerations in the design and development of ubiquitous positioning systems. This paper discusses the challenges associated with developing and delivering truly ubiquitous positioning capabilities. It attempts to redefine the classic definition of ubiquitous positioning with the overall aim of delivering an intelligent, responsive positioning solution that offers ubiquitous positioning capabilities whilst balancing performance and cost. It will also present preliminary results generated from a robust, open source platform developed to aid in the performance evaluation of individual sensors and measurements.