Engineering

Positioning technology

Node (physics)

Real-time computing

Operating system

Precise Point Positioning

Telecommunications

Computer science

Construction engineering

Accelerometer

Positioning system

Global Positioning System

Indoor positioning system

Satellite system

Hybrid positioning system

Structural engineering

Architectural engineering

GNSS applications

Automation in Construction

Indoor positioning complements the mature outdoor positioning technology, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), by achieving real-time positioning in any environment under a blockage of GNSS signals. In the construction management field, this paper demonstrates that indoor positioning enables five significant applications that considerably enhance work efficiency and safety on construction sites. Without a perfect indoor positioning system and under complicated site environment, developing a suitable on-site indoor positioning system is challenging and essentially user-oriented and environment-specific. This paper analyses the challenges to implement on-site indoor positioning systems, and proposes indoor positioning performance metrics, namely APP-CAT, for evaluating indoor positioning systems. The fundamental indoor positioning principles are first discussed and evaluated. Subsequently, the top 10 indoor positioning technologies, selected by their performance in APP-CAT and their popularity, are thoroughly compared. The promising trends of indoor positioning development, e.g., indoor positioning hybridization, game theory positioning, and integration with BIM models, are highlighted.

Top 10 technologies for indoor positioning on construction sites