This indoor positioning guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up Combain indoor positioning from scratch to live deployment. You will create a building and develop a radio environment model using either AI Indoor or Manual Indoor methods. After that, you can begin positioning through the Location API or the SDK. The guide includes detailed steps, device notes, and links to tools to help you deploy more efficiently.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Who is this guide for, and what outcome can you expect?
This guide is intended for teams seeking practical indoor positioning solutions rather than theoretical concepts. By following the steps outlined, you will learn how to add a building, create a radio environment model, and determine positions that include building, floor, and room information.
Ultimately, you will have a site that provides indoor location data to applications through an API or SDK.
What do you need before you start?
First, create a Combain account and verify it via email. Next, prepare floor plans for each level you want to localize. Floor plans are essential for accurately placing floors and features, as well as for conducting surveys with sufficient context and detail.
How do you create a building and its floors?
To create a building, log in and open the “Places” section. Select “Add New,” then search for the address or name of the building and add the site. Provide a name for the building, adjust its visibility settings, and specify the number of floors it has.
Upload a floor plan for each floor you want to include.
Finally, save the building. You can find a video linked on the page that walks you through the entire process.
How do you build a radio environment model using AI Indoor?
To create the model, you need to conduct a survey using the AI Indoor Survey app, which is available on Android. It is recommended to use a Google Pixel 8 or a later model, as iPhones are not supported due to platform limitations. While walking through the area, place reference points that correspond to your actual location on the floor plan. Aim to have at least ten reference points or complete 50 successful scans.
Once you finish the survey, the platform will generate and publish the model, and then send an email to the admin. This process typically takes about 1 to 2 minutes to complete.
Conducting multiple surveys can reduce the median error.
How do you build a model using Manual Indoor?
To build a model, start in the building’s Positioning view. Next, add BLE or WiFi beacons at the correct locations on the map. Once you have added the beacons, save and publish the model.
This approach is beneficial if you already manage beacons and want precise control over their placements. The page also includes a brief, step-by-step guide.
Can you reuse an older model?
Yes, you can reuse an older model. To do this, export or prepare the model as a CSV file, then upload it under the Models section for the current building and floor. Be sure to publish and save your work after uploading.
This process speeds up migrations and multi-site rollouts.
How do you go live and access positions?
You can use either the Combain Location API or the Combain SDK. The SDK is designed for mobile applications, while the API enhances indoor positioning on devices and is compatible with other systems.
Both options provide seamless operation both indoors and outdoors when used with Combain services. A free sign-up link is available.
What device constraints should be considered during surveys?
Use a supported Android phone for the survey. The recommended device is the Pixel 8 or a newer model for reliable scanning.
Please note that iPhones are not supported for the survey app due to technical limitations.
Be sure to plan your resources and timelines accordingly.
What level of accuracy can you achieve after a proper setup?
With AI Indoor and comprehensive survey coverage, you can typically expect median indoor accuracy to fall within the 1 to 5 meter range in many buildings.
However, actual results may vary based on the layout, radio density, and the quality of the survey. For specific accuracy targets and method options, please refer to the AI Indoor solution page.
What practical tips can improve results on the first day?
Upload clear floor plans. Ensure that reference points are accurately placed during surveys to ensure precise measurements.
Conduct multiple surveys for each floor to enhance the model’s quality and accuracy. If you manage beacons, confirm the map positions before publishing.
Start with one building and focus on one critical floor, then expand once you’ve validated the accuracy and latency with your app and workflows.
1. Request Account
Request Account
Register for Combain service by filling in the required information.
Account Verification
After you register, we will send a verification email to your account (if you do not receive it, please check your spam folder). To verify your account, you open the email, click “Click here to activate your account,” and follow the instructions in the email.
2. Create Building
The first step is to create a building for your 3D indoor positioning. When you create a building, you can choose floors, add features, and create radio environment models. You can also view floor plans for a building or area and create surveys and models for positioning coverage.
Note: A floor plan of your building is necessary.
Step-By-Step
- Log in and go to places, then select Add New.
- Enter the address or building name for the building you want to add. When the area is filled with blue, select the building and click “add new.”
- Enter name, visibility, and floor if necessary. You can choose between two types: “Building” and “Area.” An area could benefit a campus or a more extensive region, which may, in turn, encompass buildings.
- Upload a floor plan for each floor where you wish to enable indoor positioning, under the “Floors” tab.
- Click Save.
For detailed instructions, please watch this video.
3. Create Radio Environment Model (REM)
There are two different kinds of methods to create a building model.
The first method conducts a survey using the Combain AI Indoor Positioning service. The second method manually inserts Wi-Fi and BLE beacons.
A model is necessary to get good RF coverage and low median error data. Adding more BLE and WIFI beacons will improve indoor positioning coverage.
AI Indoor survey: Step-By-Step
For detailed instructions, please watch this video.
Manual Indoor: Step-By-Step
- Go to your building and select positioning. Varify that you have the correct floor.
- Click on Edit Mode and go to models.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner of models and add a new model.
- Create your model and select it on the left side. Then, return to Add New and pick either BLE or WIFI beacons. Place them on the map in the correct location.
- Save and publish your model. Publish it by going to the three dots and clicking publish.
For detailed instructions, please watch this video.
Upload a Radio Environment Model using a CSV file
For detailed instructions, please watch this video.
4. Start Indoor Positioning
Now, you can use indoor positioning with either Combain Location API or Combain SDK.
Combain SDK is the most common and best suited for an app, while Combain Location API improves indoor positioning on devices.