During the last six months or so I've been actively engaged in researching and looking into real, sustainable alternatives to GPS for indoor location, as we all know GPS don't work indoors.

With the advent of both iOS and Android devices supporting the Bluetooth 4 protocol and in particular the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) element of that protocol, there has been a plethora of companies set up to exploit the iBeacon system. I'm currently playing around with a set up that utilises both wifi and BLE to map your location and eventually give directions.

But these "smart phones and devices" are continually being given hardware upgrades by the likes of the board manufacturers. Some like the iPhone/iPad have had them for some time but it is only now that they are being exploited as uses and software are being found for them.

Apparently awhile ago a Finnish student undertaking a PhD thesis was exploring the earth's magnetic field. Somehow from this research he found the building threw up magnetic anomalies which in turn by using some code he could measure. This could be mapped and hence be used as a location.

You to can now play with this development code if you have an idevice that supports Bluetooth 4.
https://www.indooratlas.com/ 

From a mine exploration view in their FAQs the following appears:-

Is IndoorAtlas working in underground environments?

?IndoorAtlas may work in an underground environment if the environment contains enough magnetic information. We have successfully tested the IndoorAtlas’ technology in underground mining tunnels (1400 m below the surface), where the metal ore is contributing to the magnetic anomalies.

So there you go the possibility of underground route finding out of GPS reach..........maybe.

Peter.

Extra link, CEO talks about it[youtube]4LzSs3_dL7w[/youtube]

"Is IndoorAtlas working in underground environments?

?IndoorAtlas may work in an underground environment if the environment contains enough magnetic information. We have successfully tested the IndoorAtlas’ technology in underground mining tunnels (1400 m below the surface), where the metal ore is contributing to the magnetic anomalies."

I think that there lies a problem so far as old mine exploration goes, someone would have go in and map the magnetic anomalies as they may be very localized and very weak, if that were the case then they might as well just survey the place and make a scale plan and produce umpteen copies on a photocopier for all to use.

RF communication underground is limited by the physics of electromagnetic wave propagation.

Lozz.

Very true lozz. If you read the FAQs you will also see that using the system outdoors throws up problems too. Reading further on it would appear that it also relies on the steels in a building to create the so called anomalies.

I've tried many times now to create an account to try it out but it appears they are having problems!!!

Interesting concept nevertheless.

Peter.

Oh dear, that's slightly depressing if it does prove to be a practical project.

Surely one of the pleasures of mine exploration is spending hour after hour studying and debating old plans trying to figure out exactly where you are and where something might be?

Very true lozz. If you read the FAQs you will also see that using the system outdoors throws up problems too. Reading further on it would appear that it also relies on the steels in a building to create the so called anomalies.

I've tried many times now to create an account to try it out but it appears they are having problems!!!

Interesting concept nevertheless.

Peter.

Yes, it is an interesting concept and I for one am always interested in new developments especially in the field of electricals.

What's needed to save you from getting lost underground is a system that automatically records from a known point such as an adit entrance or a level/tunnel entrance via the access shaft the directional and distance information from that point on and plays it back to you when you want to get out of the mine, a bit like a satnav in reverse.

There's always the old tech such as a spray can etc.

Lozz.

There's always the old tech such as a spray can etc.

Or just take time to learn the mine and do away with the need for any sort of tech at all perhaps! :thumbsup:

Yeah, I learned my way into a maze the other day but I didn't learn the way out. :(

Lozz.

Just take a can of spray paint and put arrows on the walls.:devil:







You Know I am only joking!

Wot's needed is some emmet boards "You are here" :)

Lozz.

Under a fire risk assessment of the mine and Health and Safety there should be 'EXIT SIGNS'
What more do you require

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Blimey, back in my day they only used eucalyptus oil..

Lozz.

Old plans and surveying methods are a particular interest of mine.

The accuracy is surprisingly good. The other day, I was overlaying something from 1815 onto modern mapping and apart from the orientation, it was an excellent job. This plan had the survey marks on it and you could see that it had been done well.

If this chap can push things forward and take technology further, well done to him.

I can't see the point of taking underground positioning in a different direction. I can see the point in 3d mapping of a place though, ie:- rendering lines with actual dimensions.

If an old mine has already been say recently surveyed then electronic markers could be "stuck" on the walls or whatever at various points, the information could then be read from them and displayed on one of those new fancy phones that has the mine plan with the location of the markers preloaded on to it, that would tell you where about in the mine you are.

Lozzy.

Until some beastly person hacks the markers to just tell you that you are lost 🙂

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Until some beastly person hacks the markers to just tell you that you are lost :)

Yeah, that's mine explorers for you..Could always replace the marker.

Lozzy.

Or you drop your gadget in mud / water.

NOT well known for being waterproof these fone things!:lol:

It doesn't have to be a phone, just a small readable display, not too difficult to make it ruggedised.

Lozzy.

Orientation is something you can get your head around. Especially if you've had a look at the relevant maps/plans beforehand. It's not as if (westcountry) stuff is lacking in structure.

But much easier, cheaper & ultimately satisfying to laminate a copy of an extract from your lovely hand inked Victorian plan & use that instead...

But much easier, cheaper & ultimately satisfying to laminate a copy of an extract from your lovely hand inked Victorian plan & use that instead...

This is how I operate