Tomas Chlebek Since 2013, Apple has been involved in creating and working efficiently with maps of building interiors. GPS cannot be reliably used in those, and therefore alternative methods for localization must be sought. Apple first introduced iBeacons, small Bluetooth transmitters that allow store owners to send iOS device users notifications based on their location (distance from the store).
In March 2013, Apple bought WiFiSLAM for $20 million, which looked at locating devices inside buildings using a combination of Wi-Fi and radio waves. It is this system that is used by Apple's new iOS application called Indoor Survey.
Its description reads: “By placing 'points' on the map in the middle of the app, you indicate your position in the building as you walk through it. When you do, the Indoor Survey app measures radio frequency signal data and combines it with data from your iPhone's sensors. The result is positioning inside the building without the need to install special hardware.”
Applications Indoor Survey cannot be found in the App Store using search, it is only available from a direct link. Its release is tied to Apple Maps Connect, a service introduced last October that encourages store owners to improve maps by providing maps of building interiors. However, only larger businesses can contribute to Apple Maps Connect, whose buildings are accessible to the public, have complete Wi-Fi signal coverage and exceed a million visitors per year.
From what has been said so far, it follows that the application Indoor Survey it is also intended primarily for owners of shops or other buildings accessible to the public and aims to expand the availability of positioning inside buildings, which is beneficial both for Apple and its map resources, and for business owners who can make them more accessible to visitors.
