At a recent venue, I had the opportunity to evaluate several indoor positioning solutions providing real-time indoor 2D positioning on smartphone-based maps. I did feel that the horizontal accuracy indeed satisfies many of today’s indoor navigation use cases. However, a critical KPI that is still far from being satisfied is the ability to correctly and consistently implement indoor floor detection in multi-floor positioning systems. This vertical positioning technology challenge is particularly true in open areas (a.k.a. Open Vertical Cavities) where real-time location systems (RTLS) face unique technical obstacles.

The Indoor Floor Detection Challenge in Multi-Floor Venues

In multi-floor venues with open vertical spaces, RF signal leakage occurs from one floor to another, creating significant challenges for indoor floor detection algorithms. An RF transmitter positioned in one’s zenith but two floors up may be closer in signal strength than a transmitter that is on the same floor but tens of feet away horizontally. This signal propagation issue means that simple proximity techniques in real-time location systems (RTLS) simply do not work effectively for accurate indoor floor detection.

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Advanced Vertical Positioning Technology Solutions

The Penguin Location Services team spent considerable time working on this indoor floor detection problem with extensions to also detect the mode of transportation within multi-floor positioning systems. From the many venues that we have tested our real-time location systems (RTLS), we believe that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for indoor floor detection technology.

At Penguin, we have a slew of techniques that are tried and tested in many venues, and we select the right technique for the right venue, and we continue to periodically test the validity of the chosen techniques at a given venue. This approach has served us well so far. Photo below is showing our Penguin app detecting an escalator with the correct direction in one of the regional malls.

Conclusion: The Future of Indoor Floor Detection

Indoor floor detection technology remains one of the most challenging aspects of real-time location systems (RTLS) implementation in multi-floor venues. Success requires venue-specific approach, continuous calibration, and adaptive algorithms that account for unique RF propagation characteristics.

We would love to hear your thoughts on indoor floor detection and other RTLS-related issues. What challenges have you encountered with multi-floor positioning systems in your venues? Please let us know your experiences with vertical positioning technology.

Share your insights: Feel free to share your floor detection experiences via email or on Twitter or Facebook. Your feedback helps improve indoor positioning solutions across the industry!

Contact us to discuss how Penguin’s multi-floor positioning systems can solve your indoor floor detection challenges.

Indoor Navigation Systems – What Makes a Good App?

Navigation apps have transformed the way we move outdoors—but when it comes to indoor navigation systems, the challenge remains. GPS signals don’t work inside large venues like malls, airports, or hospitals, leaving visitors to rely on confusing signs, paper maps, or guesswork. This creates frustration for shoppers, patients, and guests alike.

Indoor navigation solutions bridge this gap by offering seamless indoor wayfinding that mirrors the outdoor navigation experience people expect. Whether it’s finding a store, locating a friend, or getting back to the car, indoor navigation technology is reshaping how people interact with indoor spaces.

What Do Users Really Want?

From observing shopper behavior and gathering user feedback, these are the top expectations for a successful indoor navigation solution:

• Consistency with outdoor apps: If Google Maps works outdoors, the indoor version should feel just as intuitive.

• Accuracy over time: A stable, reliable blue dot that doesn’t lead people astray.

• Personalization: Shoppers want tailored offers and promotions based on their location.

• Social integration: Features like “Find My Friends” and shared experiences enhance visits.

• Engagement: Younger users look for gamified features that make navigation fun.

Why Managed RTLS Matters

Many IT departments struggle to maintain indoor navigation systems. Inconsistent accuracy leads to frustration for marketing teams, operators, and shoppers. Broken or poorly managed RTLS solutions quickly damage trust and reduce ROI.

Penguin Location Services offers indoor wayfinding as a managed service—ensuring reliable accuracy across time and space. With BLE beacons and advanced indoor navigation technology, every zone of a venue is continuously tested and optimized, so users always enjoy a seamless experience.

Benefits of Modern Indoor Wayfinding Solutions

Modern indoor navigation solutions deliver far more than just maps:

• Real-time location tracking with BLE and Bluetooth Low Energy.

• Interactive maps for complex multi-floor environments.

• Personalized experiences through location-based notifications and offers.

• Improved visitor satisfaction by reducing confusion and stress.

These innovations empower marketing teams, reduce IT burden, and ensure that visitors enjoy a smooth, intuitive journey indoors.

Final Thoughts

As digital expectations grow, indoor navigation systems are no longer optional—they’re essential for malls, hospitals, airports, and other large venues. A well-designed indoor wayfinding solution not only improves the visitor experience but also drives revenue and loyalty.

👉 Ready to explore the future of indoor wayfinding? Schedule a demo with Penguin Location Services today.