An architecture for an integrated positioning and navigation system for location based services in urban areas
File(s)
Author(s)
Ahmed, Ibtihal Abdelsalam Mahdi Mohamed
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Location-based services (LBS) play a critical role in urban planning, design, modelling and operation to support the development of sustainable cities. However, the current provision of LBS within cities is based on tailored Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems, without the consideration of a system that is generically applicable to all LBSs. This has resulted in inefficiencies, redundancy, and challenges in cross-sector coordination.
The aim of this thesis is to design an optimal architecture for a single integrated PNT system to support diverse LBS in smart sustainable cities. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature review and stakeholders consultation with urban planners are conducted to identify all LBS and their service/user requirements. These requirements are then used to derive the specifications for an optimal PNT system. A detailed functional architecture for positioning systems within LBS is then developed, integrating multiple PNT systems based on their performance to meet diverse requirements. A systematic selection process is devised to assess the suitability of different PNT components, ensuring optimal system utilisation.
The findings identified GNSS as the primary system but highlight its limitations in urban environments due to signal attenuation and multipath effects. To address these challenges, the study proposes a hybrid approach, integrating GNSS with complementary technologies such as Wi-Fi positioning and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to enhance reliability and coverage in dense urban areas, in order to achieve city-scale PNT capabilities for LBS.
In conclusion, this research contributes a novel framework for an integrated PNT system tailored to the needs of smart cities. Key contributions include: a comprehensive, validated list of LBS and their performance requirements. An enhanced functional architecture that improves efficiency, accuracy, and interoperability. A detailed PNT system architecture addressing urban spatial constraints, ensuring reliable service delivery. A backup positioning strategy for GNSS, enhancing resilience against signal degradation.
The aim of this thesis is to design an optimal architecture for a single integrated PNT system to support diverse LBS in smart sustainable cities. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature review and stakeholders consultation with urban planners are conducted to identify all LBS and their service/user requirements. These requirements are then used to derive the specifications for an optimal PNT system. A detailed functional architecture for positioning systems within LBS is then developed, integrating multiple PNT systems based on their performance to meet diverse requirements. A systematic selection process is devised to assess the suitability of different PNT components, ensuring optimal system utilisation.
The findings identified GNSS as the primary system but highlight its limitations in urban environments due to signal attenuation and multipath effects. To address these challenges, the study proposes a hybrid approach, integrating GNSS with complementary technologies such as Wi-Fi positioning and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to enhance reliability and coverage in dense urban areas, in order to achieve city-scale PNT capabilities for LBS.
In conclusion, this research contributes a novel framework for an integrated PNT system tailored to the needs of smart cities. Key contributions include: a comprehensive, validated list of LBS and their performance requirements. An enhanced functional architecture that improves efficiency, accuracy, and interoperability. A detailed PNT system architecture addressing urban spatial constraints, ensuring reliable service delivery. A backup positioning strategy for GNSS, enhancing resilience against signal degradation.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-05-02
Date Awarded
2025-11-01
Copyright Statement
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC)
License URL
Advisor
Ochieng, Washington Yotto
Publisher Department
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)