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Bluetooth-based IPS requirements

Available for an ArcGIS organization licensed with the ArcGIS IPS extension.

ArcGIS IPS can use the facility’s existing network infrastructure and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons to provide real-time indoor location information.

Follow beacon network configuration recommendations for optimal performance of the indoor positioning system:

Note:

You can use customized configurations. Certain environmental conditions, such as the physical characteristics of indoor spaces or unusually noisy radio environments, may require adjustments to beacon network settings to achieve optimal results.

The following BLE beacon providers have been verified for use with ArcGIS IPS:

Caution:

If the beacon that you want to use is not listed above, it is recommended that you verify the compatibility of the beacons before installation. Any BLE beacon that supports the iBeacon protocol may be compatible; however, some beacons may not perform as well as others. For example, some beacons may not support the recommended transmission frequency and power levels required for use with ArcGIS IPS.

Before installing the beacon infrastructure, it is advisable to develop a comprehensive beacon placement plan. Adhering to established planning principles ensures optimal installation. During on-site installation, it is important to comply with all relevant standards and guidelines to ensure accuracy and functionality.

Limitation and considerations

ArcGIS IPS typically relies on a battery-powered Bluetooth beacon infrastructure, unless your facility is equipped with smart lighting systems that support and enable iBeacon functionality. The dependency on battery-powered infrastructure increases both the initial setup effort and the long-term maintenance overhead.

Most indoor positioning system (IPS) deployments are driven by specific use cases within existing buildings or complexes, and the majority still use Bluetooth beacons. Therefore, it is critical to consider the battery life cycle, physical access to beacons, and the need for periodic performance checks to ensure consistent positioning performance and minimize maintenance demands for Android or iOS.

Certain environments can temporarily or permanently affect Bluetooth-based indoor positioning:

  • High device density—Locations such as event halls or conference centers with many active Bluetooth devices (smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, headphones) may introduce signal noise or congestion, reducing positioning accuracy.
  • Crowds and human interference—Dense gatherings of people can block Bluetooth signals, particularly in high-traffic areas such as lobbies and waiting halls, leading to temporary drops in accuracy.
  • Large open-plan spaces—Areas such as atriums, vertically connected agoras, or warehouses with high ceilings may suffer from reduced signal coverage or instability if beacon density is insufficient.
  • Proximity to exterior windows or reflective surfaces—GPS signal reflections from windows or glass facades can mislead positioning algorithms, resulting in false positions. Avoid placing beacons directly on or facing large panes of glass or other reflective surfaces.

These effects are often location specific, sometimes impacting only certain zones within a facility. Always evaluate the environmental conditions when assessing IPS performance. To mitigate limitations, do the following:

  • Adjust beacon density where appropriate.
  • As a last resort, tune the beacon power level—but only after evaluating all other options.
  • Always conduct thorough testing before making network configuration changes.

Mentioned effects tend to be specific to unique individual facilities (or sometimes only portions/zones in a single building). Consider environment and conditions when evaluating IPS performance and adjust the network accordingly to try to mitigate mentioned limitations. If encountering these challenges to indoor positioning performance, adjusting the density of installed beacons or, as a last resort, adapting the power level at which each network distributes the signal can help.

Note:

Some environmental conditions may have a permanent impact on indoor positioning accuracy. It’s important to understand the inherent technology limitations and set performance expectations accordingly. In most use cases, ArcGIS IPS delivers the required accuracy. However, certain limitations are not always resolvable. Ongoing advancements in positioning algorithms continue to improve performance and reduce these constraints over time.