There are some criteria that a good indoor navigation system should meet:
- Indoor navigation systems should be scalable. That means that at least the number of users, the size of the location and the frequency of position requests must be flexible, otherwise the system will quickly become overloaded.
- Regulations on data protection should be applied.
- The technology used (beacons, Wi-Fi, VLC, etc.) is crucial and depends on the circumstances and requirements (especially required accuracy).
- Systems should be able to work intermodally, i.e., work seamlessly inside and outside.
- Most - but not all - indoor navigation systems require a smartphone app. Such an app for indoor navigation ideally offers the user many added values and is designed to be user-friendly. A feedback channel can also be set up to provide visitors with relevant information that takes their location into account.
- The indoor navigation system used should ideally be able to interface with third-party systems, such as room booking software, a parking management system or a travel planner.
- In addition, a good system has an informative and easy-to-use backend that, for example, monitors the status of the beacons (Beacon Management System) and displays real-time data such as visitor flows and heat maps. Analysis of location data can add value for operators.
