S. Korea develops "pseudolite" technology that can identify indoor location without GPS

 

 

 

A device 13 centimeters wide and 3 centimeters tall is installed on the ceiling. This is a "pseudo-satellite," or "pseudolite," which is an artificial satellite location information system installed as GPS alternatives in places where GPS signals cannot be received. A "pseudolite" allows the user to know their indoor location or route through smart phones or navigation systems, and without the need for separate equipment or applications. "Installing one or more pseudolite devices indoors allows the user to receive more than 12 signals that pinpoint position, so they can immediately determine their indoor location. The pseudolite has a margin of error of 5 meters indoors." South Korea's National Geographic Information Institute says that the pseudolite can be used in various fields. It can provide quick escape routes in the event of a fire, and locate victims of violent incidents. It also makes it easier to find people during rescue operations, such as building collapses. "It can help the police or fire department find the victim's location. In the event of an accident in areas that need protection, such as nursing homes or mines, it can help find people through smartphones or other devices." Current technology, however, makes it necessary to install one pseudolite at a minimum interval of 20 meters. The price per unit is also expensive at 2 million won, or roughly 15-hundred U.S. dollars. The South Korean government plans to conduct research and development with the goal of commercializing domestic pseudolite technology in 2026.


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Vocabulary:

1. Install - place or fix (equipment or machinery) in position ready for use 
2. Pinpoint - find or locate exactly 
3. Collapse - an instance of a structure falling down or in 

 

Questions:

 

1. Explain what a pseudolite is.

2. Detail the features of the aforementioned device.

3. As per South Korea's National Geographic Information Institute, how can it be used in various fields? 

4. Give your insight into the new technology.

5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the Global Positioning System (GPS).