Improving post-earthquake emergency response using indoor tracking

Abstract

Localization and indoor tracking of rescuers and victims are essential during emergency management in post-earthquake conditions because those allow search and rescue teams to be faster and more efficient. While several indoor tracking technologies have been developed over the past years, localization and tracking are still a challenge during emergency conditions when power and telecommunication networks are often missing. This article presents a new indoor positioning technique for emergency support that is based on the ultra-wideband network using fixed nodes (anchors) and moving nodes (tags) in the form of a smart watch. The main challenge addressed by the system design is a self-calibrating positioning that is able to transfer also the user’s vital signals parameters. This article describes the system architecture and the key aspects of the prototype components. Two applications for indoor tracking and emergency rescue are illustrated while the performance of the system is validated by performing tests in a complex building.