Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons are an amazing technology. In case you don't know them, they are small devices that broadcast their identifier using Bluetooth technology. By this way, they enable smartphones, tablets and other devices to perform actions when they are in close proximity to them.
Does Situm require the use of BLE beacons?
In general, the answer is no. However, it really depends on some aspects, like the OS and its version and mainly if the building has other broadcasting resources. You can check this information here:
Operating System | Does Situm require beacons? | Could beacons improve accuracy? |
Android | No. Situm will work accurately if the building provides a Wi-Fi network. Except for Android 9 for which, by now, the use of beacons is necessary. | Yes. Beacons can help to achieve a high accuracy in areas where the Wi-Fi signal is week. |
iOS | Yes. Unfortunatelly, iOS does not allow retrieving the smartphone Wi-Fi scans, so Situm must rely on BLE signals to locate the smartphone accurately. | Yes. Beacons are used to set the primary location and to correct the positioning estimation periodically. |
How many beacons do I need to use?
It depends on the building distribution as well as on the transmitting characteristic of the beacons. For a typical configuration using an advertising period of 750 ms and a transmission power of -4dBm or 0dBm:
Type of building | Minimum beacon density | Recommended beacon density |
Open space | 1 beacon per 625 square meters (25x25 meters) | 1 beacon per 400 square meters (20x20 meters) |
Corridors | 1 beacon for each 30 meters | 1 beacon for each 15 meters |
In addition, we do not recommend to place beacons at a height higher than 4 meters.
How do I configure my beacons?
These are the most important parameters that you should configure:
Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
Advertising period | The interval between consecutive broadcasts | 750ms This will allow Situm to retrieve enough BLE frequency to provide a good accuracy, while being able to extend the beacon battery time. |
Transmission power | The beacon power to broadcast the BLE signal | Between -4 dBm and 0 dBm. This will ensure that the beacon is received at a range between 15 meters (-4dBm and 0dBm). |
UUID | Universally Unique Identifier that allows you to distinguish your own beacons from all the other beacons that aren't by your control. Usually, all the beacons from the same dealer will have the same UUID, thus when you order the beacons you will be assigned with an unique UUID. | By default, Situm Mapping Tool and Situm SDK only detects beacons configured with Situm's UUID 73697475-6D73-6974-756D-736974756D15. If you want to use other beacons than the ones provided by Situm, you just have to create a custom field in your building with:
This value SHOULD NEVER be 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000. This is used by default in electrical household appliances (TVs, Bluetooth cars, etc.). |
Image: How to configure the custom fields of your building
How do I know the UUID of my beacons?
It's very easy! You just have to download a beacon scanner application from Google Play or Apple Store. Most of them will be able to scan beacons around you and give you their UUID. For example, you may use the Beacon Scanner app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.flurp.beaconscanner.app).
- In the main screen (left), just click on the bottom-left circle button and it will start scanning.
- After a few seconds, beacons will appear. You will be able to see different beacon parameters, such as signal power, major, minor and UUID.
- You should notice that most beacons have the same UUID
- Select one beacon to get more details (left image). The beacon UUID will be in the bottom-left corner (blue circle).
Do I have to calibrate the building after placing the beacons?
Yes. In order to do it, please follow the Try us Tutorial.
Do you recommend any beacon vendor?
There are plenty of vendors that provide high quality beacons, with different characteristics at an affordable price. Please send an email to sales@situm.com and we will be happy to guide you towards choosing the best one for your needs.