The WPS is an essential part of any complete Location System. Without this capability, the location of a mobile device cannot be accurately or reliably determined, especially in indoor or dense urban environments. As a key component of XPS, the Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) has been closely integrated with GPS and cellular positioning.

The Wi-Fi Positioning component of XPS is the most advanced Wi-Fi based location system in the world, with the most extensive coverage and highest accuracy.

Wi-Fi Reference Database

XPS leverages the largest and most extensive Wi-Fi reference database in the world, with coverage in North America, Europe and Asia. Users, developers, or device makers working with XPS never need to worry about the maintenance or consistency of the Wi-Fi reference database.

Skyhook maintains the accuracy of the Wi-Fi access point reference database through an ongoing and continuous process of data monitoring, analysis, and collection. The two main components are:

1. Automated Self-Healing Network

Each Wi-Fi location transaction starts with a scan for nearby access points. The resulting access point information is then compared against the central reference network. Known access points (those already in the reference network) are used to calculate the location of the device.

Any access point that is either not in the database or was previously associated with a different geographic location is automatically identified and its current position entered into the database. In this manner, XPS automatically fixes and expands the Wi-Fi reference network as it is being used.

2. Periodic Rescan

Depending on the aging of the survey data and the density of user-generated updates, Skyhook periodically will rescan entire coverage areas to recalibrate the reference network, ensuring that performance remains consistent over time. Every territory added to Skyhook coverage is continuously monitored to assess the quality of the reference network and determine whether a rescan is required.

Baseline Data Collection and Establishing Coverage Areas

San Francisco Coverage Area

Data collection begins with identifying target geographic areas using population analysis. Skyhook territory planners build coverage schedules starting with population centers and then moving into residential and suburban areas.

Skyhook deploys a fleet of data collection vehicles to conduct a comprehensive access point survey within the target coverage areas. Every single passable street is included in the survey providing consistent coverage throughout the territory.