In a breakthrough for disaster response and indoor navigation, researchers at IIT Madras have developed ‘UbiqMap’, an innovative real-time indoor mapping solution that works under all lighting and environmental conditions—without the need for pre-installed infrastructure.
What is UbiqMap?
UbiqMap is a radio frequency-based imaging system that uses Radio Tomographic Imaging (RTI) to create detailed maps of indoor spaces. Unlike traditional RTI systems that require fixed wireless nodes, UbiqMap uses wearable transceivers, making it highly portable and infrastructure-independent.
“Our goal was to create a reliable, real-time mapping tool for use in unpredictable environments—especially during emergencies,” said Dr. Ayon Chakraborty, lead researcher and Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Madras.
How It Works
As users—such as first responders—move through a space wearing the transceivers, the system analyzes how the radio signals are affected by nearby structures. It then updates a floor map in real-time, providing accurate layouts even in low-visibility or inaccessible areas.
- Can integrate with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technologies for enhanced performance
- Supports real-time positioning and dynamic environment updates
- Especially useful in disaster zones, where conventional mapping systems fail
Applications & Future Use
- Disaster response and search-and-rescue operations
- Smart cities and autonomous navigation in complex indoor environments
- Potential use in military, fire safety, and urban infrastructure
Dr. Chakraborty added that the system has been successfully tested in residential setups at IIT Madras and is currently being refined for field deployment. A key challenge under focus is balancing signal penetration with image resolution, and integrating visual sensors for improved mapping accuracy.
Team Behind the Innovation
- Dr. Ayon Chakraborty, Assistant Professor, CSE Dept, IIT Madras
- Amartya Basu, Research Scholar (MS)
- Kush Jajal, M.Tech Student
“Our tech provides first responders with a portable, robust solution to map buildings in real time—critical during life-saving missions when time and clarity are everything,” said Dr. Chakraborty.
