Magnetic-Field-Based Localization Using Spatial Field Variations: Signal Processing Principles, Models, and Challenges
Abstract
Signal processing has played, and continues to play, a fundamental role in the evolution of modern localization technologies. Localization using spatial variations in the Earth's magnetic field is no exception. It relies on signal-processing methods for statistical state inference, magnetic-field modeling, and sensor calibration. Contemporary localization techniques based on spatial variations in the magnetic field can provide decimeter-level indoor localization accuracy and outdoor localization accuracy on par with strategic-grade inertial navigation systems. This article provides a broad, high-level overview of current signal-processing principles and open research challenges in localization using spatial variations in the Earth's magnetic field. The aim is to provide the reader with an understanding of the similarities and differences among existing key technologies from a statistical signal-processing perspective. To that end, existing key technologies will be presented within a common parametric signal-model framework compatible with well-established statistical inference methods.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2602.14181,
title = {Magnetic-Field-Based Localization Using Spatial Field Variations: Signal Processing Principles, Models, and Challenges},
author = {Isaac Skog and Manon Kok and Christophe Prieur and Gustaf Hendeby},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2602.14181},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
This work has been submitted to the IEEE for possible publication