Powerful magnets have been used in navigation devices since ancient times, existing as primitive compasses and now incorporated into smartphones. Map applications available on mobile phones are convenient tools for helping people find their way around unfamiliar streets. However, the global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation technology for pinpointing real-time locations within indoor locations has not been as advanced- until now.

The company IndoorAtlas, based in Helsinki, offers a service that maps building interiors to guide users through the most confusing and expansive structures using only their phones. The phones are already equipped with magnetometers, which are used to detect magnetic fields, according Venture Beat. This ability to sense magnetic fields makes it possible for indoor positioning and mapping.

Janne Harverninen, the chief executive of IndoorAtlas, said the service was inspired by animals that migrated across oceans simply by using the Earth's magnetic field to guide them. Similar to how these animals navigate, IndoorAtlas works by users having a smartphone to recognize the magnetic vibrations that are given off by buildings.

"Many animals utilize local variations in the Earth's magnetic field to find their way around," the IndoorAtlas website said. "These magnetic variations commonly exist inside buildings as well. Many sources can contribute to these variations including Earth's magnetic field, and the structures of the building. Modern smartphones can sense and record these magnetic variations to map indoor locations."

How indoor mapping works
The building is mapped using the mapping program. These structures include high-rise towers or even underground mines.

Users first add the structure's floors to the Indoor Atlas' Floor Plans program and then the building layout is matched with geographic coordinates of the building. Harverninen said the distribution of a magnetic field is unique for each floor. The floor designs are uploaded to IndoorAtlas Maps and they can be viewed on the IndoorAtlas Map Creator.

The maps feature measurement paths and magnetic field data is collected as users walk along the path. After this data is submitted to IndoorAtlas Maps, the map is then generated. This map allows users to access the IndoorAtlas location service using the smartphone's application programming interface and track their position on their screen. While the process of mapping indoor structures can be lengthy, for example two hours for a store, other IndoorAtlas users can then benefit by being able to view this information on the app.

The company has collected over $800,000 to help produce its technology and already has filed for 15 patents.