European researchers develop technology to increase urban GPS accuracy by 50x

Researchers participating in the European Egeniouss project have developed a new positioning technology that improves GPS accuracy in dense urban environments by up to 50 times. The system addresses the issue of signal reflection and blockage caused by tall buildings, which often leads to errors in traditional satellite navigation.

The technology functions by combining traditional satellite data with environmental camera imagery and motion sensors. A specialized software processes visual captures of the surroundings alongside inertial movement data, merging these inputs with satellite signals to maintain orientation even when reception is interrupted.

The three-and-a-half-year research initiative was led by the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) and included participation from the Technische Universität Braunschweig. The project was supported by a budget of approximately 3.4 million euros, with roughly 3 million euros provided by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research program.

Field tests conducted in Braunschweig demonstrated practical applications for the technology. The company Beemo integrated the system into the Naviki cycling application to test route tracking reliability around urban structures and trees. The technology also shows potential for infrastructure mapping and drone navigation.