ISSN 2278-3091

Siok Yee Tan et al., International Journal of AdvancedVolume

Trends in9,Computer
No.4, July – August
Science 2020
and Engineering, 9(4), July – August 2020, 4483 – 4489
International Journal of Advanced Trends in Computer Science and Engineering
Available Online at [Link]
[Link]

A Shopping Mall Indoor Navigation Application using

Wi-Fi Positioning System
Siok Yee Tan1, Ka Jie Lee2, Meng Chun Lam3
1
Center for Artificial Intelligence Technology, Faculty of Information Science and Technology,
UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, esther@[Link]
2
Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., leekajie@[Link]
3
Center for Artificial Intelligence Technology, Faculty of Information Science and Technology,
UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, lmc@[Link]

 technology today can users with comfortable outdoor

ABSTRACT navigation solutions using Global Positioning System (GPS).
GPS is one of the famous positioning systems that commonly
Nowadays, shopping malls become very important in our used to locate the location and position of an outdoor object
society. Shopping mall is a type of complex public building. [1]. However, locating an indoor object using GPS is not
There is a total of 41.7 percent of people visited shopping reliable due to the GPS signals transmitted through waves at a
malls at least once a week based on the previous survey. frequency that does not move easily through a solid object like
People always encountered problems when they are trying to walls [2]. A wide variety of physical barriers make GPS signal
find a certain store in the shopping mall due to the complexity difficult to pinpoint shopper’s location accurately in a
of the building. structure They are forced to find their way shopping mall. Thus, shoppers cannot enjoy the benefits of
around the malls with the old-fashioned method: asking outdoor navigation applications inside an enclosed building
directions, looking for way finding directory, trial, and error. such as a shopping mall. This is because GPS data is not
Therefore, a shopping mall indoor navigation application reliable or not available inside buildings [3]. Fortunately, this
should be developed to provide a complete direction guide to paradigm is changing due to the ubiquity of low-cost mobile
the shoppers. The indoor navigation application should allow
devices. Therefore, developing a specific mobile application
users to easily find their way to the desired stores, display
for the shopping mall will solve the indoor navigation issues.
detailed information, and the latest promotions offered by
Thus, an indoor positioning system (IPS) that tracks and
each store. The indoor navigation application must be able to
provide more robust, reliable and accurate indoor navigation locate indoor object had been introduced to overcome the
to the users. This application only relying on the Wi-Fi issues [4]. An IPS is a positioning system used to locate
positioning system (WiPS/WFPS) technique, which is a objects inside a building using different technologies,
Wi-Fi-based location system. This technique enables the including radiofrequency using distance measurement to
application to plot the shopper’s current location on the mall’s nearby anchor nodes (nodes with known positions, for
map and further provide the indoor navigation from and to any instance, WiFi access points), magnetic positioning, audible
location in a mall. Based on the usability testing, most of the sound positioning, etc. [5].
respondents are satisfied with the application from the aspects
like usefulness, efficiency, ease of use, and also enhance in Wi-Fi is a technology that is adopted on most of the mobile
terms of aesthetics. Shoppers no longer get lost in the devices such as Android, iPhone, and iPad. WiFi-positioning
shopping mall as the maps and navigation function of the mall system (WiPS) uses wireless LAN technology to measure the
are resides in the palm of the shopper’s hand. This paper location of each mobile terminal. WiPS do not need any
presents a shopping mall indoor navigation application using additional devices for location sensing due to mobile
a Wi-Fi positioning system which allows the shopper to terminals are equipped with wireless LAN (WLAN). WLAN
navigate their ways in shopping and receive the information coverage is usually available in public places such as a
on each of the stores. shopping mall university and office. Therefore, it is not
necessary to use additional hardware and infrastructure for
Key words :Framework, Indoor Navigation, Usability
internal tracking purposes [6]. In this work, a shopping mall
Testing, WiPS.
(Lowyat) indoor navigation application using WiPS is
.
proposed. WLAN coverage is available in Lowyat Plaza. The
1. INTRODUCTION
application should offer basic navigation to help shoppers in
Have you ever been lost inside a shopping mall? The all their activities take place inside the shopping mall.
navigation process in an enclosed mall can be challenging due
to similar hallways and structure design and color. Although This paper is organized as follows: Section 2 briefly reviews
the existing indoor navigation mobile application especially
the application used in shopping malls. The research

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methodology is presented in Section 3. It discusses the multi-device optimization and energy-aware processing to
proposed framework, use case and the output of the realize the efficiency of indoor navigation technology.
application for this work. Section 4 presents the evaluation
procedure and the usability testing results of the proposed Sunway Pyramid shopping mall has launched its mobile
application. Section 5 will conclude this work. navigation application by using Google Maps engine and
WiFi signal to determine the user’s location in the mall. This
2. OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INDOOR NAVIGATION application enables the shoppers to navigate around the 1.8
APPLICATIONS million square feet of space spanning four floors with over
1,000 stores. Sunway Pyramid application also provides users
It was pretty easy for users to find their way to the desired with exclusive rewards and promotion from certain stores
destination using outdoor GPS with a smartphone [7].
However, people always have a high possibility to get lost Based on the reviews, most of the existing indoor navigation
indoor. Hence, indoor navigation mobile application should applications are using WiPS technology to provide a
be introduced to locate people or objects inside a building. navigation function. WiFi technology is the most commonly
Indoor positioning or navigation is defined as any system that employed technique for indoor navigation because it is
provides a precise position and navigation inside a closed already worldwide deployed [13]. Furthermore, the major
structure, such as a hospital, airport, shopping mall and other feature of WiPS is when the density of mobile users increases,
closed buildings [8]. There are many existing indoor the accuracy of location information will increase. Hence,
positioning and navigation mobile applications in the market, WiPS technology is a technology that is suitable to use in
for instance, The Dubai Mall [9], InMapz[10], AnyPlace developing a shopping mall indoor navigation.
Indoor Service [11] and Sunway Pyramid application [12].
3. SHOPINDOOR FRAMEWORKS
The Dubai Mall is the second-largest mall in the world, it has
a total internal floor area of 5.9 million square feet. There are The methodology section discusses the development of indoor
high chances for the visitor or even locals to get lost in the navigation namely ShopIndoor using WiPS technology. An
Dubai Mall. It has more than 1,200 stores and also 200 food indoor positioning system (Indoor Google Map API) is used
and beverage outlets. The management had introduced an to achieve the indoor navigation function. Researchers can
indoor navigation application with its very own GPS-like develop an indoor navigation mobile application based on the
system to solve the problem. This application is available for framework suggested.
free on both Android and iOS devices. Shoppers can search
the store they are looking for and the application will instantly There are four main entities for ShopIndoor framework; user,
navigate them to the desired stores. This application also application, database and Indoor Positioning System (IPS).
provides other information like events, promotions and Users can make several requests such as location maps, shop
parking systems in the shopping mall. searching, information, latest promotions and navigation
request through the application user interface. The application
InMapz is an indoor navigation application for airports, malls, will then react by retrieving the required data or information
resorts, hotels, universities, amusement parks and hospitals. from the database. For instance, the application can retrieve
InMapz provides users detailed maps and way finding the location map, shop list, information and latest promotions
directions. InMapz able to provide walking direction to the that are stored inside the database. Once the information is
users inside a building. Users can find facilities like retrieved successfully, the application will display it through
restrooms, food and beverage and walking directions to those the user interface. As for the navigation request, the
facilities. The application can handle complex routes even the application will access the services from IPS through APIs.
stores are located on different levels. Store’s details The application will then allow the navigation service to be
information for example open hours, address, phone number provided to the user. Once the real-time location of the user is
can be found from the application. InMapz maps are tracked, then a complete navigation function will be display.
interactive showing the user’s location and all the points of The detailed direction guide and the route to reach the
interest are searchable from the application. InMapz can also destination from the current user’s location will be shown
be found in certain shopping malls and airports in Las Vegas, together with an indicator on the map that will move along
Bangkok, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. with the user’s movement.
The indoor navigation function implemented in this
AnyPlace is an indoor navigation application developed by application is based on WiPS. This function can be divided
the University of Cyprus. AnyPlace seamlessly integrate GPS into two important parts; direction guide and actual
(for outdoor) and WiFi and sensory technology (for indoor) to navigation. As for the direction guide, it can detect the user’s
realize an extremely accurate navigation application current location using WiPS or the user can manually specify
(accuracy less than 1.96 meters). AnyPlace deploys big-data a starting location, followed by selecting the final destination.
management, crowdsourcing, mobile data management, The APIs used in this application for direction guide functions
are the Directions API and Maps SDK API [14,15]. Google

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WiPS uses GPS to determine Wi-Fi networks which can then diagram will summarize the relationships between use cases,
be used to find someone’s location based solely on Wi-Fi. actors and application.
Google Maps is allowed to display in the application by using
the Maps SDK API. The Directions API will generate the
most efficient routes when calculating the directions. Travel
time is the primary factor being optimized, but the Directions
API will also consider other factors for instance the number of
turns and distance when deciding which route is the most
efficient before it displays to the shoppers. All the ID and
location (latitude and longitude) of the stores will be stored in
the database. WiPS will then track the real-time location of
the shopper. An indicator will be displayed on the map to
show the current location of the shopper and if there is a
movement from the shopper, it will then update in the map
real-time. Figure 1 shows the context diagram for the
ShopIndoor application. The context diagram defines the
boundary between the application, its environment and shows
the entity that comes interact with it. It aims to explain the
overall function required by the entity. Figure 2: ShopIndoorUse Case Diagram

Devices used by users that have both Wi-Fi and GPS can be Users able to register an account, login account, view shop
used to send information about a location back to application list, search shop, and see the location map. From the function
so that the application can determine where the location is. of the shop list and search shop, users able to view
This works is done by sending the access points along with the information and latest promotions from each shop and use the
location determined by the GPS function of the devices. When direction guide which will navigate them to the desired store.
GPS is used to determine the location of the device and also
scans the nearby networks for publicly accessible Table 1 to Table 4 show the use case specification for
information. The information on location and nearby network ShopIndoor application. Use case specification is needed to
will be recorded. When someone approaches to one of those capture the specific details of the ShopIndoor use case. Use
networks, the location of the networks can determine the case specifications provide a way to capture the functional
approximate location even though the users having a weak requirements of ShopIndoor application.
GPS signal device. The application constantly refreshes this
information to ensure all of this information can provide more Table 1: User Case Specification for Account Login
accurate location services. ID 1.0
Name Login Account
Use Case Short User has to login account
Definition Description before using the functions
in this application.
Actor(s) User
Pre-condition User has an account
Post-condition User will be able to access
the application
Main Scenario 1. User enters username
and password.
2. User clicks on “Login”.
3. System will check the
login credentials.
4. If the login credentials
are valid, system will
display the main menu.
Figure 1: ShopIndoor Context Diagram

4. USE CASE

Use case diagram is to identify, clarify and organize

ShopIndoor application’s requirement. Figure 2 shows the use
case diagram for ShopIndoor application. The use case

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Table 2: User Case Specification for Account Registration registered and logged in to ShopIndoor. There are three
ID 2.0 functions available at the main menu; Shop List, Location
Name Register Account Map and Search Shop. Choosing any function of these will
Use Case Short User has to register an direct the user to the interface with the respective function. A
Definition Description account before using the list of shopping mall stores will show in the Shop List
functions in this interface. User can access the store information and
application. promotions by selecting a specific store in the list. The map of
Actor(s) User the shopping mall will show in the Location Map interface.
Pre-condition User does not have an Users able to select the location of each level; LG, G, UG and
account L1 and the respective level will then display in maps. Users
Post-condition User will be able to login also can search specific shop by entering the category or
to the system with the new keywords of the shop in Search Shop function. The search
account results will then display in the same interface. Users can view
Main Scenario 1. User clicks on the store’s information and promotions or start the navigation
“Register” at the login guide to assist user navigation to the specific store.
page.
2. System will display a Table 4: User Case Specification for Shop Searching
page for registration.
3. User has to enter all the ID 4.0
required information. Name Search Shop
4. User has to click on Use Case Short User can make search
“Submit” after complete Definition Description specific shop based on the
the information category and keywords
5. System will check entered.
whether all the required Actor(s) User
information has been Pre-condition User has successfully login
entered by the user. If yes, Post-condition User can start the direction
a new account will be guide or view the
created. information and latest
promotions of the selected
Table 3: User Case Specification for Location Map Viewing shop.
ID 3.0 Main Scenario 1. User clicks on “Start” on
Name View Location Map Main Menu.
Use Case Short User can view the location 2. User has to choose a
Definition Description maps provided by this shopping mall.
application. 3. User then clicks on
Actor(s) User “Search Shop”.
Pre-condition User has successfully login 4. System will display the
Post-condition User can choose to view Search Shop interface.
location map for respective 5. User has to enter the
floor. category and keywords
Main Scenario 1. User clicks on “Start”on about the shops.
Main Menu. 6. System will display the
2. User has to choose one search results on the
shopping mall. current interface.
3. User then clicks on 7. User clicks on a shop in
“Location Map”. the search
4. User chooses a floor. [Link] will
5. System will display the display the information and
location map for the latest promotions of the
selected floor. store or user can start the
direction navigation to
The prototype developed in this study is focus at only one assist him/her to navigate
shopping mall in Malaysia; Lowyat Plaza. Lowyat Plaza is the to the store.
oldest shopping mall specializing in IT and electronics
products in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Figure 3 to Figure
7shows the output of the Lowyat Plaza indoor navigation
application using WiPS. Users are only allowed to access the
functions in the application once they had successfully
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(a) (b) Figure 6: Shop Searching’s User Interface

Figure 3: (a) Loginand (b) Registration’s User Interface

Figure 4: Main Menu’s User Interface

(a) (b)
Figure 7: (a) Navigation and (b) Route Preview’s User Interface

5. EVALUATION PROCEDURE AND RESULT

Evaluation procedure is defined as a process of evaluation that

evaluates either the specific application or the system meets
its originally specific requirement or not [16,17]. Usability
evaluation had been carried out to ensure the satisfaction of
users toward this application. The evaluation of ShopIndoor
had been conducted based on four factors; usefulness, ease of
use, efficiency and aesthetic. The questions for each factor are
adopted from the previous researches [18–21]. Usefulness
measures whether this application is needed and useful to
users, efficiency provide subjective data on how the
application will help the user to reach a destination with a
short time, ease of use will find out whether the functions in
the application are easy to use and the contents are easy to
(a) (b) read, and aesthetics is to measures the general view of users
Figure 5: (a) Shop List and (b) Location Map’s User Interface towards the application.

The evaluation involved twenty (20) female and twenty (20)

male participants randomly interviewed within the

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LowyatPlaza. They were aged between 18-45 years. The Table 6: Likert-scale and Corresponding Level
application has been demonstrated to let the user understand
the function of the application before the evaluation process. Likert-scale point Performance Level
The evaluation process took twenty minutes not including a 0-1.67 Poor
demonstration of ShopIndoor. Respondents need to run and 1.68-3.34 Average
play around the application before answering the 3.35-5 Good
questionnaire. The questionnaire is based on a 5-point Likert
scale that rates from Strongly Agree (5.00) to Strongly Table 6 shows that the mean for all factors are more than 4.23
Disagree (1.00) [22,23]. Table 5 shows the usability which indicate a good level of performance by referring the
Likert-scale Point as shown in Table 5. Ease of use obtain the
evaluation results and Table 6 shows the Likert-scale point
highest mean value (4.77) compare to other factors. It implied
and corresponding level.
that the users can use the application easily without any
Table 5: Usability Evaluation Result specific skills to operate the application. Respondents agreed
on the usefulness and the need of the application as this factor
Factor Mean ± SD successfully obtain a mean value of 4.45. A mean value of
Usefulness 4.73 ± 0.49 4.33 is achieved for efficiency factors shows that the
respondents can achieve their goal within a reasonable time.
The information, function and data 4.60 ± 0.57
The design of the user interface is acceptable by the users as it
visualization in ShopIndoor application is
obtains a mean value of 4.23 for aesthetic factors. The above
useful to me.
result supported by the feedbacks or the comments that
The application meets my needs. 4.75 ± 0.45
respondents given in the open-ended questions at the end of
Using the application is a good idea. 4.70 ± 0.45
the questionnaire.
ShopIndoor application has all the 4.85 ± 0.49
functionalities and capabilities I expect. Furthermore, there are total eleven comments were obtained
Ease of use 4.80 ± 0.47 from the open-ended question There are five comments
Content on the application is clear and easy 4.65 ± 0.45 related to the usefulness of the application for example: “The
to read. idea of this application is great and very useful to the users”,
It requires the fewest steps possible to 4.70 ± 0.55 “A good application that can help people to have better
accomplish what I want to do with it. understand of the building”, “Very useful to the customers”,
It is easy to interpret or understand the 4.75 ± 0.61 “Very useful and convenient” etc. While there are four
displayed information and output on respondents’ comments are related to easy to use such as:
ShopIndoor application. “Easy to use and simple enough for the users especially the
I thought the application was easy to use. 4.85 ± 0.44 foreigners”, “Simple enough for anyone to use”, “High
The input and text entry methods for this 4.90 ± 0.41 user-friendliness and ease of use” etc. The rest of the
application are easy. respondents provide suggestions for future improvement with
I can use it without written instructions. 4.95 ± 0.35 additional features. Respondents suggest to include more
Efficiency 4.57 ± 0.66 detail about every store such as the items sold, operation hours
The application saves my time when I use 4.70 ± 0.77 and support multi-language. Some of the negative comments
it. which are related to aesthetic factor. Based on Table 6, the
Tasks on ShopIndoor application has 4.90 ± 0.41 means for question “user interface of ShopIndoor application
successfully completed within a reasonable is attractive” is lower than 4. Hence, there are some
time. suggestions from the respondents to further improve the user
The visualization of data on this 4.10 ± 0.79 interface for example using the right color theme, rearrange
application speeds up my process of the icons and buttons and provide sound feedback.
interpreting information
Aesthetic 4.31 ± 0.70 6. CONCLUSION
I feel happy with the design of ShopIndoor 3.95 ± 0.89
application. In this work, a new real-time indoor navigation for shopping
I found the user interface of ShopIndoor 3.75 ± 0.65 mall is proposed based on the WiFi-Positioning System. This
application is attractive. work clearly describes the framework and function used in the
I think the using of this application would 4.60 ± 0.50 ShopIndoor application based on WiPS. In general, the
be pleasant. real-time indoor navigation system designed and developed in
The design of the graphic symbols, icons 4.75 ± 0.81 this work is useful, easy to use and it is efficient due to its high
and labels on the icons sufficiently positioning accuracy and it provides the right information at
relevant. the right time. The future developments will include more
Generally, I am satisfied with the user 4.50 ± 0.61 shopping malls, enhance the user interface and adding the
interface of ShopIndoor mobile sound feedback in order to further improve the usability of
application. ShopIndoor.

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