Visual localization in NTU campus

Abstract

This Final Year Project introduces a prototype web application aimed at enhancing indoor navigation within the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus, specifically targeting GPS-denied environments by leveraging visual localization technology.

NTUVizMap, an application developed independently, utilizes images captured by users' mobile devices to identify their precise locations and provide navigational guidance to predefined destinations within a limited campus area, primarily focusing on the NTU marketplace.

Through the integration of React TypeScript for frontend development, FastAPI for backend services, and the employment of the Hierarchical Localization (HLoc) algorithm for visual localization, the project demonstrates the feasibility of image-based localization in aiding campus navigation. Additionally, the application incorporates a 3D map model developed using Blender, enhancing the user interaction experience. Hosted on Google Cloud Platform, the project explores the potential of visual localization in addressing the challenges of indoor navigation, providing a foundational step towards the development of comprehensive navigation solutions for complex indoor environments.

The findings and insights gained underscore the project's contribution to the advancement of visual localization technology within educational settings, despite its prototype nature and limited coverage.