3D-ADAL: A three-dimensional distributed range-free localization algorithm for wireless sensor networks based on unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs) the position information of individual nodes is a matter of vital importance because allows the implementation of necessary network functions such as routing, querying and other applications. The objective of this paper is to propose an algorithm of threedimensional distributed range-free localization for WSNs, using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a rotary and tilting directional antenna. This algorithm, denominated as the three-dimensional azimuthally defined area localization algorithm (3D-ADAL), is executed in each sensor node and is based only on the analysis of the information received from the UAV, therefore is energy efficient and contributes to extend the lifetime of the sensor network. Additionally the proposed algorithm has the advantage of being simple and economical. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is a practical, effective and accurate method for a three-dimensional location of sensor nodes in a WSN.Keywords -Three-dimensional localization, wireless sensor network, unmanned aerial vehicle, directional antenna.

Cooperation Between Mobile and Static Nodes in Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks

“…A detailed review of location estimation algorithms have been presented in [22]. Localization algorithms for WSNs can be divided into Ranged-based Algorithms and Range-free Algorithms [23].…”

Hybrid localization of an emitter by combining angle-of-arrival and received signal strength measurements

“…Recently, there has been research on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for localization, due to advances in UAV sensor technology and their increasing capability and availability [8][9][10][11]. Localization with a UAV is a three dimensional (3-D) problem and extending 2D algorithms to 3D is not straight-forward in all cases.…”

“…This paper proposes augmenting RSS with AOA for 3D localization which could be available from UAV or aircraft. While very simple RF receivers can measure RSS with a single antenna, to measure azimuth and elevation AOA of an incoming signal, antenna arrays can be used or a UAV can use rotational and tilting antennas [10].…”

Localization of wireless sensor networks using mobile anchor nodes

“…A range-free algorithm called three-dimensional azimuthally defined area localization (3D-ADAL), has been proposed in [19]. The estimated position of blind nodes is based on the information received from the mobile anchor node that is equipped with a rotary and tilting directional antenna.…”