Abstract: Location-aware application is a gripping research field in pervasive computing. The current location of an object is one of the most important contexts. Currently,numerous prototype positioning systems were built to locate objects in different backgrounds and applications. This paper described the key techniques and methods of indoor positioning. Pros and cons of different methods were also discussed. Based on the analysis of the existing indoor positioning systems,we pointed out the hurdles and challenges of indoor positioning systems in pervasive environment.

Key words: Pervasive environment, Positioning techniques, Indoor positioning