Source localization using unique characterizations of multipath propagation in an urban environment

This paper proposes a method for determining the location of GSM mobile transmitters. The process discussed here estimates the location of a source without the use of multilateration or LOS techniques. A Multipath Characteristic Database (MCD) containing the multipath signatures for each possible transmitter location in an area of interest is populated via ray-tracing software simulations. The multipath characteristics of interest are Angle of Arrival (AOA), and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA). An analysis of an eigenstructure Joint Angle and Delay Estimations (JADE) is presented, and the properties of the MCD are discussed. Since the proposed method utilizes a simulated multipath signature database the need for a priori soundings from the area of interest is eliminated, thus making this location estimation system ideal for use in hostile territories.