Browse F.A.Q. Topics
Data Privacy
Does contagt collect personal data?
No. Data privacy is very important to us. By default, contagt does not capture any personal user data. If users share statistical data via opt-in, these data will be strictly anonymized. The contagt solution is based on the open project “OpenStreetMap” and does therefore not use commercial map services such as Google Maps.
Where is contagt being hosted?
contagt is being hosted in a high-security data center in Germany. The software does not leave Germany unless clients ask contagt to do so. For the hosting contract, German law, in particular the German Data Protection Law, Civil Code (BGB), and Commercial Code (HGB), applies exclusively. On request, contagt can provide a German “ADV contract” guaranteeing high-security data processing. It is also generally possible to operate the software on local servers.
Installation
How to create guides?
If you want to display the map of a building with contagt, a guide must be created at first. For this purpose, the corresponding floor plans must be inserted into the system. This is typically done by contagt. However, it is also possible for users to create guides by themselves. This requires basic knowledge in CAD software and JOSM. You can find a (German) tutorial on how to proceed with the guide creation here.
What has to be installed in the building?
That depends on your specific needs: for the routing function, you do not need any equipment in the building. However, there is of course the option to deploy a stationary touchscreen terminal which can show the map of the area. In order to allow guests manual positioning, tags with QR codes and/or NFC chips can be mounted e.g. on wayfinding signs. Users can scan these tags and easily determine their current position. If a continuous and automatic indoor positioning is wished for, Bluetooth beacons must be installed in the building. Additionally, the contagt solution can use the already existing WiFi intrastructure in buildings for positioning (but this is not mandatory).
Navigation
What happens if the smartphone has no data connection?
Depending on the thickness and number of walls as well as the quality of the network provider, data connection can sometimes lack inside buildings. Solving this problem, contagt provides intelligent data caching and offline functionality: even if there is no data connection in the building, contagt will always have the navigation data available thanks to smart caching. Wherever you go, contagt just works.
How does contagt work basically?
contagt is a combined indoor/outdoor navigation solution. In outdoor areas, contagt determines the user’s position via GPS satellite signal. In indoor areas, the proprietary CPS (“contagt Positioning System”) takes over, combining different positioning technologies. Next to the sensors of the smartphone and location markers (QR and/or NFC tags), CPS uses radio signals from WiFi routers and Bluetooth beacons for position calculation. As a result, contagt allows seamless navigation from outdoor to indoor areas with an accuracy of up to 1-2 m.
Technologies
What are Bluetooth beacons (“iBeacons”)?
Bluetooth beacons are small radio transmitters that broadcast their own identity numbers as a simple Bluetooth signal. This signal can be received and interpreted by smartphones, e.g. to get location-based messages or to calculate positions based on signal strengths. Thus, the logic and intelligence is implemented in the receiving devices – beacons themselves cannot send messages or collect and store user data. Battery-powered beacons can operate for several years. It is also possible to connect beacons directly to the power grid. Apple’s beacon standard is called “iBeacon”, Google’s standard is called “Eddystone”.
What are QR codes?
Quick Response codes (QR codes) are binary codes which can be read by smartphone cameras and can provide information for further processing. By scanning a QR code, you can e.g. directly view certain web pages or download apps. In the contagt solution, they fulfill the same function as NFC chips. On the one hand, they determine the current location. On the other hand, they can be used to initially download the application, or automatically start the app.
What are NFC chips?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a rather new wireless data transmission technology which can be found in most new smartphones. NFC chips work passively without power supply over short distances of about 5 cm. In the contagt solution, they transmit location data by a simple short tap with the smartphone. NFC launches the application automatically or initially downloads it. Please note: currently, NFC only works on Android phones, not on iOS smartphones (Apple iPhone).
