HERE Network Positioning API now supports NB-IoT and LTE-M

If you're developing a navigation app, an Internet of Things (IoT) solution, tracking assets in urban environments, or ensuring timely delivery of goods, accurate and dependable positioning is critical. This is where HERE Network Positioning can help! We’re excited to announce support for the latest cellular network technologies Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and Long-Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M). These extend HERE's service capabilities, giving developers and businesses even more power to optimize their operations.

What is the HERE Network Positioning API?

The HERE Network Positioning API is a cloud-based service that provides users their position information and estimates, when GPS is not available or possible. It uses a vast global database of mobile cell phone towers and Wi-Fi access points that a device can recognize to provide a geographic position with an accuracy radius. HERE maintains the world’s largest database of over 200 million cell tower locations, and a staggering 5.6 billion Wi-Fi access point locations to find your accurate location. These databases are updated daily.

HERE Network Positioning API now supports NB-IoT and LTE-M

The power of HERE Network Positioning API has received a significant boost with the addition of NB-IoT and LTE-M cellular network technologies designed for low-power Internet of Things (IoT) applications. These technologies allow battery-powered devices to have an extremely long battery life helping them transmit data for extended periods of time. The battery life is far better than the traditional options like LTE (4G) and GSM (2G). With this API, the devices can now leverage cellular connectivity alone to become location aware. This enables new applications such as asset tracking, sensor data geotagging, and theft protection.

Real-world use cases

Pharmaceutical Deliveries

NB-IoT and LTE-M are revolutionizing long-distance medication transportation by making sure essential medications stay within their prescribed storage conditions. These low-power cellular technologies are small, credit-card sized devices that can be easily packed into boxes, either manually or on a semi-automatic packing line. They are automatically activated upon shipment and continuously monitor critical parameters like temperature, humidity and even light exposure.

This real-time data provides pharmaceutical companies, logistics providers and temperature-controlled packaging solution providers with real-time inventory visibility at the country, region and city level. The location-accuracy for Cell ID is 500m-1500m, for neighbor cell is 300m-700m, and for Wi-Fi is 30-50m. Additionally, these devices go beyond temperature monitoring. They often integrate accelerometers, barometers, and light detectors, including where and when a box has been opened, a product is used, or when a box starts or stops moving for location reporting on fixed or smart schedules.

This location reporting and sensor data can be configured to specific needs, with reporting frequencies from daily to weekly depending on the medication and transportation route. This transparency throughout the supply chain helps pharmaceutical companies deliver sensitive medication and vaccines around the world, while significantly reducing spoilage during transit.

Tracking labels with NB-IoT and LTE-M connectivity

Real-time supply chain visibility is available with NB-IoT and LTE-M cellular tracking labels. These shipping labels provide businesses with real-time data including precise location, movement patterns and environmental conditions. Geofencing alerts can ensure shipment stays on course and smart motion sensors identify potential risks like unusual movement. The labels even provide tamper detection capabilities, providing an extra layer of security.

When cellular limitations exist (for example, when transmitting over water and during flights), the labels collect information offline and transit it when signal returns. Location accuracy varies with cellular triangulation and satellite navigation. The labels intelligently switch between these methods based on availability. For example, it switches to the precise GPS-based location during the last-mile delivery phase.

Conclusion

HERE Network Positioning API is a powerful tool for developers looking to incorporate high-precision, reliable positioning into their applications. Whether it's for navigation, IoT solutions, asset tracking, or enhancing customer experiences, the HERE Network positioning API offers accurate positioning. Review the documentation to learn more and to start implementing the API in your location-based applications.