Create beacon features

Available for an ArcGIS organization licensed with the ArcGIS IPS extension.

The IPS_Beacons point feature class is an ArcGIS IPS map layer that can be used to plan Bluetooth-based beacon installations and to maintain information about Bluetooth beacon deployments. The feature class includes beacon features and attribute data that defines where beacons are located in a facility. The IPS_Beacons feature class can also be used by the Generate Indoor Positioning Dataset tool to create an Indoor Positioning Dataset without performing an indoor positioning survey.

The IPS_Beacons feature class can be updated on-site using ArcGIS Field Maps or by editing the feature class in ArcGIS Pro or Map Viewer. Before you create beacon features, ensure that the IPS map and floor plan layers are configured as floor aware. This allows you to use the floor filter to visualize and modify the data by floor.

To create beacon features in ArcGIS Pro, complete the following steps:

1. Open an ArcGIS IPS map or prepare a new map in ArcGIS Pro.
2. If the map does not contain the IPS_Beacons feature class, add it to the map.
3. On the Edit tab in the Features group, click Create .

   The Create Features pane appears and lists the feature templates defined for the active map.

4. In the Create Features pane, click the Beacons feature template.

   The Beacons template expands, showing the tool palette.

5. On the Beacons template, click Active template .

   The tool palette and the feature attribute table for the Beacons template appear.

6. In the attribute table, set the field values for the beacon feature.
7. In the Create Features pane, click Point to create a point feature.
8. Create beacon features on wall boundaries.

   The creation of beacon features on wall boundaries ensures that the GIS implementation follows real-world deployment of beacons on the walls. Do not create or place beacon features inside wall polygons. If required, use snapping to ensure accurate beacon placement.

   

9. Create a beacon feature for each beacon in the facility.
10. Change the attribute values for the beacon features that you create to match their attribute values.

    The following attributes must be populated for each beacon feature to create an Indoor Positioning Dataset without performing an indoor positioning survey:

    • LEVEL_ID—The floor of the facility on which the beacon is deployed
    • RSSI_1M—The power level at which the beacon transmits signals
    • UUID—The unique ID of the beacon
    • MAJOR—The group ID assigned to the beacon
    • MINOR—The ID of the beacon within the group
11. Click Save in the Manage Edits group to save your edits.
12. Save the project.