Funding

Self-funded

Project code

SEM10410526

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.

The PhD will be based in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and will be supervised by Dr Salem Aljareh.

 

The work on this project will involve:

  • Investigating the most suitable technologies that bridge indoor and outdoor navigation, including GPS, Wi-Fi, and sensor fusion, to create a unified and seamless navigation system.

  • Improving user experience and accessibility, with the goal of creating navigation systems that serve diverse urban populations, including tourists, residents, and can also be used for industrial, healthcare and emergency services applications.

  • Designing the system while considering compatibility with existing infrastructure and IoT applications to ensure a high chance of real-life adaptability.  

  • Implementing privacy-preserving measures to protect user data and ensure compliance with data protection regulations related to smart city navigation systems.

  • Highlighting how data collected can contribute to big data analysis exploring ways to optimise urban mobility by providing intelligent routing and transportation options that reduce congestion and environmental impact.

 

Imagine using your mobile phone satellite navigation capability to explore landmarks around your favourite city and then not losing track of your whereabouts when entering a huge shopping centre but rather continue navigating to your desired shopping destination within the centre. Envision a city where residents, tourists, and emergency services can seamlessly traverse complex urban environments, always finding the shortest, safest, and most enjoyable path.

The "Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Navigation for Smart Cities" project at the University of Portsmouth aims to turn this vision into reality. Our team of researchers is committed to breaking down the barriers that exist between indoor and outdoor navigation in cities. We believe that navigation should be as dynamic and adaptable as the cities themselves.

Our work is not just about technology and innovation; it's about enhancing the urban experience for everyone. We integrate a diverse range of technologies, from GPS and Wi-Fi to sensor fusion, to target advances to widely used navigation systems to overcome traditional limitations. This system will seamlessly guide individuals, from tourists exploring city landmarks to emergency responders racing against time to save lives.

The project focuses on improving user experiences by increasing the efficiency of their movements around cities while committing to robust security and privacy-preserving guidelines. It serves as another building block for the ongoing funded research initiatives at the university focusing on localisation and navigation in indoor environments tailored for the industrial and health sectors. 

Join us at the University of Portsmouth in this transformative project that not only advances technology but also enhances the lives of individuals living in and visiting smart cities.

 

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only).

 

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related area. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or Qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

 

Knowledge in sensing technology, machine learning, data analytics, radio signals, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and software development. The candidate should also demonstrate strong programming in MatLab/python/java and mathematical analysis skills. Experience in C/C++ programming is desirable. This PhD study is part of a collaboration between the university and an industrial partner (leading company in technology and engineering) and the candidate will benefit from the collaboration during and after the study.

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Salem Aljareh (salem.aljareh@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Electronic Engineering PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this self-funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SEM10410526 when applying.