A Review of Spatial Positioning Technologies for Metro Stations

With the rapid development of urban rail transit, metro stations function as major transport nodes where spatial positioning technologies play a crucial role in passenger navigation, emergency evacuation, and intelligent O&M (Operation & Maintenance) management. The complex enclosed environment of metro stations—characterized by multi-level structures, dense metallic obstacles, and high passenger flow density—imposes demanding requirements for positioning technologies, including high accuracy (within centimeter to meter range), low latency, and robust interference resistance. This paper systematically reviews mainstream positioning technologies applicable to metro scenarios, covering Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, 5G communication, and Augmented Reality (AR). It conducts a comparative analysis of their technical principles, core advantages, and limitations. Findings demonstrate that current research primarily focuses on train positioning and construction personnel tracking, while real-time positioning for other station occupants remains inadequately addressed. Limitations persist in positioning accuracy, cost, or coverage scope. Future research should prioritize multi-technology convergence frameworks and passenger demand-oriented positioning solutions to advance precision services and intelligent management for smart metro systems.