Evaluation of localization algorithms

This chapter introduces a methodological approach to the evaluation of localization algorithms. The chapter contains a discussion of evaluation criteria and performance metrics followed by statistical/ empirical simulation models and parameters that affect the performance of the algorithms and hence their assessment. Two contrasting localization studies are presented and compared with reference to the evaluation criteria discussed throughout the chapter. The chapter concludes with a localization algorithm development cycle overview: from simulation to real deployment. The authors argue that algorithms should be simulated, emulated (on test beds or with empirical data sets) and subsequently implemented in hardware, in a realistic Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) deployment environment, as a complete test of their performance. It is hypothesised that establishing a common development and evaluation cycle for localization algorithms among researchers will lead to more realistic results and viable comparisons. © 2009, IGI Global.