High-fidelity virtual modeling framework for outdoor UWB localization via real-world measurements

This study proposes a virtual modeling framework for outdoor ultra-wideband (UWB) systems that accurately replicates signal characteristics with high fidelity to enable realistic localization performance evaluation.The proposed framework incorporates three key features to address the limitations of conventional UWB models, including simplified path-loss assumptions, limited representation of multipath distortion, and inadequate consideration of antenna orientation effects.First, the proposed framework generates virtual ranging and received signal strength (RSS) measurements that reflect distance-and height-dependent propagation characteristics observed in outdoor environments.This capability is achieved through Gaussian statistical modeling parameterized using static outdoor measurements.Second, the framework reconstructs multipath-and orientation-induced signal degradation by integrating dynamic field measurements and angle-dependent RSS thresholds.This feature enables virtual replication of synchronization failures and signal attenuation patterns that are difficult to account for without extensive field trials.Third, the framework enables scalable and repeatable virtual testing of outdoor localization performance through the generation of realistic synthetic datasets.This capability substantially reduces field measurement dependence and supports systematic evaluation across diverse geometric and environmental configurations.Quantitative validation demonstrates that the virtual environment accurately reproduces ranging offset behavior, RSS attenuation trends, reception failures, and orientationdriven degradation patterns, confirming high fidelity relative to real outdoor measurements.These advancements establish a reliable foundation for UWB-based outdoor positioning research and development, providing a virtual testing capability that has not been achievable using conventional modeling approaches.The versatility of the framework offers meaningful opportunities to design, analyze, and optimize UWB localization systems for real-time outdoor applications.