2026
Seamless navigation on the RUDN University campus
A large-scale project to digitalize infrastructure and implement a seamless navigation system at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.
An interactive 3D map is available to students in the university's mobile application, information terminals and a web browser. Anyone can use QR code navigation or augmented reality.
The project covered more than 25 academic buildings, dormitories and social infrastructure facilities both on the main campus and in different districts of Moscow, turning the complex geography of the university into a single, intuitive digital space for students.
The key goal was to eliminate the problem of orientation for students, especially first-year and international students, as well as for applicants and guests who often got lost in the labyrinths of buildings and could not quickly find the right audience, admissions office or exit.
by 15%
The flow of applicants
has accelerated
by 10%
Delays in pairs have
been reduced
by 2 times
Improved positive
user experience
Solution description
Comprehensive work has been done to create an integrated navigation ecosystem, and Indors Navigation engineers have implemented the GIS Indoors Navigation Platform into the infrastructure of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.:
1. Creating a digital twin of the university.
We have carried out a complete digitization of all university facilities and territories, creating an accurate digital twin with a detailed interactive 3D map. More than 100 points of interest (classrooms, dean's offices, libraries, cafes, medical centers, sports facilities) with photos, videos and descriptions were plotted on the map.
2. Technological integration.
The system was deeply integrated with the internal information systems of RUDN University. Hybrid technologies were used in GIS to ensure high positioning accuracy.:
- On the street and on the territory - automatic switching to GPS/GLONASS satellite systems.
- На улице и по территории — автоматическое переключение на спутниковые системы GPS/ГЛОНАСС.
3. Multi-channel access for users: Navigation has become accessible to everyone through familiar channels:
- The RUDN University mobile application. The interactive 3D map is embedded in the official university app and integrated with the timetable, becoming the student's personal guide.
- Information terminals. Futuristic touch kiosks are installed at key points on the campus.
- A web browser. The ability to plan a route in advance from any device and determine your position by scanning a QR code without installing an application.
- QR codes and AR. There are almost 1,000 QR codes posted all over the campus. Their scanning instantly detects the user's location and opens the map in the browser or starts navigation in augmented reality mode, where arrows and pointers are superimposed on the image from the smartphone camera.
Implementation results
The introduction of the INP GIS system at RUDN University has solved specific problems and set a new standard for educational institutions.:
- For students and teachers, it saves time and reduces stress. The problem of delays due to the search for an audience in different buildings or parts of the city has been solved. The route from the current location to the desired couple, library, or bus stop is set in seconds. This increases academic discipline and the overall comfort of staying at the university.
- For applicants and guests - simplification of the first contact with the university. The first impression of the university becomes positive. It's easy to find the admissions office, the right building, or the auditorium for an open day without the need for lengthy inquiries. This enhances the image of RUDN University as a modern, technological and hospitable university.
- For the university administration, the goal is to improve management efficiency. The system relieves the help desk and administrative staff from routine navigation issues. The unified digital campus model serves as the basis for future smart campus projects, space management, and human flow analysis.
- For the higher education industry as a whole. The project demonstrates that the digital transformation of infrastructure is not an abstract concept, but a practical tool for increasing the competitiveness of universities in the global education market, especially in the fight for international students.
Цитаты:
A.M. Samotaev
CEO of Indoor Navigation
The project to create a seamless navigation environment on the RUDN University campus has become a benchmark for integrated digitalization for us. We were able to combine more than a number of disparate objects into a single, intuitive ecosystem where technology works for education. Separately, I would like to note the highest level of organization and professionalism of the RUDN University team. It was a sincere pleasure to work with a team that so deeply understands the importance of digital transformation for the university of the future. This project is not just a navigation system, but the foundation for an international—level smart campus.
Alexander Zavyalov
Leading Analyst at the Directorate of Digitalization of RUDN University
The implementation of the Indoors Navigation Platform has become a key element of our strategy to create a digital campus. On the technical side, the solution impresses with its scale: hybrid positioning technology, integration with our internal systems, and complete digitization of the territory. But the main result is a change in everyday experience. International students have stopped getting lost between buildings in Moscow, the flow of applicants has accelerated, and we have a unique analytical tool for managing infrastructure. The system doesn't just point the way — it forms a new standard for the university environment.
Итог
The RUDN University project is a reference example of creating a seamless navigation environment for a large, geographically distributed educational cluster. We have turned the physical complexity of the campus into a digital advantage, providing every user — from freshman to guest of honor — with confidence and ease of orientation.
Such solutions are more relevant than ever for universities, colleges, schools, and research centers seeking to improve the quality of educational services and create a comfortable, technological environment for living and studying.
Do you want your institute, college, campus, or educational complex to speak the language of modern technology?
Discuss with Indors Navigation experts the possibility of creating a seamless navigation system for your educational institution. We will develop and implement a solution that will make orientation on your territory simple, intuitive and effective.
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