Towards Estimating UV Exposure Using GPS Signal Strength from a Carrying Smartphone

Abstract

Owing to lifestyle changes, urbanization, and the COVID-19 pandemic, many people spend more time indoors and tend to receive less direct sunlight than before. Although excessive or inadequate ultraviolet (UV) exposure can be harmful to our physical and mental health, moderate UV exposure is essential for vitamin D (VD) production in the body. In this study, we estimate the UV exposure using an off-the-shelf smartphone, and explore the relationship between the UV values and GPS signal strength (C/N0). The results demonstrate that a strong correlation (R2 = 0.73) between the UV values and carrier to noise density (C/N0) even if the smartphone and UV sensor are moved. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the UV exposure to some extent from a person's location, even while carrying a smartphone.