Multi-slope RSSI-based localization for LoRa transmitters in avalanche rescue scenarios

Search and Rescue (SaR) operations in avalanche scenarios rely on rapid and precise victim localization. Traditional ARTVA devices suffer from limited detection range, while LoRa technology has emerged as a promising alternative due to its long-range capabilities. This paper presents, for the first time, multi-slope path loss (PL) RSSI-based localization algorithm to real-world through-the-snow LoRa datasets. Controlled field tests show 75% accuracy within a 7 meters radius using data from a single search axis. Combining data from multiple axes, simulating a multi-operator SaR scenario, enables exact burial localization with zero error. These results underscore the potential of LoRa-based multi-slope localization as a robust alternative to conventional avalanche rescue systems.