# Introduction to TPS user beacon API

Source: [https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-42223-1/topic/introduction_to_tps_user_beacon_api.html](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-42223-1/topic/introduction_to_tps_user_beacon_api.html)

Qualcomm® Terrestrial Positioning Service (TPS) API, formerly known
            as Skyhook Precision Location API, provides access to positioning information derived
            from analyzing positioning anchors such as Wi-Fi access points and cell IDs in known
            locations.

The user beacon API is used to submit beacons, such as Wi-Fi access points or cellular
            base stations, and their associated known reference locations to TPS. These beacon
            locations can be used for positioning in subsequent location calls.

The submitted user beacons will effectively override any known, crowd-sourced reference
            location for that beacon in the TPS database. The TPS may tune the beacon locations so
            that the users can receive more accurate location information. Beacon locations may be
            tuned at an individual API key level, and aren't accessible publicly.

## API limitations

Opting for the API
                approach has benefits pertaining to server-side features, but is less robust than
                client-side implementations. Few SDK or embedded client features such as smoothing
                between location sources, fast time-to-fix, MAC address deduplication, power
                optimization, and offline location are not available with the API
                method.

Tuning of user beacons is applicable to both API and SDK
                implementations. In SDK implementations, beacons tuned by the TPS user beacon API
                are transmitted to devices via tiles specific to the API key or project to which
                they have been applied.

 In addition, an application or device-specific code must
            be created to enable the collection of Wi-Fi and cell radio scans. For recommendations
            in these areas to optimize the use of cloud API, contact the Qualcomm TPS team at [support.tps@qti.qualcomm.com](mailto:support.tps@qti.qualcomm.com).

## Scope

This document provides an overview of the TPS user beacon API, its implementation to
                determine the geographic location of connected devices, and API requests and
                responses.

## Technical assistance

For assistance or clarification, write to [support.tps@qti.qualcomm.com](mailto:support.tps@qti.qualcomm.com).

Last Published: Apr 27, 2026

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