Abstract
In the last years, we have experienced the evolution of wireless localization
from being a simple add-on feature for enabling specific applications to become
an essential characteristic of wireless cellular networks, as for
sixth-generation (6G) cellular networks. This paper illustrates the importance
of radio localization and its role in all the cellular generations, from
first-generation (1G) to 6G. Also, it speculates about the idea of holographic
localization where the characteristics of electromagnetic (EM) waves, including
the spherical wavefront in the near-field, are fully controlled and exploited
to achieve better wireless localization. Along this line, we briefly overview
possible technologies, such as large intelligent surfaces, and challenges to
realize holographic localization. To corroborate our vision, we also include a
numerical example that confirms the potentialities of holographic localization.