A method and apparatus for determining a location of a wireless device within an environment. A wireless device, which is operable in a wireless communication system, comprises a transmitter for transmitting a first signal to a transponder, where the transponder operates independent of the wireless communication system. The wireless device further includes a receiver for receiving a second signal from the transponder, where the second signal includes identifying data associated with the transponder. The wireless device further includes a processor for determining a location of the wireless device within the environment or classifying the environment based at least in part upon the received identifying data.