Provided are methods and systems for improved user tracking via the exchange of information over narrow-beam infrared (IR) transmission. IR receivers are positioned around a venue. A limited-range, narrow-beam IR transmitter associated with a user sends IR signals that are received by the IR receiver when the IR transmitter is close enough to the receiver. The receiver then transmits signal data from the received signal to a back-end location tracking system (LTS) that aggregates and processes the received signal data as a detection event. Based on the detection event, the LTS determines the location of the IR receiver hence the location of the user. Because of the limited transmission range of the IR transmitter, analyzing the detection event allows precise determination of the user's location, orientation, and/or movements within the venue. The LTS can also determine the identity of the user.