Practical use of GPS receivers and algorithms is central to much of the research conducted by the GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Lab. Various GPS algorithms are being studied, including differential GPS algorithms, for navigation in various environments. Algorithms have been written which take either raw IF GPS measurements or pseudo-range and range-rate measurements from specific satellites to calculate position, velocity, and time. This allows us to study algorithms that only use signals from specific satellites or to simulate signal loss from certain satellites. Various error sources are being studied as well as using limited GPS signals for improved inertial sensor navigation in GPS restricted environments such as forests or urban canyons.

Research is also being done to determine whether or not low-end receivers (~1 Hz sampling) will meet the needs of vehicle navigation when integrated with low-cost IMUs (inertial measurement units). There are many receivers on the market, each with their advantages and corresponding costs. If such integrations are sufficiently accurate, many doors will be opened in low-cost navigation systems. The GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Lab is currently working with such a system (shown below). Since the system suffers from low on-board memory, work is being done to give it wireless functionality. These and other areas of research are integral steps in the study and eventual use of low-cost navigators. Work is being conducted to quantify the accuracy and performance of low-cost GPS/INS navigators for use on various platforms.

Research Assistants:

David Musgrove
Ben Clark

Sponsors:

Publications:

Links: