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Session B8: Quantum PNT 3

Crustal Modes Sensor Selection (CMoSS) for Magnetic Navigation
Andrew Sosanya, Jonathan Ouellet, Alexander McNeil, Prasenjit Sengupta, Sriharsha Thoram, SandboxAQ
Location: Ballroom E
Alternate Number 1

Magnetic Navigation (MagNav), enables positioning in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) denied environment by continuously comparing magnetic field readings from a magnetometer to detailed magnetic anomaly maps of the Earth's crust. This ongoing comparison allows the system to update and improve its estimated position within a dynamic state-estimation framework. A key step in maturing this technology requires determining the relationship between magnetic anomaly map information and sensor characteristics.
We introduce Crustal Modes Sensor Selection (CMoSS)—a method of grading sensors by deriving the spatial power spectral density over a defined anomaly region to quantify magnetic signal power per wavenumber. We calculate the expected magnetic power and bandwidth from a set of geographically diverse anomaly maps and leverage this information to determine sensor requirements for each region. We also conduct this analysis for longer wavelengths and timescales using the Earth's core field using International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) measurements.
These results establish quantitative criteria for magnetometer selection based on operational parameters including ground speed, altitude, environmental magnetic interference, and regional geology. This approach enables informed sensor selection across the full spectrum of available technologies and diverse anomaly maps. The framework allows mission planners to optimize sensor configurations for specific geographic regions and flight profiles, advancing the practical deployment of MagNav systems.

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