ON THE COMPUTATION OF BI-NORMAL RADIAL ERROR

Pieter P. Leenhouts

Peer Reviewed

Abstract:	The Bi-normal density distribution function on a surface is represented by a position vector and covariance matrix. Its physical dimensions are described by the error ellipse. A generalized scalar is the radial or circular error which denotes the probability within a radius of the position. To compute the radial error probability (or probability circle) precisely, a non-trivial numerical integration is necessary. Simpler but less accurate conventions in common use are the Drms and CEP. The error ellipse semi-major axis is also sometimes applied to radial error. These three measures of radial error are subject to variations in probability as a function of the eccentricity of the distribution. The probability of a circle can be obtained simply and more accurately by the use of a third order polynomial.
Published in:	NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation, Volume 32, Number 1
Pages:	16 - 28
Cite this article:	Leenhouts, Pieter P., "ON THE COMPUTATION OF BI-NORMAL RADIAL ERROR", NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation, Vol. 32, No. 1, Spring 1985, pp. 16-28.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In