Integrating the Navigation Functions on Seismic Vessels

Thomas A. Hylas

Abstract:	The marine seismic industry depends on precise positioning to accurately determine the geophysical content of a prospect. The need for a real time position calculation and an online indication as to the quality of the position derived and the integrity of the navigation systems used to derive the position is crucial to the successful outcome of a survey. Further requirements for a final processed navigation solution in a particular format onboard the seismic vessel has become necessary. This paper discusses the integration of individual computer modules via network connectivity to provide all the functionality of many individual comput- ers as one system. A robust processor and software kernel designed and tailored for the demanding real time naviga- tion calculations is integrated with a graphics oriented workstation to provide the tools necessary to accomplish all the required tasks. I describe the need for having an integrated network solution and the status and results of work to date in this area. Requirements for a minimum system are explained as well as the ease of expansion that this architecture allows. The integrated system approach allows for embedded sensors such as GPS modules whose information can be used by many processes including a DGPS solution, an integrated GPS solution using LOP’s from a variety of ranging systems with PRC’s from a DGPS reference site, as well as tracking source buoys and tail buoys.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1993) June 21 - 23, 1993 Royal Sonesta Hotel Cambridge, MA
Pages:	665 - 670
Cite this article:	Hylas, Thomas A., "Integrating the Navigation Functions on Seismic Vessels," Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1993), Cambridge, MA, June 1993, pp. 665-670.
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