An Evaluation of the Use of GPS and Laser Ranging to Position Stationary Objects from a Distance

Erin M. O'Leary, Alan G. Evans, and T. Nathan Smith

Abstract:	The feasibility of combining the Global Positioning System (GPS) with a laser rangefinder (LRF) to remotely estimate the positions of stationary objects is discussed. An observer with a target in view uses GPS to determine his location and then uses an eyesafe LRF to establish the distance to the targeted object (&5 m). These data, along with angular measurements, are used to estimate the position of the target in the GPS reference frame. The accuracy of obtaining angular information from GPS in pointing and relative positioning modes and from auxiliary instruments is discussed. Test results are presented where known coordinates of the targeted objects are compared with the estimated values. Accuracies of each component of the test are presented.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 48th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1992) June 29 - 1, 1992 ANA Westin Hotel Dayton, OH
Pages:	417 - 426
Cite this article:	O'Leary, Erin M., Evans, Alan G., Smith, T. Nathan, "An Evaluation of the Use of GPS and Laser Ranging to Position Stationary Objects from a Distance," Proceedings of the 48th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1992), Dayton, OH, June 1992, pp. 417-426.
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