Determination of the Probability Density Function of GPS (Global Positioning Systems) Positioning Error

Masahiko Kobayashi, Frank Ingels, and George Bennett

Abstract:	The probability density functions (PDF) of the position error of the Global Positioning System (GPS) were determined, using existing error scatter data sets. A standard curve-fit method was used; several known probability density functions, namely, the Rayleigh distribution, Weibull distribution, Exponential distribution and Gaussian distribution were applied. Existing data sets which were acquired by other agencies’ studies in static measurement conditions on the surface of the earth were used. As a result, the probability density functions showed relatively large differences when compared to one another. Surprisingly the Weibull probability density function gave the best fit for each of the data sets used, indicating that the most suitable probability density function for modeling GPS position accuracy is the Weibull function.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 48th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1992) June 29 - 1, 1992 ANA Westin Hotel Dayton, OH
Pages:	219 - 232
Cite this article:	Kobayashi, Masahiko, Ingels, Frank, Bennett, George, "Determination of the Probability Density Function of GPS (Global Positioning Systems) Positioning Error," Proceedings of the 48th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1992), Dayton, OH, June 1992, pp. 219-232.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In