Hybrid GPS/Loran-C: An Effective Radionaviagtion Mix for Vehicular Navigation in Mountainous Areas

Gérard Lachapelle and Bryan Townsend

Abstract:	The main characteristics of both GPS (UHF) and Loran-C (LF) navigation systems are reviewed, with emphasis on vehicular navigation applications. The effect of the GPS line-of-sight requirement and that of Loran-C signal attenuation in mountainous areas are illustrated using signal availability statistics collected for major roads in British Columbia. The advantages of an hydrid GPS/Loran-C system are demonstrated using GPS and multi-chain digital Loran-C receiver data collected along a 230-km road section in Southern B.C. Signals sufficient for horizontal navigation (HDOP I 5) are available approximately 60% of the distance in the case of GES, 75% in the case of Loran-C, and some 95% in the case of GES/Loran-C. The advantages of multi-chain versus single-chain operations in mountainous areas are also demonstrated. A performance analysis of the linear Loran-C receivers used for the tests is 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:	3 - 12
Cite this article:	Lachapelle, Gérard, Townsend, Bryan, "Hybrid GPS/Loran-C: An Effective Radionaviagtion Mix for Vehicular Navigation in Mountainous Areas," Proceedings of the 48th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1992), Dayton, OH, June 1992, pp. 3-12.
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