Assessment of User Performances of Current and Future Navigation Systems and Sensors Using Computer Simulations

Angel J. Gavin-Alarcon, Andres Juez-Munoz, T.W. Beech

Abstract:	The use of additional sensors and systems with GNSS improves navigation performances and open the way for new mass-market and professional applications. The demonstration of the levels of performance that can be expected using current and future positioning technologies will create new opportunities for industry. Before embarking on costly revisions to the existing navigation services it is necessary to know in advance what enhancements can be expected, and which may ultimately not lead to significant improvements. Using simulation tools from the very beginning of the feasibility phase allows performing trade-offs between different implementation options (e.g., positioning technologies to be used) and parametric analyses to support feasibility and cost-benefit studies. Whilst many existing simulators are focusing on the GNSS global component, they do not allow simulating regional and local component contributions, not to mention the different sensors (like odometers) that can be frequently found in many mass-market and professional applications. Nevertheless there is a software tool, named Polaris, that allows the rapid performance assessment of navigation systems and sensors in low cost platforms (PCs and laptops) to support system and application design. Polaris allows the inclusion of GNSS (e.g. GPS and Galileo) and SBAS systems (e.g.., EGNOS and WAAS) but also local augmentations (DGPS, pseudolites and radio mobile positioning, like UMTS) and sensors (e.g. odometers, gyroscopes, pedometers, etc.) The integration with a GIS facility and a 3D subsystem allows Polaris to evaluate applications in different environments, including 3D urban canyons, where satellite visibility is limited by surrounding buildings This paper introduces how computer simulations can support application design from the early phases of system and application development. Actually computer simulations can not only support system and application design, but potential users surveying, market analyses and system/application promotion too. Using Polaris, the paper analyses the navigation performances for a typical application in an urban environment, showing results for different combinations of systems and sensors. Results are presented in a user-friendly and understandable manner helping people without a background in navigation (as it is the case for many potential navigation users) to understand application potentials. The paper finishes presenting the current status of the tool, projects and situation where it is being used and the future of Polaris.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 61st Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (2005) June 27 - 29, 2005 Royal Sonesta Hotel Cambridge, MA
Pages:	1010 - 1019
Cite this article:	Gavin-Alarcon, Angel J., Juez-Munoz, Andres, Beech, T.W., "Assessment of User Performances of Current and Future Navigation Systems and Sensors Using Computer Simulations," Proceedings of the 61st Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (2005), Cambridge, MA, June 2005, pp. 1010-1019.
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