Geophysical Navigation Algorithms and Progress

Y.S. Nam, M.B. May, D. Fischer, R. Greer

Abstract:	Geophysical Navigation has the objective of providing an at-sea, low-cost, correlation navigation technique (primarily for submersibles, but possibly for surface ships as well), that is global, independent of satellite and/or radio navigation. The technique applies map-matching algorithms using bathymetric and/or gravimetric maps to generate position fixes for inertial navigators as well as applying gravity disturbance compensation. This paper primarily addresses the implementation of bathymetric navigation for tactical applications and at-sea demonstration results, as part of the Enhanced Inertial Navigation System Program (EINSP) of the U.S. Navy. This implementation requires no additional surveying assets. It discusses the availability and fixability of bathymetric and gravimetric data grids. It discusses how map coverage, map errors, and bathymetry characteristics were used to predict the quality and distribution of sites supportive of geophysical navigation. Development of an innovative, unique geophysical position fixing algorithm that utilizes bathymetric map matching is detailed. The choices of map matching algorithm parameters as they relate to the ship's concept of operations are explained. Results from a dedicated ship experiment are used to demonstrate the capability of Navy submarine sonar system BQN-17A to support bathymetric position fixing.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2011 International Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 24 - 26, 2011 Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	709 - 717
Cite this article:	Nam, Y.S., May, M.B., Fischer, D., Greer, R., "Geophysical Navigation Algorithms and Progress," Proceedings of the 2011 International Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 2011, pp. 709-717.
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