Multi Constellation
Multi-Constellation in inertial navigation refers to the use of multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)—such as GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China)—to enhance positioning accuracy, reliability, and availability, especially in challenging environments like urban areas, mountains, and GNSS-denied zones. How Multi-Constellation Supports INS? Improved Satellite Availability – More satellites increase signal redundancy, […]
Mission
In inertial navigation (INS), a mission refers to a specific navigation task or operation that an INS-equipped system must complete. A mission involves tracking position, velocity, and orientation over time, often in GNSS-denied environments such as military operations, aerospace missions, and autonomous vehicle navigation. Key Components of a Mission in INS Initial Alignment – The […]
MEMS
MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems) refers to miniaturized sensors and mechanical components that are integrated into Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). MEMS-based IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) use micro-scale gyroscopes and accelerometers to measure motion, orientation, and acceleration, making them ideal for drones, robotics, automotive, and portable navigation systems. How MEMS Works in INS? MEMS Gyroscopes – Measure angular […]
Magnetometer
A magnetometer is a sensor used in inertial navigation systems (INS) to measure the Earth’s magnetic field and determine heading (direction relative to magnetic north). It is commonly used in IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) to complement gyroscopes and accelerometers, improving navigation accuracy in aircraft, drones, submarines, and land vehicles. How a Magnetometer Works in INS? […]
LQE
LQE (Linear Quadratic Estimator) is an optimal state estimation algorithm used in inertial navigation systems (INS) to reduce errors and improve accuracy. It is similar to the Kalman filter but focuses on minimizing estimation error variance while balancing system stability and performance. How LQE Works in INS? Sensor Data Input – IMU (gyroscope & accelerometer) […]
Lidar / LiDAR
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create high-resolution 3D maps. In inertial navigation (INS), LiDAR is used for terrain mapping, obstacle detection, and localization, especially in autonomous vehicles, drones, and defense applications. How LiDAR Works in INS? Laser Pulse Emission – A LiDAR […]
Kinematics
In inertial navigation (INS), kinematics refers to the study of motion (position, velocity, and acceleration) without considering forces. INS uses kinematic equations to track an object’s movement based on measurements from gyroscopes and accelerometers, making it essential for aircraft, submarines, missiles, and autonomous systems. How Kinematics is Used in INS? Position Calculation – INS integrates […]
Ionospheric Delay
Ionospheric delay is a signal propagation delay that occurs when GNSS signals pass through the Earth’s ionosphere, a layer of charged particles in the atmosphere. This effect introduces positioning errors in GNSS-aided Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) by causing signal refraction and travel time variations, affecting high-precision navigation in aerospace, military, and maritime applications. How Ionospheric […]
Inverted USBL
Inverted USBL (Ultra-Short Baseline) is an underwater acoustic positioning system used in inertial navigation to determine the position of a surface or aerial vehicle relative to an underwater object. It is the reverse of traditional USBL, where the transceiver is placed underwater and tracks an acoustic beacon on a surface vessel, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), […]
Interferometry
Interferometry in inertial navigation refers to the use of wave interference principles (typically light or radio waves) to measure precise motion, orientation, and distance. It is commonly applied in high-precision gyroscopes, such as Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOG) and Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLG), which are essential for aerospace, defense, and submarine navigation. How Interferometry Works in […]
