Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the global time standard used in inertial navigation systems (INS) to synchronize data with GNSS, sensors, and external systems. UTC provides a precise, uniform time reference essential for accurate positioning, velocity calculations, and system coordination.
Why is UTC Important in Inertial Navigation?
Time Synchronization – Ensures IMU, GNSS, and external sensors work in a unified time frame.
Accurate Positioning – UTC is essential in GNSS-aided INS, where precise timestamps improve location accuracy.
Multi-Sensor Fusion – Enables INS to integrate data from radar, LiDAR, and cameras by aligning timestamps.
Global Standardization – Used worldwide for navigation, aviation, military, and autonomous systems.
How UTC is Maintained in INS/GNSS Systems?
• GNSS Time Conversion – GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou operate in their own time scales but provide corrections to UTC.
• Precision Timing Hardware – High-end INS devices use atomic clocks or GNSS-synchronized Pulse Per Second (PPS) signals to maintain accuracy.
• INS Clock Drift Correction – Since INS operates independently, periodic GNSS updates help correct internal clock drift.
