Satellite Navigation
From Open Source Ecology
Basics
- A Method Of Navigation using Data from a Navigational Satellite Constellation
- This uses a rather complex process outlined in This Wikipedia Page, which essentially boils down to a process similar to trigonometry using the TOF of signals from satellites in known orbits all of which are synchronized and use computers and atomic clocks to stay in time. Thus via receiving these signals, a computer can do the math and determine where the receiver unit is in relation to these known orbits. This can give a simple latitude/longitude/elevation readout, which was common in early consumer units, or it can be used for determining current position on a digital map, and thus calculate nearby points of interest and plan trips (as is common in almost all consumer gps products such as smartphones with gps and an apps like Google Maps )
- Accuracy Varies Depending on What Constellation is Used (Or if multiple are used and merged), what hardware is used, and if RTK is being used
- 2-2.5 Meters is the most common accuracy used in calculations for most satellites and systems without RTK ,although some newer constellation systems such as the L5 Band of GPS state 30cm
- Where you are using it can also impact what constellation you should use and/or what accuracy you can get
- As more satellites are added, and more countries launch their own constellations, this is becoming less and less of a problem, but it still is best to use the more local constellation
- This is because many systems are adapted to give a region more orbital passes via shaping the orbit around that area, and/or adding more satellites with orbits to that area
Constellations
Systems
- Typically most modern receivers can receive from any constellation, it is more a matter of selection
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External Links
