GPS receiver testing

Abstract

Vehicle navigation systems are expected to reduce consumption in traffic by facilitating efficient route planning and guidance. The only globally available positioning system is the Global Positioning System, owned by US department of Defence. GPS offers a positioning service all around the globe with aproximatively 95% worst-case availability. - This thesis introduces the basics of the GPS and presents guidelines for repeatable and comparable field-testing of GPS receiver and compares it against some other units. Essential coordinate systems used in GPS navigation are reviewed together with the basics of map projection. The function of the GPS receiver is covered in some detail, as is the structure of the navigation signals. The limitations of the accuracy of the GPS position solution are discussed before the GPS receiver performance is assessed. Testing sections of the thesis focused on field-testing, but some subjects of laboratory testing are also covered. The guidelines laid in this work are applied to the work of field-testing team and are being developed further. /Kir10