GNSS Localization in Constraint Environment by Image Fusing Techniques

• Main Authors: Ciprian David, Corina Nafornita, Vasile Gui, Andrei Campeanu, Guillaume Carrie, Michel Monnerat
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: Remote Sensing
• Subjects: GNSS; image; integrity; fusion; segmentation
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/13/10/2021

Satellite localization often suffers in terms of accuracy due to various reasons. One possible source of errors is represented by the lack of means to eliminate Non-Line-of-Sight satellite-related data. We propose here a method for fusing existing data with new information, extracted by using roof-mounted cameras and adequate image processing algorithms. The roof-mounted camera is used to robustly segment the sky regions. The localization approach can benefit from this new information as it offers a way of excluding the Non-Line-of-Sight satellites. The output of the camera module is a probability map. One can easily decide which satellites should not be used for localization, by manipulating this probability map. Our approach is validated by extensive tests, which demonstrate the improvement of the localization itself (Horizontal Positioning Error reduction) and a moderate degradation of Horizontal Protection Level due to the Dilution of Precision phenomenon, which appears as a consequence of the reduction of the satellites’ number used for localization.