Attitude Determination with Ashtech 3‐D Direction Finding System
Publication: Journal of Surveying Engineering
Volume 119, Issue 1
Abstract
The Ashtech 3‐dimensional Direction Finding system (3DF) utilizes carrier phase measurements from the Global Positioning System (GPS) to provide real‐time attitude information along with highly accurate position and velocity. The 3DF system includes a 24‐channel receiver and four microstrip antennae. The receiver's 24 channels are configured in four six‐channel banks. Each bank is connected to a separate antenna. Attitude is the angular orientation of a body with respect to some reference. This orientation is determined using the GPS signals and knowledge of the precise relative antenna positions. Mounting at least three antennae on a rigid platform and determining the relative positions provides three‐dimensional attitude information. The Ashtech 3DF system uses four antennae for rapid determination of differential phase ambiguities and for continuation of position and attitude information even when satellite visibility is low. Potential applications of the 3DF system include land, marine, and airborne navigation. Specific issues that arise in these applications are discussed in detail. Test results of the 3DF in several environments will also be presented.
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References
1.
Ferguson, K. (1991). “Three dimensional attitude determination with the Ashtech 3DF 24‐channel GPS measurement system.” Proc. ION National Technical Meeting, Jan. 22–25.
2.
Kuhl, M., Ferguson, K., Qin, X., and Gourevitch, S. (1991). “Real‐time attitude determination using the Ashtech three‐dimensional direction finding system.” Proc. Guidance Test Symposium, Sept. 24–26.
3.
Van Graas, F., and Braasch, M. (1991). “Interferometric attitude and heading determination: Initial flight test results.” ION National Technical Meeting, Jun. 10–12.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Surveying Engineering
Volume 119 • Issue 1 • February 1993
Pages: 22 - 39
Copyright
Copyright © 1993 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 3, 1992
Published online: Feb 1, 1993
Published in print: Feb 1993
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