GNSS-Enabled Autonomous Navigation: Principles, technologies and challenges

The world is moving into an era of unprecedented transformation driven by automation and intelligent systems. This future hinges not just on artificial intelligence and machine learning’s intelligence but also – fundamentally – on autonomous systems’ ability to know where they are and how they are moving with precision, dependably, and continuously. Navigation is the centre of all autonomous platforms. Navigation is that foundational ability whereby a system can be aware of where it is, where it must go, and how to get there safely. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) not only enable navigation but also synchronization of telecommunications networks, electricity distribution and financial transactions, and constitute a central infrastructure of the digital age.

GNSS-Enabled Autonomous Navigation: Principles, technologies and challenges begins with an exposition of GNSS fundamentals, including satellite positioning concepts, signal structures, error sources, and system quality indicators – accuracy, integrity, continuity, and availability. It then presents an introduction to the augmentation and improvement methods that enhance GNSS capabilities to meet requirements for autonomous applications. The unifying theme of this book is the application of GNSS in the development of autonomous systems in various spheres. Chapters cover the role of GNSS in the development of autonomous ground vehicles, improving maritime navigation, aviation systems, robotics, and agricultural technology.

By bringing together theory and vision for the future, the book is aiming to provide researchers, engineers, and students with a comprehensive understanding of how GNSS is the key to autonomous navigation system development. The book brings to fore that the path towards full autonomy will be based on the complete convergence of navigation, communication, and intelligent decision-making technologies.