Accuracy limitations of range-range (spherical) multilateration systems
October 11, 1973
Technical Report
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Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report TN-1973-43
R&D Area:
Summary
This report presents a novel procedure for determining the accuracy of range-range (or spherical) multilateration systems. The procedure is a generalization of one previously described for hyperbolic multilateration systems. A central result is a demonstration that the inverse of the covariance matrix for positional errors corresponds to the moment of inertia matrix of a simple mass configuration. The insight afforded by this fact is used to resolve a number of questions relating to accuracy. Specific questions addressed include the following: 1. How does accuracy depend upon the number of receivers? 2. How does accuracy depend upon the deployment of receivers? 3. What is the maximum accuracy that can be obtained from N receivers? How should the receivers be deployed to maximize accuracy? 4. How do altitude errors compare to horizontal errors in satellite-based systems? In ground-based systems?