Positioning Slow-Moving Platforms by UWB Technology in GPS-Challenged Areas

Abstract

Ultra-wideband (UWB) radio networks are low-power, simple, and easily deployable local systems that may be used for navigation and positioning purposes. The properties of the UWB signal are attractive because they can go through obstacles, providing potential positioning in environments where other systems are not suitable. As the goal for this study, UWB-network positioning was used to support accurate geolocalization of slow-moving vehicles in environments that challenge global positioning systems (GPSs), such as forested areas. This work analyzes the results of several experiments with land vehicle positioning within a UWB network in various outdoor scenarios. Only the key aspects of the investigations are discussed in more detail, including the influence of obstacles on signal propagation and, ultimately, on range measurements and the motion compensation resulting from the low UWB-data acquisition rates. Results show that the tested equipment within an area of approximately 30 × 30 m can achieve positioning accuracy to 10 to 30 cm, depending on the environmental parameters and UWB-network configuration.