A group of researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has developed a technology that promises revolutionize satellite navigation. It is about SmartNava system capable of improve the accuracy of traditional GPS in up to a 90%even in urban environments where signals are often unreliable.
According to ScienceDailythe tests carried out in the city of Trondheim, Norwaydemonstrated that the new system achieved margins of error less than 10 centimetersan unprecedented precision for civil positioning devices. The innovation combines advanced satellite correction methods with three-dimensional city models, allowing you to “predict” how signals are reflected off buildings and adjust coordinates in real time.
How SmartNav works and what makes it different
According to GPS World, SmartNav use the technique PPP-RTK (Precise Point Positioning – Real Time Kinematic)a improved version of GPS that processes the signals from various satellites y applies phase corrections in real time. But the big difference is in its ability to combine these calculations with 3D urban models generated by Googlewhich help detect and discard signals distorted by reflections.
The researchers explain that, unlike other methods, SmartNav does not require expensive infrastructure or fixed reference stations. The system can be integrated into mobile devices, smart cars or drones, making more stable navigation possible in areas where skyscrapers and buildings block or bounce the signal.
How current GPS devices operate and their limitations
He GPS traditional depends on the triangulation of signals sent by satellites to receivers on Earth. Under normal conditions, it can determine the location of an object with a margin of error of between 3 and 5 meters. However, in dense urban areas or with obstacles, signs are often bounce off metal or glass surfacesgenerating errors known as “multipath”.
These errors can cause significant deviations, especially in autonomous navigation or precision applications. ScienceDaily points out that SmartNav directly addresses that weakness by analyzing only the cleanest carrier phases and discarding those affected by reflections, reducing the margin of error from meters to a few centimeters.
An advance with global impact
According to GPS World, SmartNav has the potential to transform autonomous vehicle navigation, drone control, and intelligent transportation systems. Furthermore, his modular design will allow it to be incorporated into conventional GPS receiversreducing the cost of adoption for manufacturers and developers.
The experts of the NTNU They highlighted that the next step will be to expand the tests to other European cities and adapt the system to different satellite constellations, such as Galileo y GLONASS. If its effectiveness is confirmed, it could become the Reference technology for high-precision urban positioning.
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