Understanding Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) While GPS systems have become ubiquitous, they are not practical in every application. In places where signal reception may be an issue, or other environmental conditions a problem, self-contained inertial navigation systems are frequently used as a solution. Combining multiple sensors to continuously assess position, speed and movement direction, and a computer and software to interpret the data, the INS is an entire navigation system without the need for any external connections or inputs. The key to achieving this is the sensors themselves, which include both accelerometers and gyroscopes, and between them can monitor and record both linear acceleration and angular velocity. The INS works from a preprogrammed known start position and orientation, and uses sensor data to calculate where it is based on movements away from that start point. What is an INS Used For? For situations where GPS may not always be available, an inertial navigation system provides the reliability required. One area where INS have become essential is in vehicle telematics. Here they can be used in a number of ways: Location Tracking — Vehicle locations can be tracked even in areas of poor GPS reception Navigation — Used to augment existing GPS systems, INS can be more accurate in tough conditions, especially off-road or in complex street layouts. Managing Vehicles — Having accurate location data even in areas without GPS coverage means more reliable oversight of vehicle use. Driverless Vehicles — Because they are self-contained systems, inertial navigation systems cannot be disrupted by a loss of signal, making them ideal for driverless vehicles that have no alternative navigation options. Conclusion By removing the reliance on outside technology such as GPS, any INS offers reliable, effective location data. In situations where having that data is essential, an inertial navigation system delivers a highly accurate yet completely reliable solution for navigation.
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