Synthetic GNSS for drone navigation

Important results from the project

The goal of the project was to make a software prototype that creates a synthetic GNSS signal from drone video, which we have achieved. The prototype allows us to demonstrate the power of our algorithms in an effective way. Important sub-results are that we can create surface models in real time from drone video and image sequences and that we can match the surface models with a reference surface model in real time.

Expected long term effects

We expect further productization and customization within two main applications. Firstly, support for inertial systems on the drone for more robust navigation, even in the event of GNSS failure or interference. Secondly, synthetic navigation data can be used directly to calculate the position and location of video and images and immediately produce a scale-correct and correctly positioned map base. A quick situational picture is an important tool for many crisis situations.

Approach and implementation

The project was divided into the work packages project management, requirements analysis and system design, real-time surface model, real-time surface model matching and implementation to complete chain. The work has worked well and all steps have been completed.