Low-Cost, Triple-Frequency, Multi-GNSS PPP and MEMS IMU Integration for Continuous Navigation in Simulated Urban Environments

In this research, a next-generation, low-cost triple-frequency GNSS, microelectromechanical (MEMS) based inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a patch antenna was used to obtain decimeter-level accuracy in a suburban and urban environment. A unique combination of the low-cost hardware and software constraining was used to bridge the GNSS gaps in an urban environment to provide a continuous, accurate, and reliable position solution that is novel and has not been previously published. The low-cost navigation system demonstrates less than a decimeter-level accuracy in the presence of a sufficient number of satellites. During half a minute of introduced GNSS signal loss, the overall rms of the algorithm is 10–40% better than dual-frequency PPP with IMU, as the satellite availability reduces. The results obtained during partial GNSS availability indicate a significant step forward in the low-cost navigation area for applications like low-cost autonomous vehicles, intelligent transportation systems, etc. that demand a decimeter level of accuracy.