A systems engineering approach to the design of a vehicle navigation system

Abstract

With continuing advances in technology, the market for vehicle navigation systems is expected to grow over the next several years. The systems engineering process is applied to ensure that an effective system is developed. After the need is established, four methods of implementing a vehicle navigation system are described. A system employing differential GPS to determine the location of the vehicle is chosen to be the most feasible approach. Based on this choice, the operational requirements and maintenance concept are defined. Possible design approaches are then discussed. A terrestrial radio link is selected over a satellite link to transmit the differential corrections to users. Finally, an analysis is performed to estimate the number of reference stations that will be required to implement the system. The results can be used as a guideline to determine the potential cost of providing a differential GPS service.