Method and algorithm for determining the geographic coordinates of ground objects from an unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

Introduction: As practice shows, the accuracy of determining the coordinates of objects is influenced by many factors associated with the presence of errors in measuring the angular coordinates of the optical system, the distance to the object and the presence of an inhomogeneous terrain. Purpose: Improving the accuracy of determining the geographic coordinates of ground objects from an unmanned aerial vehicle. Results: A method and an algorithm for determining geographic coordinates based on the use of a digital terrain model and optimization methods have been developed. The accuracy of calculating the coordinates of the object is increased by minimizing the error in measuring the declination angle, azimuth to the target and slant range. To confirm the analytical calculations, a field experiment was carried out with a car on the ground. At a considerable distance, at which the slant range was 900 m, several data freeze frames were taken. As a result of calculations, the geographical coordinates of the car were obtained in two ways (traditional and developed). Ultimately, the accuracy of calculating coordinates using the developed method is 4.8 times higher. Practical relevance: The method and algorithms for information processing proposed in the work will make it possible to create a number of hardware and software solutions for guidance and target designation systems.