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Magnetic Sensors for Navigation Applications: An Overview

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 August 2013

Wei Li  and
Jinling Wang
Wei Li
Affiliation:
(School of Electronics and Information, Northwestern Polytechnical University, China) (School of Surveying and Geospatial Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Australia)
Jinling Wang*
Affiliation:
(School of Surveying and Geospatial Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Australia)
*
(Email: jinling.wang@unsw.edu.au)
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Abstract

This paper reviews currently existing electronic magnetic sensor technologies for navigation applications. Magnetic compasses have been used in navigation for centuries. The Earth's geomagnetic field is considered to provide accurate, reliable and economically available information for orientation. Meanwhile, modern magnetometers and compass calibration technologies have allowed the electronic compass to become a crucial navigation tool, even in times of modern satellite navigation using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Magnetic sensor technologies, error modelling and compensating approaches have been reviewed in this paper. Current trends and the outlook for future development of the electronic compass are analysed.

Keywords

Electronic CompassMagnetometerCompass Calibration
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Navigation , Volume 67 , Issue 2 , March 2014 , pp. 263 - 275
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal Institute of Navigation 2013 

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