Assessment of ship position estimation accuracy based on radar navigation mark echoes identified in an Electronic Navigational Chart

Abstract

This article presents research on assessing the accuracy of ship position determination based on observations of radar echoes of navigation marks identified in an Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC). The accuracy analysis of the simulated radar positioning in relation to navigation marks the validity of the research. Position accuracy on the approach fairways was better than 6.5 m (RMS). A specially prepared measuring system made it possible to conduct tests based on radar images. In subsequent stages of the research, the association of extracted characteristic radar echoes with navigation marks found in an ENC was made. Then, in order to eliminate significant values of measurement errors and erroneous identification of navigation marks, geodetic adjustment was applied. The obtained position accuracy equal to 34.1 m (RMS) provides a premise to state that the method can be adopted for autonomous navigation systems which are alternatives to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).