Spanish researchers engineer system that boosts GPS accuracy by 90%
A group of researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) in Spain have created a new system capable of increasing the accuracy of conventional GPS devices. The researchers claim their findings can improve GPS accuracy by as much as 90% and that the new system can be installed in cars and smartphones.
The Spanish team posted its findings on the website of UC3M, explaining that they have been able to enhance GPS precision by combining readings from a number of various sensors — including the incorporation of a GPS signal with accelerometers and gyroscopes — to lessen the margin of error regardless of location, building density, population or even interference from tunnels. The system also offers location improvements of between 50 and 90 percent.
In a statement, the Spanish researchers said: “Future applications that will benefit from the technology that we are currently working on will include cooperative driving, automatic manoeuvres for the safety of pedestrians, autonomous vehicles or cooperative collision warning systems.”
Tests have been a success at UC3M’s intelligent car named IVVI (Intelligent Vehicle based on Visual Information), and now, the team is planning to develop a system that will work with smartphones’ built-in sensors, with little cost to manufacturers.
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