GPS/IMU products – the Applanix approach

In this paper the Applanix approach of integrating inertial data with GPS to produce products for Geomatics applications is presented. The core Applanix technology consists of sophisticated algorithms and advanced signal processing techniques for the integration of GPS and Inertial Measurement Unit data, for the purpose of real-time navigation and post-mission, high precision positioning and attitude determination. The Applanix products are briefly described. The airborne system is then discussed in some detail, followed by the theoretical and practical accuracy analysis of using such a system for photogrammetric mapping and LIDAR.