32nd Applied Imagery Pattern Recognition Workshop, 2003. Proceedings.
Download PDF

Abstract

In the research reported in this paper, we propose to overcome the unavailability of Global Positioning System (GPS) using combined information obtained froma scanning LADAR rangefinder on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and a LADAR mounted on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that flies over the terrain being traversed. The approach to estimate and update the position of the UGV involves registering range data from the two LADARs using a combination of a feature-based registration method and a modified version of the well-known Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm. Registration of range data thus guarantees an estimate of the vehicle's position even when only one of the vehicles has GPS information. Additionally, such registration over time (i.e., from sample to sample), enables position information to be maintained even when both vehicles can no longer maintain GPS contact. The approach has been validated by conducting systematic experiments on complex real-world data.
Like what you’re reading?
Already a member?
Get this article FREE with a new membership!

Related Articles