Positioning Algorithm Based on Skylight Polarization Navigation

Abstract Possessing an autonomous navigation and positioning capabilities that does not rely on GPS or other satellite navigation systems is of great importance when satellite signal is out of service. Many insects, such as desert ant Cataglyphis and dung beetle, are able to derive the direction information according to the pattern of polarization in the sky. Inspired by the polarization sensitivity mechanisms of the insects, several kinds of bionic polarization navigation sensors have been developed. However, all of them can only derive the orientation information, but not the latitude and longitude of the current position. In this study, an integrated positioning algorithm based on skylight polarization navigation was proposed. Combining skylight polarization navigation with celestial navigation, the geographical position could be determined by two independent observations. The result validated the feasibility of the algorithm.