Inertial Navigation and Calibration

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) provide position, velocity, and attitude by integrating IMU measurements. Because even tiny acceleration or gyro biases get integrated over time, INS solutions naturally accumulate error (“drift”), especially during longer GNSS outages. To maintain long-term accuracy and robustness, INS is therefore commonly fused with complementary sensors such as GNSS or visual odometry.

Where INS is used

• ✈️ Aerospace: navigation and attitude control for aircraft and spacecraft

• 🚢 Maritime: ships and submarines, especially in GNSS-denied conditions

• 🚗 Automotive: autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems

• 🛡️ Defense: guidance and navigation for missiles and unmanned systems (UAVs)

Calibration matters

IMUs must be calibrated to reduce bias, scale-factor, and misalignment errors—critical for limiting drift during GNSS signal outages. High-end calibration is typically performed using a precision three-axis rate table/turntable, enabling controlled rotations that support accurate multi-axis sensor characterization.