Navigation by Ocean Surface Topography

摘要

Methods and apparatus ascertain a geographic position based on topographic contours of ocean surfaces. Observed ocean topographic contours are matched to predicted ocean topography and/or ocean topographic information stored in a database. Such systems and methods do not necessarily require INS, GPS, RF beacons, optical beacons or celestial sightings. These systems and methods may be used as references to correct INS. These systems and methods may be used to ascertain a geographic location of an aircraft, spacecraft, watercraft, landcraft (vehicle), person or the like. Similarly, these systems and methods may be used as part of a guidance system for guiding a craft to a destination. These systems and methods may be used in tandem with, or as backups for, other types of navigation or guidance systems or as one input to a navigation filter.

主权项

1. A geographic positioning system, comprising:
a data source providing topographical information about at least a portion of a surface of earth, including topographical information about contours of a surface of at least a portion of a body of water on the earth, the topographical information correlating the contours with geographic locations on the earth; a sensor configured to detect a contour of a portion of the surface of the earth; and a contour matching engine coupled to the data source and to the sensor and configured to automatically match the detected contour to a contour provided by the data source and automatically provide a geographic location of the detected contour.