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Magnetic Navigation (MagNav), enables Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) denied positioning by continuously comparing magnetic field readings from a magnetometer to detailed magnetic anomaly maps of the Earth's crust. This ongoing comparison allows the system to update and improve its estimated position within a dynamic state-estimation framework. A key step in maturing this technology requires determining the relationship between magnetic anomaly map information and sensor characteristics.
Our method analyzes the spatial power spectral density over a defined anomaly region to quantify magnetic power per wavenumber. We calculate the expected magnetic power and bandwidth from a set of geographically diverse anomaly maps and leverage this information to determine sensor requirements for each region. We also conduct this analysis for longer wavelengths and timescales using the Earth's core field using International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) measurements.
These results establish quantitative criteria for magnetometer selection based on operational parameters including ground speed, altitude, environmental magnetic interference, and regional geology. This approach enables informed sensor selection across the full spectrum of available technologies. The framework allows mission planners to optimize sensor configurations for specific geographic regions and flight profiles, advancing the practical deployment of MagNav systems.
