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Revolutionary technology replaces GPS in aviation with neuromorphic cameras that map the terrain. Discover how the future of air navigation is being transformed
The dependence on GPS in modern aviation is evident, but there are many areas that need improvement. To address these limitations, a surprising innovation is on the horizon: navigation based on “fingerprint” of the land. We will explain below how this new technology works.
Developed in partnership with the Australian Advanced Navigation and the European missile manufacturer MBDA, this technology promises to revolutionize the way aircraft locate their position during flight.
The system replaces GPS receivers with a camera neuromorphic external to the ground.
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This camera, also called an event camera, reacts independently to brightness changes, capturing terrain details with extreme precision, even in low light conditions.
How Land Fingerprinting Works
As the aircraft flies over the area, the camera maps the terrain and cross-references this information with a database. overall. This bank contains stored “fingerprints” generated from images provided by sources such as NASA, NOAA and Google Earth.
The exclusive use of light and dark contrasts allows high data compression, making the system efficient in terms of memory and processing.
A technology that does not rely on artificial intelligence, which facilitates its integration and reduces costs. In addition, the system can operate even in challenging scenarios, such as snow-covered terrain or at night, thanks to the advanced NILEQ camera, designed by MBDA.
"In an increasingly uncertain world, commercial and military sectors can no longer rely solely on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) for flight operations. There is an urgent need for additional navigation aids to supplement platform inertial navigation and GNSS receiver systems.“, said Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw.
Limitations and workarounds
In situations where the terrain is homogeneous – such as lakes or dense cloud layers – the technology uses the active INS (Inertial Navigation System) system.
The technology guarantees the aircraft’s position based on its last confirmed location, ensuring accuracy until terrain recognition is resumed.
However, long journeys over oceans or completely cloudy areas pose challenges that are still under analysis.
The future of aviation
A demonstration of the technology is scheduled for next year in Australia, with a commercial launch expected to follow.
This innovation not only provides a robust solution against GPS interference, but also enhances the safety and reliability of global air navigation.
The transition to terrain-based navigation is a major milestone, bringing greater resilience to an industry that is constantly seeking to overcome technological and natural challenges. The era of untouchable GPS may be coming to an end.
I believe that maybe in about 20 years, if everything goes well, it will be used.
Hehehe, if Putin makes a cardboard city in the shape of Brasilia, the fighter pilot won't attack... hehehe wonderful.
I believe that this still needs to be improved to meet the guarantees required in aviation. It will serve as a backup to the GPS, which has already proven and confirmed its reliability. Approaches in poor visibility and adverse weather conditions must be carefully considered with guarantees of 99,9%.