Localization

Abstract

In our discussion of map-based navigation we assumed that the robot had a means of knowing its position. In this chapter we discuss some of the common techniques used to estimate the location of a robot in the world - a process known as localization.

Today GPS makes outdoor localization so easy that we often take this capability for granted. Unfortunately GPS is a far from perfect sensor since it relies on very weak radio signals received from distant orbiting satellites. This means that GPS cannot work where there is no line of sight radio reception, for instance indoors, underwater, underground, in urban canyons or in deep mining pits. GPS signals are also extremely weak and can be easily jammed and this is not acceptable for some applications.