GPS Masking and Visualization Tool

Microcosm proposes to develop a GPS Masking and Visualization Tool (GMVT) to be incorporated in the GPS User Equipment Integrated Support Facility (ISF). The GMVT will determine GPS satellite visibility from a host vehicle taking into account signal masking due to vehicle structures and nearby terrain features. The information will be presented in a 3-D view incorporating a terrain display and using advanced spherical geometry techniques for displaying masking effects and GPS satellite positions. The informatioon will also be fed back to the existing ISF system for use in radio frequency (RF) testing of GPS units. The GMVT will be based on existing computational techniques and commercially available software with extensions to support specific GMVT functionality. Using the proposed tool will provide users with analytical information on GPS availability and solution quality, as well as an easily understood graphical representation. A prototype tool will be developed in Phase I and full functionality tool in Phase II.