Integration of barometric and GPS altimeters via adaptive data fusion algorithm

An adaptive integrated navigation system, consisting of barometric altimeter (Baro) and GPS, is presented. The integration is achieved by using an adaptive data fusion algorithm with the filter gain correction. Proposed adaptive data fusion algorithm utilizes the measurement noise scale factor in order to reduce the effects of the incorrect barometric altimeter measurements on the estimation procedure. By using the algorithm, incorrect baro measurements are corrected by the system without any impact on the good estimation behavior. Performance of the proposed Baro/GPS integrated system is examined by simulations for altitude estimation of an aircraft.