What is an Inertial Navigation System (INS) GPS Tracker?
The INS GPS Tracker is a powerful navigation device that combines inertial navigation systems (INS) with satellite-based GPS technology to ensure uninterrupted, high-precision positioning.
Even in environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable, such as tunnels or urban canyons, this technology ensures your assets remain visible. By fusing accelerometer and gyroscope data with satellite signals, this dual-system approach ensures accuracy, reliability, and resilience across a wide range of applications.
What is an Inertial Navigation System (INS)?
An Inertial Navigation System (INS) uses motion sensors (accelerometers) and rotation sensors (gyroscopes) to continuously calculate the position, orientation, and velocity (direction and speed) of a moving object without the need for external references once initialized.
INS vs. Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System (EGI)
While a standalone INS drifts over time, an Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System (EGI) integrates GPS and INS data more tightly than traditional systems. It avoids the need for a separate communication bus between the GPS receiver and the INS, reducing vulnerability to jamming or spoofing. This "tight coupling" ensures greater robustness in hostile or signal-denied environments.
Comparison: INS vs. GPS
| Feature | Inertial Navigation System (INS) | Global Positioning System (GPS) |
| Signal Dependence | Fully autonomous, no external signals required | Depends on line-of-sight satellite signals |
| Accuracy | High short-term accuracy; prone to drift over long periods without correction | ~5-10 meters (consumer-grade); consistent long-term accuracy |
| Environment Suitability | Works in tunnels, underground garages, urban canyons | Prone to signal loss in blocked areas or indoors |
| Data Acquisition | From onboard accelerometers and gyros | From satellite signals and ephemeris data |
| Use Case | High-speed motion, interference-prone areas, dead reckoning | General global navigation in open areas |
Key takeaway: INS is ideal for environments where GPS signals are blocked or unreliable, acting as a critical bridge during signal gaps.
How Accurate is INS?
INS alone can achieve high precision for short durations. However, when properly calibrated and fused with GPS data using advanced filtering techniques such as the Kalman filter, it achieves superior performance. The system leverages the strengths of both technologies:
GPS provides absolute position updates to correct the INS drift.
INS provides smooth, continuous position data between GPS updates or when GPS is lost.
Benefits of INS/GPS Integrated Navigation Systems
An INS/GPS integrated navigation system uses the strengths of both subsystems. While GPS offers high long-term accuracy and global coverage, INS provides rapid updates and consistent performance in areas where satellite signals are obstructed.
✅ Improved Anti-Jamming Performance: INS continues to work even when GPS signals are jammed or spoofed.
✅ Enhanced Accuracy: The system automatically corrects position errors using multi-source data fusion.
✅ Seamless Positioning: Ideal for complex environments like tunnels, multi-story parking structures, or dense "urban canyons" with skyscrapers.
Jimi IoT’s Dead Reckoning Solution
In urban logistics and fleet management, signal loss is common due to high-rise buildings, viaducts, and underground tunnels. This is where Jimi IoT’s hybrid tracking solutions truly shine.
Our advanced trackers utilize Inertial Navigation Technology (Dead Reckoning) to deliver high-precision, real-time tracking in all environments. By supporting multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou) and fusing it with inertial data, we ensure faster initial positioning and consistent uptime.
Key Solution Capabilities:
- Adaptive Navigation Algorithms: The device intelligently switches between satellite and inertial modes based on signal quality.
- Reliable Tracking in Tunnels & Garages: When a vehicle enters a tunnel, the INS takes over immediately, calculating distance and direction based on the last known GPS point and vehicle speed.
- Real-Time Speed, Position & Attitude Data: Provides fleet managers with continuous visibility, even in "blind spots."
- Built-In Redundancy: Prevents data gaps that could lead to mileage disputes or security risks.
Why INS is Essential for Modern Fleets
As positioning technologies evolve, inertial navigation systems have become the backbone of professional tracking solutions. Thanks to their independence from external signals and ability to provide continuous data continuity, INS systems are now the core technology for high-value asset tracking, heavy-duty transport, and precision logistics.
If you’re interested in learning more about our INS-enabled GPS trackers, feel free to contact us today for further details.