What is an Inertial Navigation System (INS)?

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. By fusing accelerometer and gyroscope data with satellite signals, this dual-system approach ensures accuracy, reliability, and resilience across a wide range of applications.

INS vs. Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System (EGI)

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 environments.

INS vs. GPS

Feature	INS	GPS
Signal Dependence	Fully autonomous, no external signals	Depends on satellite signals
Accuracy	Centimeter-level with advanced fusion	~10 meters (standard consumer-grade)
Environment Suitability	Works in tunnels, urban canyons, etc.	Prone to signal loss in blocked areas
Data Acquisition	From onboard accelerometers and gyros	From satellite signals and ephemeris
Use Case	High-speed motion, interference-prone	General global navigation

Key takeaway: INS is ideal for environments where GPS signals are blocked or unreliable.

How Accurate is INS?

INS alone can achieve centimeter-level accuracy when properly calibrated and fused with GPS data using advanced filtering techniques such as the Kalman filter. When combined with GPS, the system leverages the strengths of both technologies to deliver highly accurate and reliable positioning.

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.

Benefits of Integration:

• ✅ Improved anti-jamming performance: INS continues to work even when GPS signals are lost.
• ✅ Enhanced accuracy: GPS corrects INS drift over time.
• ✅ Seamless positioning: Ideal for tunnels, parking structures, or urban canyons.

The Kalman filter is typically used to fuse data from both systems, optimizing navigation accuracy and reliability.

INS GPS Tracker in Real-World Applications

In urban environments, signal loss is common due to high-rise buildings, viaducts, and underground tunnels. This is where hybrid GPS/INS trackers truly shine.

JM-VG01U: Advanced INS-GPS Tracker

The JM-VG01U combines inertial navigation with GNSS technologies to deliver high-precision, real-time tracking in all environments. It supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou, ensuring a broader satellite coverage and faster initial positioning.

✅ Adaptive Navigation Algorithms
✅ Reliable Tracking in Tunnels & Garages
✅ Real-Time Speed, Position & Attitude Data
✅ Built-In Redundancy to Prevent Signal Loss

When GNSS signals are weak or unavailable, the JM-VG01U seamlessly switches to inertial navigation mode, ensuring continuous tracking. Using multi-source data fusion and intelligent learning, the device corrects any drift and maintains positioning accuracy.

Why INS is the Future of Navigation

As positioning technologies evolve, inertial navigation systems are becoming the backbone of hybrid tracking solutions. Thanks to their independence from external signals and low operational costs, INS systems are poised to be the core technology in vehicle, asset, and personal tracking.

If you’re interested in learning more about the JM-VG01U INS GPS Tracker, feel free to contact us today for further details.