Multilateration
INVOLI Multilateration (or MLAT) is server-based software that unleashes the true power behind any INVOLI receiver.
When fed with data from INVOLI receivers, it calculates and validates the position of air traffic emitting signals over the 1090 MHz frequency. The Multilateration algorithm calculates the position of the aircraft by comparing the times of arrival of the same message to different receivers.
Multilateration proves itself particularly useful in calculating the position of the aircraft emitting exclusively Mode S and Mode A/C transponder messages (which do not contain information on the position).
Please watch a short video about the Multilateration prepared by INVOLI:
It is important to understand that Multilateration results are strongly dependent on multiple parameters, such as:
- The number of INVOLI receivers that receive the same message (notice that the less powerful transponder will transmit its signal at a maximum of 10-20 km of distance, while the most powerful one can be received up to 400 km of distance. This has to be kept in account when choosing the number of G-1090 receivers and their location)
- The position of the aircraft relative to the G-1090 (the more the aircraft is located in the center of the G-1090 cluster, the more accurate the result)
- The configuration of the network of G-1090. The G-1090 receivers should be arranged to create a “polygon”, and the area inside the polygon will be where the Multilateration converges the best. A layout along a line will not give good results in terms.
The picture below shows the real Multilateration track, where it is possible to observe the changes in the calculated position accuracy, as the object moves forward in the area, where multilateration coverage is changing from acceptable to worse and back to good.
On request, INVOLI provides the Multilateration coverage simulation of the area you are interested in covering and helps you decide which locations to pick. Simply fill out this form to obtain personalized advice.
