Navigation Tool Kit (NavTK) is a comprehensive desktop application that predicts how Global Positioning System (GPS)-dependent equipment performs in complex environments—yesterday, today, and in the future.
- Users are given effective representations of the jamming environment and interference effects.
- Information can be read directly from civil and military data sources.
As an analytical tool:
Perform GPS navigation effectiveness analyses with a high level of accuracy and confidence.
Execute analysis based on geometry, comm link coverage, location-based accuracy, satellite status, and user-defined availability of GPS service with the ability to analyze multiple scenarios at specific times and assess the differences.
Optimize trade studies.
As an operational mission planning tool:
NavTK provides precise, up-to-the-minute GPS performance data for operations relying on GPS technology.
User-configurable inputs for electronic warfare information give the warfighter an accurate picture of the area of operation.
Perform trade studies for integrated land, sea, air, and space operations for combinations of GPS operational conditions, hardware configurations, or system architectures.
As a designer’s tool:
Configure custom platforms and integrate assets (GPS and Altimeters).
Accurately model GPS constellation (Block II, IIA, IIR, IIR-M, and IIF) availability, position, and navigation payloads.
Analyze effects of actual and hypothetical satellite errors and outages.
Parallel Computing Capability
Use parallel processing capabilities to distribute analytical calculations—such as 2-D output coverage and advanced parametric, batch, and difference analyses—for faster results.
Jamming Representation
The complete state of a receiver can be viewed down to the channel level, regardless of track status. For each frequency/code combination, channel track statuses are saved for each time and spatial grid point in the database, allowing for enhanced analysis in threatened situations.
Flexible input
Data can be accepted from military PLGRs (Precise Lightweight GPS Receivers) as well as military and civilian GPS monitoring systems. Inputs can be performance assessment files (.PAFs) for historical assessments; satellite outage files (.SOFs) or manual outage definition for constellation health status; and prediction support files (.PSFs) for long-term predictions.
High-fidelity input
Set a variety of parameters: time, time step, region of interest, and the desired almanac; select pre-defined or modify land, sea, air, and space platforms in the model catalog; input digital terrain data; model ionosphere errors; add imagery or high-res maps; and increase fidelity with precise ephemeris files, body masks, waypoint files, area targets, bearing lines, TIREM input, and atmospheric propagation loss.
Industry-standard algorithms
NavTK uses the GPS industry's standard interface controls, as defined by ICD-GPS-200.
Standard analysis
For single-scenario analysis, compute basic coverage (full constellation), advanced coverage (partial constellation), receiver-based accuracy, and availability, and then view results in reports, graphs, or on the 2-D map.
Advanced analysis
For complex, multi-scenario analysis, engineers/operators can use NavTK's advanced analysis tool to perform parametric, batch, and difference analyses—which can be automated and customized with scripts.
Variety of outputs
Users can archive data for future availability considerations; quickly create standard reports and graphs; customize reports and graphs to deepen analysis; view basic and advanced coverage computations on a 2-D map; create 2-D video clips, and export scenarios to STK for additional analysis and visualization.
Ease of use
The workflow in the intuitive NavTK GUI was designed specifically for the SATNAV/NAVWAR communities. It includes a "validation screen" that lets the user know which scenario elements have been properly set-up, and which elements are undefined or incomplete.
