Practical measurement of trajectory in open water model tests

Abstract

The common GPS technology – used at sea or in motor vehicle traffic - does not meet the measurement quality requirements of the present day model tests. It is necessary to use special receivers performing very precise real time measurements. Specialised microprocessor controllers allow to substitute a fallible and inaccurate ship model operator by computers. They guarantee practical execution of precisely defined tasks and their full repeatability. Owing to the coordination of the GPS geodesic technology, computing power of the present day miniature processors and radio communications - test automation, unmanned models, quick analysis of results and control from shore have become feasible.