On the observability of linear motion quantities in navigation systems

Navigation systems are a key element in a large variety of mobile platforms, where the correct knowledge of their position and attitude is essential in most applications. This paper focuses on the observability of linear motion quantities (position, linear velocity, linear acceleration, and accelerometer bias). It presents necessary and sufficient conditions, with a clear physical insight, for the observability of these variables in 3-D. The analysis provided is based on kinematic models, which are exact and intrinsic to the motion of a rigid-body, and different cases are presented depending on the assumptions made on the sensor suite that is available on-board.