Evaluation of map-matching techniques

The authors describe a research and demonstration effort aimed at improving vehicular location accuracy. This effort used a wheel sensor, a gas-rate gyro, a map-matching technique, and beacon information to reduce accumulated errors. The demonstration model showed good location accuracy results in field tests over three courses (one was in an urban area, 10 km in length, while the others were in a suburban area, 30 to 50 km in length). The combined use of a rate gyro and a simple map-matching technique was shown to achieve high-level accuracy in determining current locations. It is concluded that for practical usage, map-matching techniques need more improvement and better evaluation for differing driving conditions. The general concept of a novel simulation system to optimize map-matching techniques with a higher degree of efficiency, one that will not require so many actual driving tests, is described.<>