Optimisation of the Position of Navigational Aids for the Purposes of SLAM technology for Accuracy of Vessel Positioning

The geometric distribution of navigational aids is one of the most important elements to be taken into account in the planning of maritime terrestrial navigation systems. It determines to a large extent the capability of vessels to obtain high-precision position coordinates. Therefore, the optimisation of their location is a key element at the planning stage, in particular on port approach fairways. This article attempts to use computer simulation methods to assess the positioning accuracy of a vessel that follows a constant course and speed on a port approach fairway. The analysis uses a technique based on the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) Two-Dimensional (2D) Range-Bearing Simultaneous Location and Mapping (SLAM) method. In the simulation experiment conducted, the research object determined its position based on bearing and distance to fixed position beacons, which changed their locations in subsequent passages of the vessel. A geometrically optimal configuration of the terrestrial navigation marking system guaranteeing the highest positioning accuracy was identified as a result of the deliberations. The study analysed more than 20,000 cases of different configurations (locations) of the fixed position beacons, demonstrating that the adopted algorithm can be used successfully in the planning of their deployment in the context of ensuring minimum accuracy requirements for the positioning of navigational signs on port approach fairways and under restricted conditions by navigational marking services, as set out in International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolutions A915 (21) and A953(22).