The increased use of inertial navigation systems (INS), particularly in support of offshore survey, installation and inspection tasks, has emphasized the need for a general introduction and outline of the use of inertial navigation technology used offshore. 

 The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published ‘An Introduction to Inertial Navigation Systems’ (IMCA S 022) produced for the association by Gordon Johnson under the direction of the IMCA Offshore Survey Division Management Committee. 

 
Jane Bugler, IMCA’s Technical Director explained, “This new document provides a broad overview of INS technology currently in use in surface and subsurface positioning solutions, giving a general overview of the technologies, the applications and a number of important considerations in their use. This is very much a developing area and, as ever, proper planning, preparation and risk assessment is critical to ensuring the successful use of these systems.  

 

“IMCA S 022 does not attempt to provide the reader with an in-depth understanding of the algorithms behind inertial navigation systems, but covers the main components of such solutions and some of their strengths and weaknesses.”

 

Sections in the 34-page publication look at INS technology. Application of INS technology for positioning; INS aiding techniques; current limitations of INS solutions; future developments; and there is a glossary and definitions section as well as appendix containing details on inertial measurement units (IMU) types, export licensing, and references and further reading.