On the development of in-flight autonomous integrity monitoring of stored geo-spatial data using forward-looking remote sensing technology

Synthetic Vision Systems have been proposed that integrate traditional information provided by Primary Flight Displays with depictions of terrain and other geo-spatial features. As validation is impractical, the geo-spatial models used by an SVS typically have no inherent integrity. This has been a primary constraint to approved use as other than "advisory-only" in civil aviation. This dissertation describes a general approach to using forward-looking remote sensing technology as part of an in-flight monitor that provides a bounded level of integrity for geo-spatial feature data. After reviewing a taxonomy of sensor technologies and applications relevant to the premise, a specific proof-of-concept implementation using X-band radar is discussed. Terrain shadowing features, as seen by the radar, are compared in a statistical manner against estimated shadow features extracted from a stored terrain model as viewed from the perspective of the airborne observer. A test statistic is defined that enables detection of errors as small as the range resolution of the radar. Experimental results obtained from multiple aircraft platforms hosting certified commercial-off-the-shelf X-band radars test the premise.