### Module Deep Dive \#4 - GPS Fusion

Noisy GPS data creates challenges for localization and path planning. That’s why we built the GPS Fusion module – your secret to precise localization and planning.

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Stefan Seltz-Axmacher\
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November 14, 2023

###### _At Polymath Robotics, we make it radically simple to automate off-highway vehicles. We’re releasing a suite of 40 autonomy modules that make it easier than ever to build your autonomous navigation stack. Each module can be used individually or together as a full autonomy solution. This post is a deep dive into our GPS Fusion module._

##### The challenge of raw GPS data

Ever heard the phrase 'garbage in, garbage out'? Well, even top-notch GPS data, like RTK-Corrected GPS, often looks like ‘garbage in.’

Noise persists, even with high-quality GPS systems.

Take a look at this example data recorded from a vehicle navigating in a spiral (the red line is the GPS reading on the vehicle):

Raw GPS data is noisy, which hampers your robot's localization and path planning

Imagine a robot relying on this data for localization and path planning – not an ideal scenario.

**That’s why we built the GPS Fusion module –** your secret to precise localization and planning.

GPS Fusion makes it easy to get cleaner, more accurate location data for your vehicle – all in one simple step.

##### How the GPS Fusion module works

Our GPS Fusion module blends GPS with wheel odometry for a smooth and highly accurate path estimation.

While wheel odometry alone provides a smoother but less accurate path estimation, fusing it with GPS data yields the best of both worlds – less noise, more precision.

The visual below shows the GPS Fusion module in action with a sample dataset:

##### What makes GPS Fusion so powerful?

**Unlock precision:** feed your system accurate location data, not garbage.

**Save valuable engineering time:** say goodbye to manual calibration and adjustments, and let our module do the grunt work for you.

**Navigate with confidence:** relax knowing your autonomous vehicle is acting on an accurate understanding of its own location.

**Easy to incorporate:** like all our modules, GPS Fusion can be installed on its own, or used as part of our full autonomous navigation system.

##### Stop wrangling your noisy GPS data

[Reach out to our sales team](/content/contact/index.html) to see how GPS Fusion can simplify your autonomy journey today.

Written By

##### Stefan Seltz-Axmacher

Stefan is CEO & Co-Founder of Polymath. He formerly co-founded Starsky Robotics, the first company to drive an unmanned truck on a public highway. He's been featured in CBS Good Morning, 60 Minutes, WSJ, and Forbes 30 Under 30.