Page | 4 March 15, 2016
Introduction
This application note contains NovAtel Pseudorange/Delta-Phase (PDP) filter details and general
guidance on how to use it. Revision 4 of this document also introduces GLIDE (relative PDP) to the
PDPFILTER command and the PDPMODE command. In addition, Revision 5B of this document
introduces dual-frequency GLIDE and additional information surrounding its use.
PDP (Normal Mode PDP)
About PDP
The PDP filter provides a filtered position and velocity solution based on assumed vehicle dynamics. The
advantage of this approach is smoother solution output and greater solution availability. The PDP
solution optimizes the absolute positioning accuracy of the GPS code observation and leverages the
excellent relative stability of the GPS carrier phase and Doppler observations. By optimally combining
these satellite signal observations, the solution stability improves over a traditional code-only
positioning algorithm.
PDP differs from a standard instantaneous positioning algorithm, which will only give a solution when
more than 3 satellites are visible. The PDP allows a solution to be generated for short periods when
fewer than 4 satellites are visible using what observations are available and assumptions about vehicle
dynamics. Having more observations available allows better observation error detection so that poor
observations are rejected before making it into the solution.
In conditions where GPS signal tracking is hampered by obstructions such as trees or buildings, the PDP
filter will bridge through brief partial or even complete GPS outages while providing a continuous
position/velocity solution. In conditions where satellites are coming in and out of the solution, the PDP
helps minimize position solution jumps often associated with satellite geometry changes.
The PDP is not intended to provide a solution in all conditions. In conditions where satellite signals are
completely blocked for extended periods, such as in a tunnel or severe urban settings, the PDP will have
the same problems as all satellite based navigation systems and a solution will not be possible.
History
The motivation for the PDP filter approach came from Sportvision, a customer of NovAtel Inc.
Sportvision brought NovAtel a set of racing environment requirements. They wanted to have meter-
level positioning accuracy on NASCAR racecars so they could provide real-time computer graphics that
followed the cars as they went across the television screen. The difficulty in this problem was that
better-than-normal pseudorange positioning was required, but the duration of the satellite constellation
was too short for either fixed ambiguity positioning or accurate floating ambiguity positioning. PDP
satisfied the requirements to the extent that Sportvision uses the technology and the results can be
seen during televised NASCAR races on either FOX or NBC.