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Tech Chat | What is #Heading Data?
2023-10-17
Kim

For surveying or GIS, positioning data can meet the demands. But for some navigation applications such as auto-steering systems for agricultural operations or guiding UAVs, it is crucial to get the orientation information. We primarily describe this orientation using three parameters: pitch, heading, and roll. Roll refers to rotation around the X axis, pitch is rotation around the Y axis, and heading denotes rotation around the Z axis (as illustrated in the accompanying image).

In this blog, we will introduce the #heading data and how it plays a pivotal role in our modern world.


NMEA Log and Standard Heading Format

In the context of NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) logs, there's a specific log entry for heading, aptly named the HEADING log. The standard format for geolocation information represented by $HEADINGA is as follows:

#HEADINGA,COM1,0,60.0,FINESTEERING,2281,384415.000,00000000,0000,1114;SOL_COMPUTED,NARROW_INT,13.425773621,67.686813354,-78.931716919,0.000000000,0.212850377,0.413018167,"0004",16,15,16,16,0,0,4,107*157ecb94

Breaking down the fields:

Meaning of Each Field

Field 1

Solution status

SOL_COMPUTED

Solution computed

INSUFFICIENT_OBS

Insufficient observations

COLD_START

Not yet converged from cold start

Field 2

Position type

NONE

No solution

FIXEDPOS

Position fixed by the FIX POSITION command

SINGLE

Single point position

PSRDIFF

Pseudorange differential solution

NARROW_FLOAT

Floating narrow-lane ambiguity solution

WIDE_INT

Integer wide-lane ambiguity solution

NARROE_INT

Integer narrow-lane ambiguity solution

SUPER WIDE_LINE

Super wide-lane solution

Field 3

Baseline length (0 to 3000m)

Field 4

Heading in degrees (0 to 360.0 degrees)

Field 5

Pitch (-90 to 90 degrees)

Field 6

Reserved

Field 7

Heading standard deviation in degrees

Field 8

Pitch standard deviation in degrees

Field 9

Station ID string 

Field 10

Number of observations tracked

Field 11

Number of satellites in solution

Field 12

Number of satellites above the elevation mask

Field 13

Number of satellites above the mask angle with L2

Field 14

Reserved

Field 15

Extended solution status (default: 0)

Field 16

Reserved

Field 17

Signals used mask


The Importance of Heading

Heading is a fundamental metric utilized in various domains such as aircraft navigation, marine navigation, and drilling operations. One effective method to determine heading involves employing a dual antenna receiver. By comparing the positions of two antennas, this receiver calculates the angle from True North of one antenna to another antenna vector in a clockwise direction—this calculated angle is the heading. Notably, the accuracy of the course can be significantly enhanced by increasing the distance between the two antennas. The longer the antenna distance, the higher the heading accuracy achieved.


The SV100 DUAL: Providing Reliable Heading Information

Our SV100 DUAL system offers a seamless solution for obtaining accurate heading information. Simply connect the two antennas to the SV100 receiver and access the heading information through the intuitive WebUI. During the initial stages, the heading angle might exhibit slight fluctuations. However, as time progresses and the system stabilizes, the heading angle converges to a consistent and reliable value.


Understanding and utilizing heading information is pivotal in enhancing navigation precision across diverse applications, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient operations.

Learn more about SV100 dual:
https://www.singularxyz.com/SV100_Dual.html

Learn more about SingularXYZ solutions:
https://www.singularxyz.com/product


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