Optimization of wide-area multilateration ground station deployment based on genetic algorithm

Positioning accuracy affects flight safety. In this study, aiming to address the issue of how ground station deployment affects the accuracy of multilateration, an optimal deployment strategy based on real terrain factors is proposed. This method comprehensively considers practical geographical terrain factors, constructs a geographical terrain grid model, and generates initial candidate sites through this model. Subsequently, the Xdraw algorithm is utilized to assess the coverage of ground stations and conduct preliminary screening of initial sites. Then, the optimal deployment combination is computed by integrating GA. Finally, experiments are conducted to validate site selection in irregularly shaped areas. Random geographical terrain is generated within the site selection area, resulting in a 31.25% reduction in initial candidate points through preliminary screening, obtaining the final deployment approach. Comparative experiments with traditional deployment methods indicate that the RMSE of the deployment combination computed by this method is 4.0159 m smaller than that of the traditional diamond-deployment method with the minimum error. Additionally, its GDOP remains the lowest within 10 km. This method accounts for real terrain conditions and is suitable for irregular station deployment areas. By using the Xdraw algorithm for preliminary filtering, it accelerates the solution process, effectively optimizing deployment results and improving positioning accuracy. This approach holds practical significance for multilateration ground station deployment considering real terrain factors.