Research on accuracy and stability in altitude vertical positioning based on barometers: testing and validation

In complex indoor environments or obstructed scenarios, GNSS signals are often weak or unavailable. Barometers can serve as effective tools for vertical positioning, aiding in the identification of locations across multiple floors. This paper proposes a testing method for vertical positioning based on uncompensated barometric pressure technology. By simulating barometric environments at different altitudes, the method collects real-time output data from the barometric pressure sensors of navigation and positioning terminals and uses advanced algorithms to assess the accuracy and stability of vertical positioning. The results show that evaluating altitude through changes in atmospheric pressure is an economical and effective method for vertical positioning. The positioning error is less than 3 meters within the commonly used altitude range, the difference between the 90th percentile and the 10th percentile of the cumulative density function (CDF) of the error is less than 1.25 meters, it has important potential for enhancing indoor positioning system.