Multilateración

Multilateración is a technique used to determine the position of an object by measuring the time of arrival of signals from multiple known sources. This method is also known as hyperbolic positioning or range differencing. The core principle is that the difference in the time it takes for a signal to travel from the object to two different receivers is constant for all points along a specific curve. By using at least three receivers, these curves, which are hyperboloids of revolution, intersect at a unique point, thus locating the object.

The accuracy of multilateración depends on several factors, including the precision of the time measurements, the synchronization of the receivers, and the geometry of the receiver placement. Errors in synchronization can lead to significant positional inaccuracies. Common applications of multilateración include navigation systems, such as those used in aviation and maritime transport, as well as tracking systems for vehicles and even individuals. It is also employed in surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Unlike trilateración, which relies on measuring distances, multilateración focuses on the differences in distances, making it less susceptible to clock drift errors in the mobile object itself, provided the receivers are well-synchronized.