Compensation Method of eLoran Signal's Propagation Delay and Performance Assessment in the Field Experiment

Abstract

The eLoran system is a high-power terrestrial navigation system that is recognized as the most appropriate alternative to complement the GNSS’s vulnerability to radio frequency interference. Accordingly, Korea has conducted eLoran technology development projects since 2016. The eLoran system developed in Korea provides 20 m positioning accuracy to maritime user in Incheon and Pyeongtaek harbor. To accurately calculate the position with the eLoran signal, it is necessary to apply a compensation method that mitigates the propagation delay. In this paper, we develop the compensation method to mitigate the eLoran signal propagation delay and evaluate the positioning performance in Incheon harbor. The propagation delay due to the terrain characteristics is pre-surveyed and stored in the user receiver. Real-time fluctuations in propagation delay compared to the pre-stored data are mitigated by the temporal correction generated at a nearby differential Loran station. Finally, two performance evaluation tests were performed to verify the positioning accuracy of the Korean eLoran system. The first test took place in December 2020 and the second in April 2021. As a result, the Korean eLoran service has been confirmed to provide 20 m location accuracy without GPS.