What is a Positioning Engine?

A Positioning Engine is a core software component that processes raw data from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, correction services, and additional sensors (such as IMUs) to deliver precise, real-time position, velocity, and time (PVT) outputs.

In advanced automotive and autonomous applications, the Positioning Engine is responsible for integrating GNSS measurements with correction data, such as those from Swift’s Skylark service, and sensor fusion algorithms to achieve lane-level accuracy and high integrity. The Positioning Engine is designed to be receiver-agnostic, supporting multiple GNSS constellations and frequencies, and can be integrated with a variety of vehicle platforms.

It outputs not only position and velocity but also confidence metrics such as protection levels and covariance matrices, which are critical for safety-related functions. The Positioning Engine is developed to meet stringent automotive safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262 ASIL-B), ensuring that its outputs are reliable for use in safety-critical systems like autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Check out Swift Navigation’s ASIL certified positioning engine, Starling, which is a component of the Swift Automotive Suite.