Abstract: True North is determined accurately and precisely, so that a bearing can be measured to an object of interest that is visible over a line-of-sight distance. Heading sensors based on measuring the magnetic vector field of the earth are subjected to magnetic and electrical interferences, so-called hard and soft iron effects. Obtaining a true heading not only depends on how well calibration reduces or eliminates these disturbances, but also depends on the accuracy of the world magnetic field model. A precision positioning and pointing system accurately provides geodetic positions and True North, independent of the magnetic earth vector field's sensors and therefore, is not subject to magnetic and electrical interference. This is accomplished without requiring a high precision inertial navigation system using the dead-reckoning method to define True North.

Abstract: True North is determined accurately and precisely, so that a bearing can be measured to an object of interest that is visible over a line-of-sight distance. Heading sensors based on measuring the magnetic vector field of the earth are subjected to magnetic and electrical interferences, so-called hard and soft iron effects. Obtaining a true heading not only depends on how well calibration reduces or eliminates these disturbances, but also depends on the accuracy of the world magnetic field model. A precision positioning and pointing system accurately provides geodetic positions and True North, independent of the magnetic earth vector field's sensors and therefore, is not subject to magnetic and electrical interference. This is accomplished without requiring a high precision inertial navigation system using the dead-reckoning method to define True North.