A Systematic Review of Machine Learning Techniques for GNSS Use Cases

Abstract

In terms of the availability and accuracy of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), the traditional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) algorithms and models perform well under good signal conditions. In order to improve their robustness and performance in less than optimal signal environments, many researchers have proposed machine learning (ML) based GNSS models (ML models) as early as the 1990s. However, no study has been done in a systematic way to analyze the extent of the research on the utilization of ML models in GNSS and their performance. In this study, we perform a systematic review of studies from 2000 to 2021 in the literature that utilizes machine learning techniques in GNSS use cases. We assess the performance of the machine learning techniques in the existing literature on their application to GNSS. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of machine learning techniques are summarized. In this paper, we have identified 213 selected studies and ten categories of machine learning techniques. The results prove the acceptable performance of machine learning techniques in several GNSS use cases. In most cases, the models using the machine learning techniques in these GNSS use cases outperform the traditional GNSS models. ML models are promising in their utilization in GNSS. However, the application of ML models in the industry is still limited. More effort and incentives are needed to facilitate the utilization of ML models in the PNT context. Therefore, based on the findings of this review, we provide recommendations for researchers and guidelines for practitioners.