Optimal sensor configuration for positioning seafloor geodetic node

This paper deals with the optimal acoustic sensor configuration for positioning seafloor geodetic node. We use the determinant of Fisher Information Matrix (FIM) to measure the performance of different sensor configuration. This criteria is calculated in both 2D and 3D scenarios on a more practical assumption that range observations have different weights depending on their value, instead of identical weights. Then the uncertainty of initial node position is also taken into consideration for the calculation of determinant of FIM which was often neglected in the optimizing process. We present a kind of optimal configurations based on the maximum of determinant (FIM), which is circular and has different optimal radius at each corresponding scenario. Simulative experiments are carried out to demonstrate the optimal configuration. Practical experiments in South China Sea can further prove the relationship between positioning accuracy, configuration and determinant of FIM.