Processing GPS Data in CAD Environment for the Study of Vehicles’ Dynamics

Abstract

The GPS technology is more and more widespread between common users, mainly for navigation applications. To date, the improved performances of the GPS devices permit using them as reliable tools in the research activities. The price and easiness of use make this type of devices extremely interesting to experimentally study the dynamics of any vehicle type. This paper shows some possibilities to process GPS data in order to obtain useful information about the vehicle dynamic behaviour. Also, there are presented and compared the data obtained from various GPS devices. The authors realised a computer program that run in AutoCAD environment, taking benefits from its graphical and list processing features. The data can be imported from different GPS devices using standard or proprietary file formats. Based on position and time information, the speed, acceleration or slope can be ascertained and the moving resistance forces or the power delivered by the engine can be estimated. These results were plotted in different ways, for easy interpretation.