Gravimetric and magnetometric measurements to create a testing ground for autonomous navigation systems

The most important conditions for testing autonomous navigation systems based on the Earth`s gravitational and magnetic fields are the availability of a testing site characterized by large variations in their parameters and logistical accessibility. The Caucasus Mountain Observatory of the SAI MSU meets these requirements. The authors analyze the results of obtaining the said data in the mentioned area. The measurements were performed using absolute and relative gravimeters, digital zenith camera, and an onboard quantum magnetometer. The work at the Earth`s gravitational field parameters was done at stationary points located along two intersecting directions, while that at the Earth`s magnetic field ones was performed on tacks using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Based on their results, profiles of route variations in the acceleration of gravity, components of deflecting vertical, horizontal components of the gravity acceleration and their spatial derivatives, quasigeoid exceedances, as well as a local test site for the anomalous component of the Earth`s magnetic field induction were obtained. A distinctive feature of the outcome is a large variability of all the parameters over a relatively small area. We suggest that these profiles should be used to create test routes for autonomous navigation systems based on geophysical fields being developed in the Russian Federation