Positioning systems measure the location of one or more
objects. As well, most imaging systems inherently perform a
positioning function. Positioning systems can be applied
in various forms of transport such as general and space
aviation or automobiles, but also in geodetic surveying.
The aim of this monograph is to establish a general method
for the mathematical analysis of positioning systems and to
demonstrate the utility of this characterization. The basic
approach uses information theory, differential geometry,
rate distortion theory and chaos, as well as integrating the
more conventional methods of analysis based on estimation
and detection theory. This approach allows the derivation
of performance limits, estimates of optimal configuration,
reasoning about classes of systems, direct comparison
between positioning and communication systems, and estimates
of the source information rate of moving objects. The book
should be of interest to any researcher seeking to gain a
better understanding of a positioning or imaging system.