Terrain Relative Navigation

Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) is a navigation technology that helps a vehicle, such as a drone or spacecraft, determine its position by comparing real-time sensor data of the landscape with pre-existing maps. Instead of relying solely on GPS, which can be unreliable or blocked, TRN uses onboard cameras or radar to recognize terrain features—like mountains, valleys, or rivers—and matches them to known maps. This allows for precise positioning even in challenging environments, such as deep canyons or underground areas, enhancing safety and accuracy during autonomous operations.