Abstract: Geomagnetic navigation utilizes geomagnetic field information for positioning and navigation. However, due to the slow changes in the geomagnetic field and small variations in the total geomagnetic field gradient, the available information is limited and lacks identification accuracy during geomagnetic matching, thereby restricting improvements in positioning accuracy. To enhance the identification accuracy of the geomagnetic field and improve positioning precision, a novel approach employing a combined artificial magnetic source is proposed. A cylindrical permanent magnet composed of rare-earth neodymium iron boron material is chosen as the magnetic source. The spatial distribution of the magnetic field is analyzed through modeling and simulation using COMSOL software to determine an optimal design scheme for the magnetic beacon. Evaluation metrics such as standard deviation, roughness, and information entropy are employed to assess enhancement in characteristics of the geomagnetic map resulting from this magnetic beacon scheme, ultimately leading to a more reasonable design that improves positioning accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that within a specific test area, centimeter-level positioning accuracy can be achieved with this combined magnetic beacon scheme. 

Key words: geomagnetic navigation, NdFeB, COMSOL software, artificial magnetic beacon