I've been searching around for a while now but haven't found a solution that fits my project needs. I'm building a big RC vehicle that needs to zip across open fields at around 80 km/h. It has to follow a set path repeatedly without any human control, and there's no GPS or cell service where it'll be operating. Plus, I can't mark the path on the ground because of rough terrain. the range is of few kilometers.
Accuracy isn't a huge deal – up to 5 meters error is fine.
I've thought about setting up my own positioning system using triangulation, but that needs a super accurate clock. Another idea is laying down a metal wire path with sensors, or using IR beacons along the route.
What's the budget for this project?
To do that speed on rough ground will need a $1500 quad bike.
Sensors on board will be subject to extreme vibration therefore conventional missile style electro-mechanical light/heat sensors will not work.
Your sensor array will need to have 360 vision and to get the resolution required will require lots of sensor elements, and therefore will be expensive and complicated.
If you are building a battlefield resupply drone then any kind of fixed beacon will be targeted by the other side.
The budget is few thousands of dollars. If it was a military device, I know they have GPS alternative solutions which are not available for the public...