Positioner Accuracy, Precision, and Resolution

Positioners are a crucial part of an imaging system; the ability to aim the imager effectively and efficiently can be the difference between the finding the target on the first try or missing the target and having to hunt for it - an experience which can lead to mission failure in certain circumstances and is at least very frustrating.

Manufacturers often quote specifications about things such as accuracy, precision, and resolution to describe how well their positioner can aim at a target. Many people (incorrectly) use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same. What do these terms mean and how are they relevant to succeeding in your mission? First, the terms are defined, then we’ll provide an analogy that’s easy to understand, and tie it back to the question about positioning systems.