Odometry: what it means.
For a differential-drive example, left and right wheel encoder counts are combined with vehicle parameters to estimate position and orientation. MathWorks documents wheel radius, encoder ticks and track width as inputs to that model. (MathWorks: wheel odometry)
The estimate is not an independent measurement of global location. Its interpretation depends on the coordinate system and initial pose as well as the motion measurements and model. (MathWorks: wheel odometry)
Put the definition to work.
For a two-wheel differential-drive example, left and right encoder counts contribute to estimates of position and heading. An estimate is not an independent measurement of absolute location. (MathWorks: wheel odometry)
Questions to ask next.
Use these questions as a reading checklist, not as a device-selection recommendation. Exact manufacturer documentation takes priority over a general definition.
- Encoder scaling and vehicle geometry
- Initial pose and coordinate frame
- Sample timing and model assumptions
For the broader explanation, explore the electronics inside robots. This page defines the term; the companion guide connects it to the rest of the system.
Common Odometry questions.
Can left and right encoder counts be used without vehicle parameters?
Counts alone do not describe a distance or full motion model. The conversion needs the relevant encoder and vehicle parameters, such as ticks per revolution and wheel geometry. (MathWorks: wheel odometry)