Global Positioning System

An easy to use
technology for everyone

By Dr. Badruddin, CCC

What is GPS ?
A very precise positioning system
Developed and maintained by the
US Department of Defense (DOD)
Satellite Based
* 24 satellites
* 20,200 km high orbit
BUT!
Although it is a very precise
geographic positioning system
It is very easy to get youself into trouble
Why?
Because you (probably) dont understand
how it works
And that leads to garbage
Characteristics of GPS
Free
Precise
Reliable Almost!
All weather
Anytime & anywhere
Unlimited user capacity
Segments of GPS
1. Space Segment
A constellation of 24 satellites

2. Monitor Station
A network of earth-based facilities

3. Users & Equipment

Source:Trimble
Segments of GPS
1. Space Segment
A constellation
of 24 satellites

Source:Trimble
GPS Monitoring Station
How GPS Works

Uses measurements from 4+ satellites

Distance = travel time x speed of light

Source:Trimble
Determining GPS Position
Suppose the distance from
Satellite A to our position is
+
Satellite A 11,000 miles
At this point we could be located
anywhere on the specified sphere

+ Next, let us take another measurement

Satellite B from a second satellite, Satellite B
Now our position is narrowed down to the
intersection of theses two sphere
Determining GPS Position

Taking another measurement

+
Satellite A from a 3rd satellite narrows our
position down even further, to
the two points
+
Satellite C These points are located where
+
Satellite B the 3rd sphere cuts through the
the intersection of first two spheres
So by ranging from 3 satellites we can
narrow our position to just two points in space
How do we decide which one is our
true location?
We could make a 4th measurement
from another satellite to determine
+
Satellite A
the true point
OR
We can eliminate one of the two
+ C points that gives a ridiculous
+
Satellite B
Satellite
answer
The ridiculous point may be too
far from the earth
However, GPS receivers use a 4th satellite to precisely
locate our position
Determining GPS Position
How accurate is GPS?
Depends on some variables

Time spent on measurement

Design of receiver
Postprocessing
Relative positions of satellites,
technically known as PDOP (Position
dilution of precision)
GPS Receivers
GeoXT Versus Garmin
Mostly used
for GIS data
collection

Mostly used for

recreational
purposes
Methods of data collection
Three methods of positioning
Autonomous
10-20 meters
Differential
2-5 meters
Phase Differential 10-20 m 2-5m cm
centimeter
How accurate is GPS?
Depends on some variables

Time spent on measurement

Design of receiver
Postprocessing
Relative positions of satellites,
often known as DOP (Dilution of
Precision)
 WAAS
Wide Area Augmentation System.
It provides FREE GPS differential correction data for
visible satellites
Developed & operated by the FAA (Federal Aviation
Administration) for flight navigation but its available
free to GPS users
WAAS-enabled receivers can provide sub-meter level
accuracy anywhere in most locations of the US and
southern Canada.
 WAAS
Differential corrections are computed from
ground stations and then uploaded to
geostationary satellites for broadcasting
WAAS-enabled GPS receiver automatically
uses such correction data to enhance the
positional accuracy
Sources of error
Multipath

PDOP

SNR

Source:Trimble
Multipath
When GPS signals arrive at the receiver
having traveled different paths
What is a PDOP?
Position Dilution of Precision

Good PDOP Poor PDOP

SNR (signal-to-noise ratio)
SNR determines the signal strength
relative to noise
GPS position is degraded if the SNR of
one or more satellites in the
constellation falls below certain range

Signal Strength
Indicators
Using Garmin12

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Common use of GPS
A. GIS data collection & mapping
B. Navigation
C. Recreation
GPS for Navigation
GPS for Navigation

GPS in PDA
Are getting popular
in car
Comes with voice
guidance
GPS in recreation
GPS in Farmland
Future GPS
A. GPS in USA
B. GLONASS program from Russia
C. GALILEO from European countries