Duhok Polytechnic

University

Akre Technical Institute

Surveying Dept.

Global Position System (GPS)

Salman M. Salih
M.Sc Civil Engineering

Lecture 02
GPS segments
2022
 Lecture Two GPS
1. Details of GPS segments
The GPS configuration consist of three segments, which are the
operational elements of the GPS:

1.  Space Segment.
2. Control Segment.
3. User Segment.
 Lecture Two GPS
1. Space segment:
The GPS Space Segment is formed by a satellite group with enough
satellites to ensure that the users will have, at least, four satellites in
view from any point at the Earth surface at any time.

The main functions of the Space Segment

are to :

1. transmit radio-navigation signals.

2. store and retransmit the navigation

message sent by the Control Segment.
 Lecture Two GPS

• Total 24 satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of about

20,200 km above the surface of Earth.
• the satellites' motion through space is not affected by
atmospheric drag.
• Each satellite takes 12 hours in completing one full orbit
and repeat the same ground track each day.
• The satellites are arranged in 6 orbits with 4 satellites in
each orbit.
 Lecture Two GPS

2. Control segment:
Is consists of a global network of ground facilities that follow the
GPS satellites, monitor their transmissions, perform analyses,
and send commands and data to the satellites.

There are 15 monitoring stations located throughout the

world, including six from the Air Force and
9 nine from the National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency (NGA).
 Lecture Two GPS
Control Segment Elements:
 Lecture Two GPS
Control Segment Elements:

1. Master Control Station (MCS): performs the primary control segment functions,
providing command and control of the GPS constellation.

The function of MCS is to

1. upload navigation messages and

2. ensures the health and accuracy of the satellite constellation.
3. It receives navigation information from the monitor stations, utilizes this information
to compute the precise locations of the GPS satellites in space, and then uploads this
data to the satellites.
It has 2 main master control in the world.

2. Monitor stations: track the GPS satellites as they pass overhead and channel
their observations back to the master control station.
3. Ground antennas : are used to communicate with the GPS satellites for command
and control purposes.
Lecture Two GPS
Control Segment Elements:
 Lecture Two GPS
User segment :
The user segment includes the equipment of the military personnel and
civilians who receive GPS signals.
the civilian using of GPS include :
1. Surveyors use GPS to save time over standard survey methods.
2. GPS is used by aircraft and ships for en-route navigation and for airport or
harbor approaches.
3. GPS tracking systems are used to route and monitor delivery vans and
emergency vehicles.
4. In a method called precision farming, GPS is used to accurately guide farm
machinery engaged in plowing, planting, fertilizing, and harvesting.
5. GPS is available as an in-car navigation aid and is used by hikers and hunters.