DIFFERENTIAL GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (DGPS)

Objective: To plot a small area using DGPS measurements.

Theory: Differential GPS (DGPS) is a system in which differences between observed and computed co-
ordinates ranges (known as differential corrections) at a particular known point are transmitted to users
(GPS receivers at other points) to upgrade the accuracy of the user’s receivers’ position.

Differential GPS Positioning: Differential positioning user finds the point position derived from the
satellite signals and applies correction to that position. These corrections, difference of the determined
position and the known position are generated by a Reference Receiver, whose position is known and is fed
to the instrument and are used by the second Receiver to correct its internally generated position. This is
known as Differential GPS positioning.
Differential Correction: Differential correction is a technique that greatly increases the accuracy of the
collected DGPS data. It involves using a receiver at a known location - the "base station” and comparing
that data with DGPS positions collected from unknown locations with "roving receivers."
DGPS Segments: The Differential Global Positioning System basically consists of three segments: the
Space Segment, The Control Segment, and the User Segment.

Components of the GPS:

Space Segment:
1. 24 GPS space vehicles (SVs).
2. Satellites orbit the earth in 12 hrs.
3. 6 orbital planes inclined at 55 degrees with the equator.
4. This constellation provides 5 to 8 SVs from any point on the earth.

Control Segment:
1.The control segment comprises of 5 stations.
2.They measure the distances of the overhead satellites every 1.5 seconds and send the corrected data to
Master control.
3.Here the satellite orbit, clock performance and health of the satellite are determined and determines
whether repositioning is required.
4.This information is sent to the three uplink stations

The tasks of Control Segment are as follows:

• To monitor and control the satellite system continuously
• To predict the satellite ephemerides and the behavior of satellite clocks.
• To update periodically the navigation message for each satellite

User Segment:
• It consists of receivers that decode the signals from the satellites.
• The receiver performs following tasks:
Selecting one or more satellites
Acquiring GPS signals
Measuring and tracking
Recovering navigation data
Precision Oscillator
Power Supply
User Interface, Command and Display Panel
Memory data Storage
Functions of Antenna:
- Detection of the electromagnetic waves arriving from the satellites
- Convert the wave energy into Electric Current
- Amplifies the signal strength
- Hands the Signals over to the Receiver Electron

Positional Dilution of Precision (PDOP)

All of this combines to make the signal less accurate, and gives it what we call
a high “PDOP.”

1. A PDOP of <4 is excellent

2. A PDOP of 4-8 is good
3. A PDOP of >8 is poor

Selection of DGPS observation Mode

• Static
• Rapid Static/PPK
• Real Time Kinematic (RTK)

Satellite Distribution

When the satellites are all in the same part of the sky, readings will be less accurate.

Instruments:
1. Antenna and cables
2. Master Controller System
3. Batteries and power cables
4. Tripods, tribraches and adapters
5. Tape measures
6. Radios

Procedure:
1. Configuration of the instrument as Rover and Base.
2. Base should be stationery and Rover should be in moving condition.
3. Reconnaissance for a DGPS Survey.
4. Antenna is set up. Check that tripod is stable. Weights, such as sand bags, must be used to stabilize
legs on hard paving surfaces. Check that antenna/tribrach is level.
5. Keep signal path clear; heads, trucks, etc. Check for reflective objects (e.g. any nearby vehicles).
6. Orient the phase center offset.
7. Measure the antenna height. Make at least two antenna height measurements per session. Verify
the height at the end of station occupation. Measure the antenna height in meters and preferably in feet as
well.
8. Operate the receiver following the instructions of the instructor.
9. Initialize the session according to the requirements of the survey method utilized.
10. Key in all necessary station and session related information.
11. Coordinate the length of the session with other stations.
12. If other stations are not ready, you may start observing early.
13. Check receiver and antenna frequently during observations. Check for power loss, tripod
movement, etc. Record weather data and note any drastic changes during sessions. Monitor data logs and
note unusual occurrences during sessions.
14. At last, all the stored files in the master controller are transferred in the system as Auto CAD file
with the help of USB Cable, so that you can level that drawn points according to your given site.

Reconnaissance for a DGPS Survey:

Reconnaissance is one of the most important parts of a DGPS survey. For the actual collection of DGPS
data, the observing station must have a clear view of the sky when satellites are passing over the job site.
Steps involved in a typical DGPS reconnaissance include:
a. Mark the general area where DGPS control points are to be located on maps.
b. Visit the job site and select the best location for the control point.
c. Using a "Station Visibility Diagram," locate and record all obstructions exceeding 20 degrees above
the horizon, as well as any radio frequency (RF) sources. Ideal tools for this are a compass and an Abney
level.
d. Using the station visibility diagrams and a sky plot of visible satellites at the time the DGPS survey
is to take place, the proper observing session can be planned for each station.

Control Point:
Land surveyors measure horizontal positions in geographic or plane coordinate systems relative to
previously surveyed positions called control points. Control points are those whose position and coordinates
are already known before start of survey. A geodetic control network consists of stable, identifiable points
with published datum values derived from observations that tie the points together. The control point is
used to enable to plot a map based on GPS data. Good site characteristics of a control point for GPS
observation include:
• A clear view of the sky;
• No obstructions above the cut-off angle (say 15°)
• No reflecting surfaces that could cause multi-path
• Safe away from traffic and passers-by.
• Possibility to leave the receiver unattended.
• No powerful transmitters (radio, TV antennas etc.) in the vicinity

Assignment:

Plot the Engineering main building in a drawing sheet. Find the area and perimeter of the plot. Compare it
with manual measurements taken with a tape/chain.

Precautions: 1. Before mounting the Base bumper on the tripod, tripod must be levelled and tripod leg
screws must be tightened properly.
2. Walk slowly while measuring points with rover bumper.
3. Rover bumper must be mounted on the pole tightly.
4. Movement of Rover bumper must be within range of the base station.

Conclusion: Write conclusion in your own words.