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Global Positioning System

This document discusses the Global Positioning System (GPS). It provides an overview of GPS including that it is a satellite-based system maintained by the US Department of Defense with 24 satellites in high orbit. It notes that while GPS provides precise geographic positioning, users can get into trouble if they do not understand how it works. The document outlines characteristics of GPS such as being free, precise, reliable, and usable anywhere. It describes the different segments that make up GPS including the space, monitoring, and user segments. It then explains how GPS works by using distance measurements from multiple satellites to determine a user's position and discusses factors that influence GPS accuracy.

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Brijendra Pratap Singh
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
56 views

Global Positioning System

This document discusses the Global Positioning System (GPS). It provides an overview of GPS including that it is a satellite-based system maintained by the US Department of Defense with 24 satellites in high orbit. It notes that while GPS provides precise geographic positioning, users can get into trouble if they do not understand how it works. The document outlines characteristics of GPS such as being free, precise, reliable, and usable anywhere. It describes the different segments that make up GPS including the space, monitoring, and user segments. It then explains how GPS works by using distance measurements from multiple satellites to determine a user's position and discusses factors that influence GPS accuracy.

Uploaded by

Brijendra Pratap Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Global Positioning System

An easy to use
technology for everyone
Batch: 30th and 31st
Date: 16 December 2016
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
Almost!
Reliable
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
+
Satellite B
Next, let us take another measurement
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 B
Satellite C These points are located where
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
+
Satellite B
Satellite points that gives a ridiculous
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
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)
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
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 Farmland

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