Course 512: Global Positioning System (GPS) Fundamentals

This course introduces the fundamentals of Global Positioning System (GPS) systems. It addresses all aspects of the GPS, emphasizes GPS architecture and applications, examines the GPS signal structure, modulation, access technologies and covers the key types of measurement being utilized in the field today.

Introduction to GPS

• What is GPS?
• What is Navigation?
• GPS Principles and Applications
• Applications for Military, Civilian & Aerospace
• Location Based Services
• How Accurate is GPS?
• The GPS Satellite System
• GPS Applications
• Uses of GPS Technology
• Location
• Navigation
• Tracking
• Mapping
• Timing

GPS fundamentals

• Time-of-Arrival Measurements
• Reference Coordinate Systems
• Satellite Orbits
• Position Determination Using Pseudorandom Noise
• Time and GPS
• GPS Segments
• GPS Satellite Generations
• GPS Constellation
• GPS Signal Structure
• Satellite Signal Acquisition and Tracking
• RF Interference on GPS Satellite Signal Receiver Tracking
• Types of GPS Receivers
• Time Systems
• Pseudorange Measurements
• Carrier-Phase Measurements
• Cycle Slips
• Linear Combinations of GPS Observables
• GPS Errors and Biases
• Datums, Coordinate Systems and Map Projections .
• GPS Positioning Modes
• GPS Data and Correction Services
• GPS Integration

GPS Elements

• Satellites in Space
• Ground Control Stations and Receivers
• GPS System Segments
• GPS Satellite Constellation
• Operational Control Segment (OCS)
• User Receiving Equipment
• Satellite Navigation Systems
• Space Segment
• Control Segment
• User Segment
• GPS Satellite Signals
• GPS Data

GPS System Operation

• Determining Your Position
• Measuring Your Distance
• Error Correction
• Traditional Measures of Accuracy
• Carrier-Phase GPS
• GPS Positioning Services
• Precise Positioning Service (PPS)
• Standard Positioning Service (SPS)

Position and Time from GPS

• orbital models
• Code Phase Tracking (Navigation)
• Pseudo-Range Navigation
• Receiver Position, Velocity, and Time
• Carrier Phase Tracking (Surveying)
• GPS Error Sources
• Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP)

GPS Satellite Signal Characteristics

• GPS Antenna
• GPS Signal Characteristics
• Frequencies and Modulation
• Power Levels
• Cross-Correlation Functions and CDMA Performance
• Interference on Tracking

Differential GPS (DGPS) Techniques

• Differential Code-Phase Navigation
• Differential Carrier-Phase Surveying
• Common-Mode Time Transfer

Trends

• Applications
• Trends for Military, Civilian & Aerospace Applications
• Products and Services
• Vendors
• Future Trends