GPS and its Applications

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Solve problems.
• Study and learn independently.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Have an appreciation of the issues concerned with GPS performance and error effects.
• Understand and identify the key components and signals of GPS systems and how they interact with one another.
• Understand the key factors determining the design of GPS systems used in aerospace applications.
• Apply the GPS mathematical models and set up and solve problems involving GPS observables.
• Describe different methods of detecting and dealing with the failure of components and (sub) systems.
• Have an appreciation of the properties of a range of different feasible GPS architectures.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• How component parts, subsystems and systems are integrated into complete systems and the communications and interrelationships between the various system elements. Additionally, critical constraints on these systems, how the aerospace systems operates in relation to them and the requirement of future generation systems will also be addressed.
• GPS systems and techniques in use at present so that students can gain a clear understanding of the principles involved, the methods of implementation and how the systems relate to the operation of GPS systems. Future requirements will be discussed to indicate the development required of current and future GPS systems.

Fundamentals (6 lectures)

Coordinate and time systems

Satellite orbital motions

GPS observables

Estimation procedures

Propagation medium

Mathematical model of GPS observables

System (6 lectures)

Space segment

Ground segment

User segment

Navigation Equations(6 lectures)

The mathematical problem

Geometric interpretation

Solution methodologies

GPS performance and error effects (10 lectures)

GPS error analysis

Ionospheric effects on GPS Tropospheric effects on GPS

Multipath effects

Foliage attenuation for land mobile users

Ephemeris and clock navigation message accuracy

Selective availability

Introduction to relativistic effects on the global positioning system

Interference effects and mitigation techniques differential GPS

GPS navigation applications (6 lectures)

Land vehicle navigation and tracking

Marine applications

Applications of the GPS to air traffic control

GPS applications in general aviation

Aircraft automatic approach and landing using GPS

Precision landing of aircraft using integrity beacons Spacecraft attitude control using

GPS carrier phase

GPS for precise time and time interval measurement

Surveying with the global positioning system

Geodesy

Orbit determination

Revision lectures (2 lectures)

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

36 lectures, including slide and video presentations, and example classes

Industry speakers (?)

Learning activities include:

Directed reading

Individual work to understand and master the course content, with the objective of successfully solving problems

Assessment strategy

In-class quiz will be provided to students as a formative feedback.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External