SVY1110 Introduction to Global Positioning System

Contents

• Staffing
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Other requirements
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

RATIONALE

Throughout the centuries, people have sought a simple way of determining where they are on Earth, and where they are heading. Positioning and navigation have always been one of the most basic problems facing civilisation. Today GPS has provided us with the ability to know where we are and where we are heading. GPS provides this worldwide navigation service by using a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth. It is essential that surveyors, GIS specialists, and other casual users be familiar with the fundamentals of GPS and that they have a sound understanding of its uses, and the accuracy achievable by different GPS observation and reduction techniques.

SYNOPSIS

The use of the Global Positioning System (GPS), for accurately determining positions on earth, has grown exponentially since the late 1980s and early 1990s. Today GPS is firmly entrenched in the general operations of professional surveying and GIS organisations. This course presents fundamental information on structure, characteristics and use of GPS and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Background information is provided and the basic principles of using the GNSS systems are introduced. The course has a bias towards the code observable and the use of GPS for asset mapping, but several sections dealing with higher accuracy measurement techniques make this course relevant to a wide range of students. Consequently, the information will be relevant to those seeking fundamental knowledge in areas of general GPS surveying, agriculture, machine guidance, mapping and general data collection.

OBJECTIVES

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. The assessment item(s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parenthesis. On completion of this course, students should be able to:

1.

discuss the features and applications of GPS and its importance in society today; (Exam)

2.

define coordinates systems likely to be encountered by GPS users and calculate and discuss GPS coordinates; (Assignment 1 and Exam)

3.

describe global satellite navigation systems, satellite orbital characteristics, and satellite signal structure; (Exam)

4.

define the fundamental characteristics of GPS and outline its development; (Exam)

5.

discuss the principles of GPS observations, make observations using a GPS receiver, and calculate and analyse findings; (Assignment 1 and Exam)

6.

explain GPS observations techniques, and calculate and evaluate levels of accuracy associated with GPS observations; (Assignment 1 and Exam)

7.

demonstrate an understanding of error sources in GPS observations, and explain the uses and critical factors of Differential GPS techniques; (Assignment 1 and Exam)

8.

identify and discuss project planning features when using GPS, and discuss the key steps in planning a GPS data collection project for asset mapping; (Assignment 1 and Exam)

9.

explain GPS data collection and processing procedures, including Differential GPS, and evaluate collected and processed data; (Assignment 1 and Exam)

10.

describe the use of GPS for asset mapping, and other common uses; (Assignment 1 and Exam)

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

SVY1110 Introduction to GPS: external study package, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

NOTES

1.

The 2 hour examination is in two parts. Part A requires an Examination Answer Sheet. Part B requires an Answer Booklet. Student Administration will advise students of the dates of their examinations during the semester.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available (or at least a grade of C-) for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without extenuating circumstances then a penalty of 5% of the assigned mark may apply for each working day late up to a maximum of ten working days at which time a mark of zero can be recorded for that assignment.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade in a course a student must obtain at least 50% of the total weighted marks for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6 Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/SECARIAT/Calendar/Part5/ or in the current online Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Students will require access to e-mail and internet access to USQ Connect for this course.

This version produced 19 Nov 2009.