GPS Modernization - a PDH Online Course for Engineers and Surveyors

GPS Modernization

Course Outline

GPS? Well, we all know the basic outline. It has been going thing for over 25 years now, originally created out of several other positioning systems, about 120 of them, back in 1973. The first launch of developmental satellites was in 1978. Operational satellites, Block II satellites began going up in 1989. Initial Operational Capability was in 1993, Full Operational Capability just two years later in 1995. This course presents some of the information about how we got from there to here.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

Learn about the advantages available from the coming L2C code;
Understand the architecture of the current PRN codes;
Have knowledge of some changes that may lead to improved RTK capabilities;
Be versed in the new L5 signal;
Be able to recognize the differences in capabilities between the Block I and II GPS Satellites;
Be knowledgeable about the Replenishment satellites that are being launched now;
Understand some of the history of GPS;
Be familiar with the new M code; and
Recognize the potential of interoperability with GLONASS and GALILEO systems.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for land surveyors, GIS professionals and engineers.

Benefit to Attendees

Attendee of this course will have the advantage of being able to anticipate and prepare for some of the coming improvements in GPS.

Course Introduction

GPS has always been a dual use system, military and civilian with the signal available with no direct user fees. Applications? GPS is used now in all of transportation, aviation, maritime, railroad, highway and mass transit. Then there's telecommunications, surveying, law enforcement, emergency response, precision agriculture, mining, finance, scientific research, recreation, on and on. It also controls computer networks, air traffic, power grids, and the list is growing. But the system is changing, here is a bit of how and why.

Course Content

The link to the course content is as follows:

GPS Modernization (MS Word file 786 KB)

GPS Modernization (PDF file 419 KB)

You need to open or download the above document to study this course.

Course Summary

The goal of a single receiver that can track all the old and new satellite signals with a significant performance improvement and without a significant cost increase while possible may be elusive. But after all, the main attraction of interoperability between new systems like GALILEO is the greatly increased number of satellites and signals, better satellite availability, better dilution of precision, immediate ambiguity resolution on long baselines with three-frequency data, better accuracy in urban settings, and fewer multipath worries those are some of the things we look forward to. It is beginning to look like at least some of those things are achievable.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.