Applied Satellite Positioning

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of this course is to extend the fundamental knowledge on GNSS offered in the 5th semester by the course “Satellite Surveying” so that the student learn about more advanced methods that are used in geosciences, like multi GNSS, kinematic positioning for supporting geo-data collection on land-sea-air, GNSS networks etc. The course focuses on advanced positioning techniques, precise orbits, new satellite signals. Further, the course extends the offered knowledge from GPS to GLONASS, GALILEO and BEIDOU. Emphasis is given on processing algorithms. Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• have a more complete picture of the uses of satellite positioning for surveying and geodesy
• use all available GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BEIDOU
• understand the characteristics of the different orbits used in GNSS (MEO, GEO, IGSO)
• better understand the techniques for ambiguity resolution like linear combinations (wide lane, narrow lane, geometry free) and the acceptance criteria
• transform between all coordinate reference frames involved in satellite surveying: WGS84, PZ90, GTRF, CGCS2000
• transform between global and local reference frames: WGS84, ITRS, ETRS89, ΗTRS07 and GGRS87
• apply more advanced techniques like kinematic, semi-kimematic and PPK etc.

 

General Competences

• Search for, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of the necessary technology
• Adapting to new situations
• Working independently
• Decision-making
• Team work
• Production of new research ideas
• Criticism and self-criticism
• Project planning and management

 

SYLLABUS

Theoretical part:

1. Applications of static, rapid-static, kinematic, Stop&Go, RTK and PPK
2. very long baselines
3. post-processing of semi-kinematic measurements,
4. post-processing of kinematic measurements,
5. real-time surveys, stake-out.
6. linear combinations: wide lane, narrow lane, geometry free
7. Orbits used in GNSS: MEO, GEO, IGSO
8. Satellite ephemerides: broadcast vs. precise
9. Ambiguity resolution techniques
10. Precise satellite orbits.
11. Establishment/densification of GNSS networks for geodetic applications: design, measurements and data processing.
12. Differences between GPS and other GNSS (GLONASS, GALILEO, BEI-DOU): reference frames, time systems.
13. Modern GNSS signals (L2C, L5, L1C, E5Alt-BOC).
14. Multi-GNSS.
15. Advanced topics in RTK Networks: single-base and network-based techniques for real-time and post-processing applications.
16. Coordinate transformations between satellite-based reference frames (WGS84, ITRS, ETRS89, ΗTRS07) and the Greek Geodetic Reference Frame GGRS87.

 

Practical exercises:

1. conduction and processing of measurements with single- and dual-frequency receivers.
2. Measurements using base-rover as well as using networks of permanent reference stations.
3. RTK stake-out

 

STUDENT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Assessment language: Greek (English for ERASMUS students upon request)
Performance evaluation method:
• Final Written Exam (70% of the final grade) of graded difficulty, which include short-answer questions, open- ended questions and solving simple problems.
• Evaluation of project (30% of the final grade) which may include exercises (processing of GNSS data).

The evaluation criteria have been presented to the students before the final examination. Students can see their evaluation upon request and receive clarifications on their grades.

 

ATTACHED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Greek:

1. Φωτίου Α., Πικριδάς Χ., 2012. GPS και Γεωδαιτικές Εφαρμογές. Εκδόσεις Ζήτη, Θεσσαλονίκη.
2. Τσούλης Δ. , 2012, Δορυφορική Γεωδαισία. Εκδόσεις Ζήτη, Θεσσαλονίκη.
3. Τσούλης Δ. , 2016, Συστήματα Αναφοράς και Χρόνου. Εκδόσεις Ζήτη, Θεσσαλονίκη.
4. Δερμάνης Α., 1999. Διαστημική Γεωδαισία και Γεωδυναμική – GPS. Εκδόσεις Ζήτη, Θεσσαλονί-κη

 

English:
1. Hofmann-Wellenhof B., Lichtenegger H., Wasle E., 2008. GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite Systems – GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and More. Springer-Verlag, Wien/New York.
2. Xu G., 2007, GPS Theory, Algorithms and Applications, Springer-Verlag.
3. Leick A., 2015. GPS Satellite Surveying. 4th edition, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey.