23/11/1429

The Global Positioning System

(GPS)

Abdallah M. Samy
Entomology Department
Faculty of science
Ain Shams University

What is GPS?

Global Navigation Satellite System developed by US Department of
defense.

uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 Medium Earth Orbit satellites
that transmit precise microwave signals, that enable GPS receivers to
determine their current location, the time, and their velocity.

Satellite Microwave signal GPS receiver

Location
Time
Velocity
Sometimes;
Environmental
conditions

Why GPS is a useful tool in the

study of Ecology?

GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation
worldwide.

useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce,
scientific uses, and hobbies such as geocaching.

the precise time reference is used in many applications
including scientific study of earthquakes, and
synchronization of telecommunications networks.

Traffic signal timing

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How a GPS receiver calculates its

position?

A GPS receiver calculates its position by carefully timing the signals sent by
the GPS satellites high above the Earth.

Each satellite continually transmits messages containing the time the

message was sent, precise orbital information (the ephemeris), and the general
system health and rough orbits of all GPS satellites (the almanac).

The receiver measures the transit time of each message and computes the
distance to each satellite.

Geometric trilateration is used to combine these distances with the location

of the satellites to determine the receiver's location.

The position is displayed, perhaps with a moving map display or latitude and
longitude; elevation information may be included. Many GPS units also show
derived information such as direction and speed, calculated from position
changes.

What is the difference between

the two pictures (A versus B)?

How many satellite is required for

positioning GPS receiver? Why?

Three satellites are enough to solve for position,
since space has three dimensions.

But a very small clock error times the very large
speed of light the speed at which satellite signals
propagate; results in a large positional error.

The receiver uses a fourth satellite to solve for x,
y, z, and t which is used to correct the receiver's
clock.

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A visual example of the GPS constellation in motion

with the Earth rotating. Notice how the number of
satellites in view from a given point on the Earth's
surface, in this example at 45°N, changes with time.

Sometimes GPS reading may have

an error…. Why?

Ionosphere and troposphere delays — The satellite signal slows
as it passes through the atmosphere. The GPS system uses a built-
in model that calculates an average amount of delay to partially
correct for this type of error.

Signal multipath — This occurs when the GPS signal is reflected

off objects such as tall buildings or large rock surfaces before it
reaches the receiver. This increases the travel time of the signal,
thereby causing errors.

Sometimes GPS reading may

have an error…. Why? (Cont.)

Receiver clock errors — A receiver's built-in clock is not as
accurate as the atomic clocks onboard the GPS satellites.
Therefore, it may have very slight timing errors.

Orbital errors — Also known as ephemeris errors, these are
inaccuracies of the satellite's reported location.

Number of satellites visible — The more satellites a GPS
receiver can "see," the better the accuracy. Buildings, terrain,
electronic interference, or sometimes even dense foliage can
block signal reception, causing position errors or possibly no
position reading at all. GPS units typically will not work indoors,
underwater or underground.

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Sometimes GPS reading may

have an error…. Why? (Cont.)

Satellite geometry/shading — This refers to the relative
position of the satellites at any given time. Ideal satellite
geometry exists when the satellites are located at wide angles
relative to each other. Poor geometry results when the
satellites are located in a line or in a tight grouping.

Intentional degradation of the satellite signal — Selective
Availability (SA) is an intentional degradation of the signal once
imposed by the U.S. Department of Defense. SA was intended
to prevent military adversaries from using the highly accurate
GPS signals. The government turned off SA in May 2000, which
significantly improved the accuracy of civilian GPS receivers.

Practical instruction
Determine your classroom location using
your GPS and return us to discuss.

N=……°………´………˝…..
E=…….°………´……… ˝ …