GPS System Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum number of satellites a GPS device needs to read signals from to calculate location?

  • Four satellites (correct)
  • Three satellites
  • Two satellites
  • Five satellites

What does each satellite transmit to assist the GPS device?

  • Geographical information and elevation
  • Unique signal, orbital parameters, and time (correct)
  • Weather data and orbital speed
  • Historical data and satellite altitude

When a GPS device reads the signal from a single satellite, what is the limitation in terms of location determination?

  • It calculates speed accurately.
  • It gives exact coordinates.
  • It determines altitude easily.
  • It only provides distance information. (correct)

What shape do the signals from multiple satellites form to help determine a GPS device's location?

<p>Spheres (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using time data from satellites in GPS calculations?

<p>To determine velocity and ETA (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many satellites are included in the GPS system?

<p>24 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the altitude at which the GPS satellites orbit the Earth?

<p>20200 km (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the highly precise atomic clocks on GPS satellites serve?

<p>Generating broadcast signals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of satellites that must be visible at any point on the Earth's surface?

<p>Four (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Master Control facility for the GPS system located?

<p>Schriever AFB, Colorado (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the inclination of the orbital planes of the GPS satellites relative to the equatorial plane?

<p>55 degrees (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ground control segment in the GPS system?

<p>Monitoring satellite health and transmissions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the four additional monitoring stations measure?

<p>Signals from the SVs for orbital models (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the original purpose of GPS technology?

<p>Military purposes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many satellites are typically involved in producing a location on Earth's surface using GPS?

<p>3 satellites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What signal type does GPS use for military applications?

<p>Precise Positioning Services (PPS) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a GNSS system mentioned alongside GPS?

<p>Navstar (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what altitude do GPS satellites typically orbit the Earth?

<p>13,000 miles (20,000 km) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component is essential for validating the information received from GPS satellites?

<p>The fourth satellite (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three segments of GPS that work together to provide location information?

<p>Space, Control, User (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of GPS satellites?

<p>To transmit signals for user location and time (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the master control station in the GPS system?

<p>To upload ephemeris and clock corrections to satellites (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the GPS receivers?

<p>To interpret satellite signals and determine position (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many satellites are needed to determine location and time accurately?

<p>Four (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes trilateration?

<p>A technique used to determine distance from known points (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'base station' in Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning?

<p>To transmit correction signals to the rover (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What positioning error is associated with standard GPS accuracy?

<p>3 to 10 meters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement distinguishes trilateration from triangulation?

<p>Trilateration measures distances, while triangulation measures angles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must happen for a rover to achieve sub-centimeter accuracy in positioning?

<p>It must receive signals from a static base station. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the pseudo random code transmitted by each satellite?

<p>To synchronize the receiver's clock with the satellites' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are atomic clocks important for GPS satellites?

<p>They provide extremely precise and consistent timekeeping. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a GPS receiver achieve synchronization with satellite clocks?

<p>By continuously receiving time signals from satellites (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What enables a GPS receiver to adjust its clock to sync with satellites using measurements?

<p>Measurements from multiple satellites (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a GPS receiver handle clock error across different satellite ranges?

<p>It assumes equal clock error in all satellite ranges. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the signal travel time on GPS calculations?

<p>It is used to accurately measure distances to satellites. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a GPS receiver receives time signals with a discrepancy?

<p>It will adjust its clock until a unique solution is reached. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the GPS system enhance a cheap receiver's clock to behave like an atomic clock?

<p>By utilizing signals from a fourth satellite (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a fourth satellite in GPS positioning?

<p>To synchronize the GPS receiver's clock with the atomic clock. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is distance to the satellite calculated in GPS systems?

<p>By timing the radio signal and applying the formula Distance = Velocity x Time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method does GPS use to determine the receiver's location?

<p>Trilateration using intersecting spheres or circles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the clock on the GPS receiver?

<p>It must be synchronized with the atomic clock of at least one satellite. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the travel time of a radio signal from a satellite is 0.06 seconds, what is the distance to the satellite?

<p>18,600 miles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What helps refine the position estimate in GPS positioning?

<p>Multiple measurements from several satellites. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of the fourth satellite in GPS?

<p>To measure the distance to the nearest ground station. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the speed of light used in calculating distance in GPS systems?

<p>Both B and C are correct. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is GPS?

A global satellite-based navigation system that uses satellite signals to determine location, velocity, and time.

What does Navstar stand for?

The original name for the GPS system, standing for NAVigation Satellite Timing And Ranging system.

What is the Space Segment of GPS?

A group of 24 satellites orbiting Earth at a high altitude, transmitting signals to GPS receivers.

What are Precise Positioning Services (PPS)?

Accurate positioning information used for military purposes by GPS.

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What are Standard Positioning Services (SPS)?

Positioning information available for civilian use by GPS.

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How does GPS work?

The process of using satellite signals to calculate a location on Earth's surface.

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How many satellites are needed for GPS positioning?

The minimum number of satellites needed to determine a location on Earth's surface.

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What does the fourth satellite do in GPS?

The fourth satellite used in GPS to verify location data and calculate altitude.

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What is the space segment of the GPS system?

The space segment of the GPS system consists of 24 satellites orbiting Earth at approximately 20,200 km altitude, completing an orbit every 12 hours. These satellites are also known as space vehicles (SVs) and transmit radio signals called pseudo ranges to receivers on Earth.

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How are the GPS satellites arranged in orbit?

The GPS satellites are arranged in six orbital planes, with four satellites in each plane. They are equally spaced, 60 degrees apart, allowing for a clear line of sight between neighboring satellites in the same plane. The orbital planes are inclined at approximately 55 degrees to the equator, which enhances coverage in higher latitudes.

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What is the role of atomic clocks on GPS satellites?

Each GPS satellite carries a highly accurate atomic clock, operating at a fundamental frequency of 10.23 MHz. These clocks are crucial for generating and transmitting signals.

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What makes up the ground segment of the GPS system?

The ground segment of the GPS system comprises monitoring stations, master control stations, and ground antennas. These stations track and monitor the satellites, ensuring their proper operation and transmission.

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Where are the master control facilities for the GPS system located?

The master control facility for the GPS system is located at Schriever AFB in Colorado Springs, USA, with an alternative facility at Vandenberg AFB in California. These facilities oversee the entire system and manage satellite operations.

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What is the role of monitoring stations in the GPS system?

Monitoring stations located around the world track the GPS satellites and measure their signals. These measurements are used to refine orbital models and ensure the accuracy of the system.

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How do GPS receivers and control stations work together for location determination?

GPS receivers detect signals from the satellites, allowing them to determine the precise location of each satellite. The control stations record these signals and analyze them to identify and compensate for measurement errors.

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Master Control and Monitoring Stations

Networks of ground stations responsible for monitoring and controlling GPS satellites. They track satellite orbits, upload data, and ensure accurate timing.

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Trilateration

The process of using signals from multiple satellites to determine a receiver's position, velocity, and time.

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Ephemeris

Data transmitted from the Master Control Station to GPS satellites, containing precise orbital information and clock corrections.

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GPS Receivers

GPS receivers convert satellite signals into position, velocity, and time estimates. They are used in various applications, including navigation, positioning, and timekeeping.

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Real-Time Kinematic (RTK)

A technique that uses two GNSS receivers (one stationary and one moving) to achieve highly accurate sub-centimeter positioning.

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3D Navigation

The primary function of GPS is 3D navigation. It allows you to determine your location in three dimensions (latitude, longitude, and altitude).

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User Segment

The user segment of GPS includes all the receivers and users who utilize GPS data. This includes devices like watches, smartphones, and telematic devices.

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Trilateration vs. Triangulation

A common misconception that GPS uses triangulation to determine position. While similar, triangulation involves measuring angles, not distances.

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How many satellites for location?

A GPS device receives signals from at least four satellites to calculate its location.

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What information do satellites send?

Each satellite sends unique signals, orbital parameters, and time information.

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Can one satellite determine location?

A single satellite provides the distance from the GPS device to itself, but not its exact position.

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How does 3D location work with spheres?

The intersection of three satellite signals creates a sphere, and the nearest point on this sphere is the device's location.

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How does GPS calculate moving location?

As the GPS device moves, the distance to satellites changes, creating new spheres and updating location calculations.

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Speed of light

The speed at which radio waves travel.

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Pseudo-Range

The measured distance from a receiver to a satellite, based on the time it takes for a signal to travel between them.

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Signal Travel Time

The time difference between when a signal is sent from a satellite and when it is received by a receiver.

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Precise Position Determination

The ability to determine the exact location of a GPS receiver.

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Clock Synchronization

The synchronization of the clock on a GPS receiver with an atomic clock.

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The Role of the Fourth Satellite

Why is a FOURTH satellite needed in GPS?

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GPS

The process of using signals from multiple satellites to determine location, velocity, and time.

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Satellite Pseudo-Random Code

A unique code transmitted by each satellite that changes over time based on the satellite's internal clock.

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Receiver Pseudo-Random Code

The receiver plays the same code as the satellite to compare the time differences and calculate the time.

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Time Offset

The difference between the receiver's time and the satellite's time, calculated by comparing the pseudo-random codes.

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Atomic Clocks in GPS

GPS satellites use highly accurate atomic clocks to provide precise time data.

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Clock Synchronization in GPS

The process of synchronizing a GPS receiver's clock with the atomic clocks on the satellites.

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Iterative Clock Adjustment

The receiver's clock is adjusted iteratively until the location calculation is consistent across multiple satellite measurements.

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Four Satellites for GPS

Four satellites are needed to calculate a precise three-dimensional position (latitude, longitude, and altitude).

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Clock Error Cancellation

A GPS receiver's clock error is cancelled out when calculating the position, making a cheap receiver act like an atomic clock.

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Study Notes

GPS: Global Positioning System

  • GPS, also known as the Navstar system, is a satellite navigation system.
  • It's a global system covering the entire Earth.
  • Originally developed for military use, GPS is now used for civilian purposes including navigation, surveying, and car navigation.
  • GPS uses different signals depending on the application. Military applications use precise positioning services (PPS), while civilian uses often employ standard positioning services (SPS).
  • Other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) include GLONASS (Russia), BeiDou (China), and Galileo (European Union).

How GPS Works

  • GPS uses a constellation of 24 satellites orbiting Earth in six orbital planes.
  • Each satellite has an atomic clock for precise timekeeping.
  • GPS provides coded signals (pseudo-range) which receivers process.
  • Receivers use signals from at least four satellites to calculate position, velocity, and time.
  • While three satellites give horizontal position, a fourth satellite adds the vertical dimension (altitude).
  • Satellites orbit at approximately 20,000 km (12,400 miles) altitude.
  • Speed is about 8,700 mph (14,000 km/h).

Components of GPS

  • Space Segment: Contains the GPS satellites which transmit signals. Orbits are approximately 12 hours.

  • Control Segment: Consists of master control stations and tracking stations spread across the globe. Monitor stations collect data about satellite signals, and correct potential errors for future use in satellite and clock calibration.

  • User Segment: This includes the GPS receivers (like smartphones, watches, etc.) that receive and interpret signals. Receivers convert the signals into position, velocity, and time. GPS requires, at minimum, four satellites to generate a position reading.

GPS Accuracy

  • The technique of trilateration is used to find location.
  • Three satellites pinpoint a sphere, a fourth adds accuracy.
  • Time differences on the receiver vs. the satellite(s) provide precise location information, measured in distance. Also called Pseudo-range.
  • Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), a technique minimizing error, provides centimeter-level accuracy.
  • Error is usually 3 to 10 meters when using basic methods.
  • GPS receivers include accurate atomic clocks to measure extremely precise time intervals needed for accurate positioning.

GPS Applications

  • GPS is used for various applications, including navigation, surveying, mapping, tracking, timing, and geodetic surveying

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GPS System - PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the Global Positioning System (GPS) with this quiz. Explore topics such as satellite requirements, signal transmission, and the functionality of ground control. Perfect for anyone interested in navigation technology.

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