Global Positioning System

(GPS)

Submitted byAmit Yadav 277008 EEE 8th Sem

INDEX

Sr.no.

page

1.1What is GPS. 3 1.2 Types of GPS..3 1.3 Information in a GPS signal3 2.1Working of GPS..3 2.2 GPS Elements5 2.2.1 Space segment5 2.2.2 Control segment.8 2.2.3 User segment..9 3. Global positioning-geometric view..10 4. Errors12 5. GPS applications13 6.Reference..16

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1.1 What is GPS? The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense that continuously transmit coded information,which makes it possible to precisely identify locations on earth by measuring the distance from the satellites. 1.2 Types of GPS There are basically two types of GPS positioning Single Point Positioning Relative Point Positioning Single Point Positioning is also known as autonomous or absolute positioning. In this type, the position of an unknown point is determined based on known positions of GPS satellites in space. In Relative Positioning, the position of unknown point is determined with respect to another known point (base or reference station). The term Differential Positioning (DGPS) is often used interchangeably with Relative Positioning.

1.3 Information in a GPS signal The GPS signal contains ephemeris and almanac data. Ephemeris data is constantly transmitted by each satellite and contains important information such as status of the satellite (healthy or unhealthy), current date,and time. Without this part of the message, your GPS receiver would have no idea what the current time and date are. This part of the signal is essential to determining a position, as well see in a moment. Almanac data tells the GPS receiver where each GPS satellite should be at any time throughout the day. Each satellite transmits almanac data showing the orbital information for that satellite and for every other satellite in the system.

2.1 Working of GPS The satellites transmit very low power signals (20- 50 watts) allowing anyone with a GPS receiver to determine their location on earth. GPS receivers passively receive satellite signals; they do not transmit. The signals travel line of sight,meaning it will pass through clouds, smoke, glass and plastic but not through solid objects like buildings and mountains. So GPS
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receivers require an unobstructed view of the sky, they are used only outdoors and they often do not perform well within forested areas or near tall buildings. GPS operations depend on a very accurate time reference, which is provided by atomic clocks at the U.S.Naval Observatory. Each GPS satellite has atomic clocks on board. Each satellite transmits a message which essentially says, "I'm satellite #X, my position is currently Y, and this message was sent at time Z." All GPS satellites synchronize operations so that these repeating signals are transmitted at the same instant. The signals, moving at the speed of light, arrive at a GPS receiver at slightly different times because some satellites are farther away than others. Your GPS receiver reads the message and saves the ephemeris and almanac data for continual use. The distance to the GPS satellites can be determined by estimating the amount of time it takes for their signals to reach the receiver. When the satellite is generating the pseudo random code, the receiver is generating the same code and tries to match it up with the satellites code. The receiver then compares the two codes to determine how much it needs to delay (or shift) its code to match the satellites code. This gives the travel time. To determine your position the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received by the GPS receiver. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away that particular satellite is (Range=traveltime*velocity of light). Now that we have both satellite location and distance, the receiver can determine a position. If we add distance measurements from a few more satellites, we can triangulate our position. This is exactly what a GPS receiver does. Lets say we are 11000 miles from one satellite, our location is some where on an imaginary sphere that has the satellite at the center with radius 11000 miles. Then lets say we are 12000 miles from another satellite; the second sphere would intersect the first sphere to create a common circle. If we add a third satellite, at a distance of 13000 miles, we now have two common points where the three spheres intersect. With a minimum of three or more satellites, your GPS receiver can determine a latitude/longitude position - what's called a 2D position fix. With four or more satellites, a GPS receiver can determine a 3D position, which includes latitude, longitude, and altitude. With this calculated position the exact location of the receiver can be pinpointed on a digitized map with the use of the proper GIS software tools. By continuously updating your position, a GPS receiver can also accurately provide speed and direction of travel (referred to as 'ground speed' and 'ground track'). The satellites, operated by

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the U.S. Air Force, orbit with a period of 12 hours. Ground stations are used to precisely track each satellite's orbit.

2.2 GPS Elements Space Segment Control Segment User Segment

2.2.1 SPACE SEGMENT The GPS technology is based on the NAVSTAR (NAVigation Satellite Timing And Ranging) constellation composed of 24 satellites in space, the space segment of the GPS system. There are often more than 24 operational satellites as new ones are launched to replace older satellites. The

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satellite orbits repeat almost the same ground track (as the earth turns beneath them) once each day. These 24 satellites (21 navigational satellites and 3 active spares) are in 6 circular orbits (with nominally four SVs in each), equally spaced (60 degrees apart), at an inclination angle of 55 degrees. These satellites weigh 1900 lbs in orbit, travel at speeds of about 14,000 kilometres per hour or 8700 miles per hour with a 12hr period (precisely 11hr 58 min). It is at roughly 25,000 kilometers from the earth's centre or 20,000 kms above the earth's surface. The satellites are high enough to bypass the problems encountered by land-based systems they send wireless radio signals from space. Their configuration provides the user with between 5 and 8 space vehicles anywhere on the earth. The spacing of satellites in orbit is arranged so that under normal conditions a minimum of five satellites will be in view to users worldwide, with a position dilution of precision (PDOP) of six or less. In practice there are usually many more than this, sometimes as many as 12. The satellites are generally allowed to "float" in their orbits and aren't rigidly held in position. The orbital paths of these satellites take them between roughly 60 degrees North and 60 degrees South latitudes. What this means is you can receive satellite signals anywhere in the world, at any time. As you move closer to the poles, you will still pick up the GPS satellites. The NAVSTAR satellites can see from the northernmost and southern most parts of their orbits. These satellites provide 24-hour-a-day coverage for both two-and three- dimensional positioning anywhere on Earth. They also continuously broadcast position and time throughout the world. Currently there are 27 total satellites in the sky and it is possible that there could be as many as 31 or 32. Each satellite contains a supply of fuel and small servo engines so that it can be moved in orbit to correct for positioning errors. With update control from the ground units it can maintain an essentially circular orbit around the earth. It also contains a receiver to get update information, a transmitter to send information to the gps receiver, an antenna array to magnify the weak transmitter signal, several atomic clocks to accurately know the time, control hardware, and photoelectric cells to power everything. They are powered by solar energy and each satellite is expected to last approximately 10 years. If solar energy fails (eclipse, etc.) they have backup batteries on board to keep them running.

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SATELLITE SIGNAL: Each satellite transmits on two L band frequencies, L1 (1575.42 MHz) and L2 (1227.6 MHz). Each satellite transmits on exactly the same frequency; however, each satellites signal is dopplershifted by the time it reaches the user. L1 carries a precise (P) code and a coarse/acquisition (C/A) code. L2 carries only the P code. A navigation data message is superimposed on these codes. The same navigation data message is carried on both frequencies. The P code is normally encrypted so that only the C/A code is available to civilian users;however, some information can be derived from the P code. When encrypted, the P code is known as Y code.The current series of GPS satellites broadcast data using two distinct signals of accuracy. The first is for the standard positioning system (SPS). The second one is for the precise positioning system (PPS). The SPS signal is at the L1frequency, which is 1547.42MHz. The L2 frequency carries the PPS signal and is at 1227.60MHz. GROUPING: There have been three distinct groups of NAVSTAR satellites so far, with one sub-group. The groups are designated as blocks. The block I satellites were intended for system testing. The block II satellites were the first fully functional satellites, including cesium atomic clocks for timing as well as the ability to implement selective availability. They also have radiationhardened electronics, allowing for longer lifetimes in space. In addition, the block II satellite can detect certain error conditions, automatically sending a code indicating that it is out of service. Block II satellites can operate for 3.5 days between corrections from the ground. The block IIa satellites are identical to the standard block II but continue to operate for 180 days between uploads from the ground. The latest satellites, the block IIR versions, include autonomous navigation. These satellites can operate for 180 days between uploads like the block IIa. Unlike the block IIa, they can generate their own navigation information. Thus, the accuracy of the system can be maintained longer between uploads. With the modernized Block IIR and Block IIF satellites nearing launchand the GPS III program now in its planning stagesthe technology is poised to reach new levels of sophistication unimagined just a few years ago. IDENTIFICATION NO: Each satellite has two identifying numbers. First is the NAVSTAR number, which identifies the specific satellite hardware. Second is the Space vehicle (SV) number. This number is assigned in
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order of launch. The third method to identify a satellite is by the Psuedo-random noise code number. This is a unique integer number, which is used to code the signal from that Satellite that would look random to anyone who does not know what the formula used to create it is. Some receivers identify the satellites that they are listening to by SV, others by PRN.

2.2.2 Control Segment

It consists of a system of tracking stations located around the world. The control segment is composed of all the ground-based facilities that are used to monitor and control the satellites. This segment is usually unseen by the user, but is avital part of the system. The NAVSTAR control segment, called the operational control system (OCS) consists of 5 monitor stations, a master control station (MCS) and 3 uplink antennas. The satellites send down subsets of the orbital ephemeris data. The monitor stations track GPS satellites in view, collect and send information from the satellites back to the master control station that computes the precise orbits. The master station uploads the data which is necessary for proper operation of the satellite, like ephemeris and clock data to the satellites. Then the information is formatted into updated navigation messages that are transmitted through ground antennas. The MCS is located at Schriever Air Force Base (formerly Falcon AFB) in Colorado. and is managed by the U.S. Air Force's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2nd SOPS). The MCS receives data from the monitor stations in realtime 24 hours a day and uses that information to determine if the satellites are experiencing clock or ephemeris changes, and to detect equipment malfunctions. New navigation and ephemeris information is calculated from the monitored signals and uploaded to the satellites once or twice per day. There are several remote monitor stations, which send their information to the master control station. These stations are able to track and monitor each satellite for 21 hours a day, resulting in 2 periods of 1.5 hours when the satellite is on the other side of the earth out of reach for that ground station. These passive monitor stations are nothing more than GPS receivers that track all satellites in view and thus accumulate ranging data from the satellite signals. There are five passive monitor stations, located at Colorado Springs, Hawaii, Ascencion Island, Diego Garcia and Kwajalein. The monitor stations send the raw data back to the MCS for processing. The information calculated by the MCS, along with routine maintenance commands are transmitted to the satellites by ground-based uplink antennas.
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The ground antennas are located at Ascencion Island, Diego Garcia and Kwajalein. The antenna facilities transmit to the satellites via an S-band radio link. In addition to its main function, the MCS maintains a 24 hour computer bulletin board system with the latest system news and status. The civilian contact for this is the United States Coast Guards (USCG) Navigation Center (NAVCEN).

2.2.3 User segment

The user segment is composed of GPS receivers composed of processors and antennas that allow for sea, land and airborne operators to receive the broadcast. The receivers convert space vehicle signals into position, velocity and time. A total of 4 satellites are required to compute these calculations. In order to make this simple calculation, then, the GPS receiver has to know two things: The location of at least three satellites above you The distance between you and each of those satellites. The GPS receiver figures both of these things out by analyzing high-frequency, low-power radio signals from the GPS satellites. Better units have multiple receivers, so they can pick up signals from several satellites simultaneously. Most modern receivers are parallel multi-channel design. Parallel receivers typically have five to twelve receiver circuits, each devoted to GPS 72 handheld rxr one particular satellite at all times. Parallel channels are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they are able to receive the satellite signalseven in difficult conditions such as dense foliage or urban settings. If you want to have continuous real-time position measurements, then the receiver has to have at least four channels. If it does, then it can devote one channel to each of the four satellites at the same time. Most of the time, this kind of accuracy is not needed, so some receivers have only one channel. Older single-channel designs were once popular, but were limited in their ability to continuously receive signals in the toughest environments. One of the problems with this type of receiver is that it doesn't always do a good job of monitoring velocity. Also, if there is any movement of the receiver while it is collecting the four measurements, the accuracy of those measurements will be affected. A compromise that is used quite often is the three channel receiver. One channel can be collecting the data from one satellite while the other two channels are locking in on the satellites where the next
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measurements are going to come from. This type of receiver doesn't waste time between measurements, because they can instantly switch to the next satellite's data. Another benefit to this type of receiver is that it can track up to eight satellites, so if one satellite is blocked, it can switch to another one. Thus, the three channel receiver is more economical than a four channel receiver, and it is more accurate than a one channel receiver. Position, velocity and time are needed for marine, terrestrial & aeronautic applications. A standard GPS receiver will not only place you on a map at any particular location, but will also trace your path across a map as you move. If you leave your receiver on, it can stay in constant communication with GPS satellites to see how your location is changing. With this information and its built-in clock, the receiver can give you several pieces of valuable information: How far you've traveled (odometer) How long you've been traveling Your current speed (speedometer) Your average speed A "bread crumb" trail showing you exactly where you have traveled on the map The estimated time of arrival at your destination if you maintain your current speed

3. GLOBAL POSITIONING(Geometric View) In order to understand how the GPS satellite system works, it is very helpful to understand the concept of trilateration. Let's look at an example to see how trilateration works. Let's say that you are somewhere in the United States and you are TOTALLY lost -you don't have a clue where you are. You find a friendly-looking person and ask, "Where am I?" and the person says to you, "You are 625 miles from Boise, Idaho." This is a piece of information, but it is not really that useful by itself. You could be anywhere on a circle around Boise that has a radius of 625 miles, like this:

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So you ask another person, and he says, "You are 690 miles away from Minneapolis, Minnesota." This is helpful - if you combine this information with the Boise information, you have two circles that intersect. You now know that you are at one of two points, but you don't know which one, like this:

If a third person tells you that you are 615 miles from Tucson, Arizona, you can figure out which of the two points you are at:

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With three known points, you can see that you are near Denver, Colorado! Trilateration is a basic geometric principle that allows you to find one location if you know its distance from other, already known locations. The geometry behind this is very easy to understand in two dimensional space. This same concept works in three dimensional space as well, but you're dealing with spheres instead of circles. You also need 4 spheres instead of three circles to find your exact location. The heart of a GPS receiver is the ability to find the receiver's distance from 4 (or more) GPS satellites. Once it determines its distance from the four satellites, the receiver can calculate its exact location and altitude on Earth! If the receiver can only find three satellites, then it can use an imaginary sphere to represent the earth and can give you location information but no altitude information. For a GPS receiver to find your location, it has to determine two things: The location of at least three satellites above you The distance between you and each of those satellites

4. ERRORS IN GPS

Ionosphere and troposphere delays The GPS assumes that signals will be traveling between satellite and receiver is in a straight line. The signal will actually be delayed upon going through the ionosphere and troposphere. Receiver clock errors Since it is not practical to have atomic clocks in the receiver, the receiver timing references will have some small error. Multipath error Multipath error can produce very large deviations. Multipath is caused by satellite signals that arrive at the receiver after having bounced off some nearby structure (e.g. a tall building), or the ground. Because the path is not straight, the time delay will be longer, and the distance from the satellite will also seem to be longer . This can produce location errors that are unacceptable, particularly in urban automobile navigation applications.
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Signal attenuation Non-restricted GPS signals are transmitted at 1.575 GHz, a microwave frequency. Such signals are blocked by steel and concrete structures (e.g. buildings and tunnels), and attenuated by passing through trees and leaves. The GPS specification for minimum detectable signals renders reception marginal when the signal is attenuated by foliage. Denser the foliage, more marginal the signal. As such, receivers that just meet this specification are not reliable for use in forests or even tree-lined streets. To ensure being able to detect signals in a forest, the receiver must provide sensitivity that exceeds the current standard. For example, the receiver must be able to detect signals whose power has been attenuated to a level of about 5 percent of the initial level. Orbital errors Also known as ephemeris errors, these are inaccuracies in the satellites reported position.

5. GPS APPLICATIONS

GPS in the air GPS offers an inexpensive and reliable supplement to existing navigation techniques for aircraft. Civil aircraft typically fly from one ground beacon, or waypoint, to another. Pilots on long distance flights without GPS rely on navigational beacons located across the country. With GPS, an aircraft's computers can be programmed to fly a direct route to a destination. The savings in
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fuel and time can be significant. A GPS-based navigation system will increase the number of airports that are able to help a well-equipped plane to land in lowvisibility conditions. In the near future in the USA it will even be allowed to use GPS as the primary form of navigation. GPS on land Everyone who has the proper equipment can use it. The user of the GPSsystem uses the satellite system to locate where he/she is, and with the help of a CD-rom or another large database that contains the GIS-map the car's computer is able to calculate the exact position of the car. Delivery trucks can receive GPS signals and instantly transmit their position to a central dispatcher. Police and fire departments can use GPS to dispatch their vehicles efficiently, reducing response time. GPS helps motorists find their way by showing their position and intended route on dashboard displays. Railroads are using GPS technology to replace older, maintenance-intensive mechanical signals. GPS in sea GPS is a powerful tool that can save a ship's navigator hours of celestial observation and calculation. GPS has improved efficient routing of vessels and enhanced safety at sea by making it possible to report a precise position to rescuers when disaster strikes. Military Uses for GPS With GPS, the soldiers are able to go places and maneuver in sandstorms or at night when even the troops who lived there couldnt. It is used also for troop deployment, artillery fire etc. GPS has become important for nearly all military operations and weapons systems. It is used on satellites to obtain highly accurate orbit data and to control spacecraft orientation. Picture the desert, with its wide, featureless expanses of sand. GPS receivers were carried by foot soldiers and attached to vehicles, helicopters, and aircraft instrument panels. GPS in scientific research GPS has made scientific field studies throughout the world more accurate and has allowed scientists to perform new types of geographic analyses. Geologists use GPS to measure expansion of volcanoes and movement along fault lines. Ecologists can use GPS to map differences in a forest canopy. Biologists can track animals using radio collars that transmit GPS data. Geographers use GPS.

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to define spatial relationships between features of the Earth's surface. Scientists use GPS for a wide range of applications. Scientific analysis that formerly had to be conducted in a laboratory can now be done quicker and easier in the field. Applications for your business By use of GPS an insurance company will be able to track down a stolen vehicle in every situation. A transport company which has GPS installed enables her drivers to take the shortest route, avoiding traffic jams, to the delivery point using GPS and GIS, thus offering better and faster service. For a transport company using boats for transport, GPS can be of excellent use to locate a ship with a specific cargo. The captain of a ship can use GPS to directly locate his ship, and also the use of a beacon to locate a drowning person is a good option for use of GPS. Monitor Nuclear Explosions Nuclear explosions emit an X-ray flash lasting less than 1 microsecond. This flash can be seen by the X-ray flash detectors on several satellites. By measuring the time delay of arrival of the flash at several satellites, the location of the explosion can be determined. Several of the GPS satellites carry background Xray radiation detectors to provide an accurate record of the X-ray environment around the earth. Every Day Life During construction of the tunnel under the English Channel, British and French crews started digging from opposite ends: one from Dover, England, one from Calais, France. They relied on GPS receivers outside the tunnel to check their positions along the way and to make sure they met exactly in the middle. Otherwise, the tunnel might have been crooked. With GPS we would be able to help ships avoid icebergs by zeroing in on their position and notifying the ship of the location and possibly bypass a disaster. Surveying and map making with GPS Surveying that previously required hours or even days using conventional methods can be done in minutes with GPS. GPS for Horticulture In orchards, GPS is used mainly for orchard mapping or electrical mapping. The GPS system allows orchardist's to accurately keep records of chemical applications.

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6.REFERENCES WebPages. http://www.gpsinformation.net http://www.AllGPS.com http://www.sirf.com http://www.amazon.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gpsu/ http://garmin.com http://colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/gps http://trimble.com

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