- Basic principles of positioning with help of satellites
- Components of the satellite positioning systems and their functions: satellites, control stations, receivers
- GPS positioning and surveying techniques
- Error sources and the way of their elimination
- Differential GPS, RTK, DGPS
- Detail surveying and setting out with GPS
- Establishment of geodetic control networks
- Combination of terrestrial and GPS measurements
- Transformations: connecting GPS measurements to local reference systems
AH1815 Introduction to GPS 7.5 credits
Global Positioning System has become a common tool not only for navigation but also for surveying, i.e. the applications where cm, or mm level of accuracy is required. Detail surveying or establishment of geodetic control networks are examples of such applications. The aim of this course is to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge about the GPS, which are necessary to be able to plan, carry out and process GPS observations.
Information per course offering
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus AH1815 (Autumn 2014–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus AH1815 (Autumn 2014–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completing this course, students should be able to
Identify which observations towards the satellite can be used for positioning and explain how they can be used for the computation of position and velocity of a receiver
Identify the components of the GPS and explain their function
Plan, carry out and process the GPS observations, using advanced geodetic receivers, for the purpose of establishment of geodetic control networks, detail surveying, staking out and trajectory determination
Evaluate the quality of the coordinates determined by GPS
Transform the coordinates into any given reference system
Combine the GPS and terrestrial observations
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
For admitted students to the Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Urban Management (CSAMH) there are no additional requirements.
For other students:
At least 6 ECTS in a Surveying course
Literature
B. Hofmann-Wellenhof, H. Lichtenegger, J. Collins (2001). GPS, Theory and Practice, Springer. Wien, New York.
Examination and completion
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- TEN1 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- LAB1 - Laboratory work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Other requirements for final grade
Written exam (TEN1; 4,5c)
Approved laboration (LAB1; 3c)
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
Technology
Education cycle
First cycle