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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.

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus AH1815 (Autumn 2014–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

  • 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 

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

Recommended prerequisites

No information inserted

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

B. Hofmann-Wellenhof, H. Lichtenegger, J. Collins (2001). GPS, Theory and Practice, Springer. Wien, New York.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • LAB1 - Laboratory work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, 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.

Other requirements for final grade

Written exam (TEN1; 4,5c)

Approved laboration (LAB1;  3c)  

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

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

Add-on studies

AH2923 Global Navigation Satellite Systems

Contact

Milan Horemuz, horemuz@kth.se, 08-790 7335