GPS & AIS and Loran - C Flashcards
List 4 error affecting the range measurements of GPS
Ionosphere
Troposphere
Multipath error
Clock error
receiver error
State the GPS datum and describe what is meant by datum
WGS84
This is the horizontal datum related to latitude and longitude datum relating the the earths surface. It is the grid to which GPS position can relate to. This datum is based on a mathematical model to as far as possible resemble the shape of the earth.
Define DOP
Dilution of precision; The reliability of the date GPS data due to the geometry of the position of the available satellites
State one example of good DOP and one example of Poor DOP
Good : 2
Poor : 8
Explain how DGPS improves the accuracy of the GPS
A base station receives a signal from GPS satellite. The station knows its location on the earths surface accurately. In compares the calculated satellite range with the range calculated from the know position. The difference is the local error and this is then transmitted out to everyone in the area via VHF.
What does D stand for in DGPS and what are the two augmentation systems?
Differential
- Ground based augmentation (GBAS)
- Satellite based augmentation system (SBAS)
What are the three distint parts or segments that make up a GPS system
Space Segment
Control Segment
User Segment
Minimum number of satellites in a GPS system
25
What is the purpose of the a monitoring station?
To track satellites, collect data, feed it back to the master controller and make corrects in position in those area’s to assist with navigation
The receiver calculates a user position by from a number of satellites, these are pseudo ranges why?
Because the calculations includes a time valve with an error in it, so the ranges are not always accurate.
Explain how the range from a satellite is determined
The satellite transmits a distinct code and at the same time the receiver generates an internal code. When the receiver receives the satellites code the time different is calculated to give a distance. For a fix to be generated the unit needs 4 different ranges from four different satellites.
Describe how a multipath error may affect the position shown on a GPS unit.
Multipath errors occurs when the GPS satellite signal bounces off nearby structures like buildings and mountains before reaching the GPS receiver. These reflected signals travel a longer distance than the direct line of sight, which can cause the GPS unit to miscalculate its position.
Describe how a GPS receiver calculates its position from a satellite
There are 25 orbiting satellites that make up the GPS system. They use a signal which is imbedded with a time stamp to compare with time produced on board by the receiver unit. The two signals are compared to calculate a distance. To get a position on the surface of the earth the receiver needs 4 satellites signals to triangulate the vessels position.
What is the datum used by Navstar
Navstar Global Positioning system (GPS) uses WGS84 World Geodetic System 1984.
What does SOTDMA stand for?
Self Organised Time Division Multiple Access.
It’s a technology used in the Automatic dentification System (AIS), primarily for Class A units, to reserve their space in the AIS slot map.