Topic outline

  • Operational Theory of NAVSTAR GPS

    Credits: 1 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides an overview of the NAVSTAR GPS system, commonly known as GPS, focusing on its basic operating principles and theory. The information presented in this course is summarized from references such as the NAVSTAR GPS User Equipment Introduction and the Global Positioning System Standard Positioning Service Performance Standard.

    GPS is a passive, all-weather, 24-hour Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) managed by the Department of Defense (DoD). The GPS constellation consists of approximately 24 satellites orbiting at high altitudes. Its primary mission is to provide real-time, three-dimensional positioning, navigation, and velocity data for land, air, and sea-based strategic and tactical forces worldwide. Additionally, GPS has become widely used for various civil applications, including positioning and time transfer.

    Topics:

    • Global Positioning System (GPS) Overview
    • GPS System Configuration
    • GPS Broadcast Frequencies and Codes
    • Pseudoranges, Carrier phase measurements, Broadcast ephemerides
    • GPS Broadcast Messages and Ephemeris Data
    • GPS Status and Problem Reporting
    • GPS User Operating and Tracking Modes
    • Absolute or Autonomous GPS Positioning Techniques
    • Differential or Relative GPS Positioning Techniques
    • GPS Modernization Initiatives

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for surveying and engineering professionals whose job description may require a basic knowledge of NAVSTAR GPS.
    Publication Source: USACE (Corp of Engineers)

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1