Topic outline

  • Conducting GPS Field Surveys

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides guidance to field personnel performing GPS surveys for typical construction and civil works projects. The primary emphasis in this course is on performing static and kinematic carrier phase differential GPS measurements. Absolute/autonomous and differential code phase GPS positioning and mapping techniques are also covered. Detailed field instructions for specific GPS receivers are typically contained in the operating or reference manuals provided by the manufacturer. Given the wide variety of GPS receivers, coupled with the different types of data collection, logging, processing, and adjustment techniques that can be performed in the field, this course can only provide a brief overview of some representative systems; and highlight observing criteria which is common to all types of GPS equipment.

    Topics:

    • General GPS Field Survey Procedures
    • Conducting Absolute or Autonomous GPS Positioning and Navigation Surveys
    • Absolute/Autonomous Point Positioning Techniques
    • Absolute/Autonomous GPS Navigation Systems
    • Mapping Grade GPS Receivers
    • USCG DGPS Radiobeacon Navigation Service
    • FAA Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)
    • FAA Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS)
    • Global Differential GPS and Global Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems
    • Other Code and Carrier Phase Wide Area Augmentation Services
    • Ambiguity Resolution
    • Static Carrier Phase Field Survey Techniques
    • Rapid/Fast Static Field Surveying Procedures
    • Kinematic GPS Field Survey Techniques
    • Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Field Surveying Techniques
    • RTK Survey Field Procedures and Calibrations
    • Real Time Network (RTN)
    • Other Techniques Superseded By Newer Technology

    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 an intermediate to adnavced knowledge of GPS surveying principles and procedures.
    Publication Source: USACE

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1