GNSS forms the basis for modern satellite positioning and is used worldwide for navigation, surveying, and Geo-ICT applications. In this Blended Learning course, you’ll learn how systems such as GPS and Galileo work, how a position is determined using satellites, and what factors influence accuracy. You’ll also be introduced to techniques such as DGNSS, RTK, and PPP, and you’ll learn how to properly evaluate and use GNSS results.
During this Blended Learning course, you’ll learn about the principles behind GNSS and satellite positioning. You’ll discover how satellites, ground stations, reference frames, and receivers work together to determine positions anywhere on Earth.
It’s not just about obtaining a coordinate. You’ll also explore how a GNSS position is determined, what errors and uncertainties arise in the process, and why accuracy can vary from a few meters to centimeters.
GNSS is the collective term for satellite systems used to determine positions worldwide. You’ll be introduced to the most important systems: the American GPS, the European Galileo, the Russian GLONASS, and the Chinese BeiDou.
You’ll learn how these systems are broadly structured, consisting of satellites, a ground segment, and users with GNSS receivers. You’ll also examine the satellite constellations and how satellites continuously transmit signals that allow a receiver to determine distances to various satellites.
Modern GNSS receivers can use signals from multiple satellite systems simultaneously. You’ll discover why this can improve the availability, reliability, and accuracy of satellite positioning.
A GNSS receiver determines its position by receiving signals from multiple satellites. Highly accurate time measurement plays a central role in this process. The distance between the satellite and the receiver can be derived from the difference between the time a signal is transmitted and the time it is received.
You’ll learn how distances to multiple satellites can ultimately be used to calculate a three-dimensional position. You’ll also be introduced to concepts such as satellite orbits, satellite clocks, pseudoranges, and trilateration.
You’ll also discover why at least four satellites are needed to determine not only the three position components but also the receiver’s clock offset.
The goal is not to derive all the underlying calculations entirely on your own. The point is for you to understand what measurements a GNSS receiver takes and how a position is ultimately derived from them.
A GNSS position is never completely error-free. The signal travels a long distance from the satellite to the receiver and is affected by various factors along the way.
You’ll learn about key sources of error, such as deviations in satellite orbits and satellite clocks, signal delays in the ionosphere and troposphere, multipath, and signal interference or blocking by buildings, trees, and other objects.
You’ll also examine the geometric distribution of satellites in the sky. You’ll learn why good satellite geometry is important and become familiar with concepts such as DOP (Dilution of Precision).
This will teach you not only to interpret GNSS results but also to evaluate them critically. After all, a receiver can display a position even when conditions are not optimal for an accurate measurement.
For navigation, an accuracy of a few meters is often sufficient. However, in surveying, infrastructure, and other geodetic applications, much more precise positions are often required.
You will therefore be introduced to various techniques that can be used to improve GNSS measurements. You will learn the basics of how DGNSS uses corrections from known reference points and how RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) can enable centimeter-accurate positioning.
Network RTK is also covered, in which a network of permanent GNSS reference stations is used to provide corrections for a larger area. In addition, you’ll learn about PPP (Precise Point Positioning), which uses precise satellite orbit and clock information to determine highly accurate positions without a local reference station.
You’ll learn which method is suitable for different applications and what conditions and limitations come into play.
A GNSS receiver does not simply provide a position. Every position is linked to a geodetic reference frame. To correctly combine GNSS measurements with other geographic data, it is therefore important to understand the reference frame within which the coordinates were determined.
You’ll learn about the relationship between GNSS, global reference frames, and national coordinate systems. The course also covers concepts such as WGS84, ETRS89, and the Dutch RD system.
Elevation is also covered. GNSS initially determines an ellipsoidal height. This is not the same as the elevation relative to, for example, NAP. You will learn why a geoid model is necessary for converting between different types of elevation.
This establishes the connection between satellite positioning and the geodetic references used in surveying, GIS, and other Geo-ICT applications.
During the Blended Learning program, you’ll work with examples and real GNSS data to link theory to practice. You’ll explore satellite constellations, positioning quality, sources of error, and various methods for improving GNSS accuracy.
You’ll work on assignments such as:
By the end of the course, you will understand how GNSS and satellite positioning work, how a position is determined from satellite signals, and which factors influence accuracy and reliability. You will be able to distinguish between different GNSS methods and accuracy levels and understand how GNSS positions are linked to geodetic reference frames and are applied in surveying and Geo-ICT.
You’ll receive 1-on-1 guidance. After signing up, our course coordinator will contact you to schedule your first session.
Do you have questions about the course content? Or are you unsure whether the course aligns with your learning goals or preferences? Would you prefer an in-house or private course? We’d be happy to help.
