GPS Part.1 Fundamentals G.schutze 2019-11-10
GPS Part.1 Fundamentals G.schutze 2019-11-10
fundamentals of GPS
Published on November 10, 2019
Gunter Schütze
M.Eng. Ship Guidance, Master Mariner, Captain, Consultant, Author ...
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Of course, as a Nautical Specialist, I also deal with the international discussion on the advantages and
disadvantages of satellite-based navigation, e-navigation and conventional terrestrial and astronomical
navigation.
Unfortunately, in the analysis of marine casualties, one gets the impression that the use of different
navigation procedures proves that satellite navigation via GPS is given absolute priority and inexplicably
the other types of navigation are neglected to the utmost degree.
Why is that so?
Is it due to the convenience and apparent simplicity that GPS Navigation suggests?
Is it due to the greater effort required by conventional navigation methods for exact position
determination?
Is there any lack of knowledge about these conventional procedures?
Is it due to the lack of practice to use conventional navigation techniques?
Is it due to today's insufficient technical equipment standards for conventional navigation methods?
Let us first turn to the navigation via GPS navigation
GPS today seems to be the panacea for position determination in shipping. It is easy to handle, is
automatically transmitted via the corresponding interfaces (NMEA 0183) to all possible technical
components of integrated bridge systems and is apparently easy to use on ECDIS. COG, SOG, drift, wind,
continued position update are represented by the data provided by GPS by satellite, to computer.
Accuracies in the position of up to 3 m are the non-plus ultra of GPS navigation and accessible via DGPS.
It is interesting that the GPS data in all existing nautical and technical systems on board, such as GPS
receivers, echo sounders, logs, gyros compass, radar systems, ECDIS, NautoConning, control systems,
satellite C, VHF, HF, AIS, VDRs, to limit it to bridge equipment, find their entrance.
GPS is in the broader sense a passive system.
In contrast to the EPIRB's, which are an active system and have nothing to do with GPS, but are linked to
COSPAS / SARSAT within the worldwide GMDSS.
GPS offers interesting positive usability, especially when it comes to accuracy, such as maneuvering in
confined spaces with existing electronic tools / menus, e.g. predicted path and nauto-conning displays,
e.g. docking) provide helpful support for the ship's command. However, they are only tools which
should always be kept in mind and they do not relieve the ships command team of visually visual
monitoring of maneuvers and ship movement from the bridge and bridge wings.
Experience has shown that many navigation officers do not really have deeper knowledge of GPS and
that such a technical system it also has sources of error due to physical and technical causes.
For this reason, for a better understanding a brief consideration to the structure of GPS, its principles of
action as well as technical and physical fundamentals, which should be indispensable for the user.
Location and Navigation -What are the differences?
Locating here means the 'determination of the geographic latitude and longitude of a place on the
earth's surface with the help of various navigational procedures, how terrestrial navigation with land
marks or celestial navigation with stars or planets or radio location'.
Navigation is the task and the process of moving a vehicle on a predetermined route from a starting
point (departure) to a defined end point (destination)
1. Construction of GPS
GPS is based on a system of 24 satellites moving
in 6 elliptical orbits, each with 4 evenly
distributed satellites and a 55 degree inclination
to the equator at a height of 20200 km. The
orbits are each offset by 60 degrees. The round
trip time per satellite is 12 hours. Due to the
rotation of the earth, only a certain number of
satellites (max. 12) are visible above the visible
horizon, relative to a fixed point on the earth.
Optimal position determination is submit with 4
satellites from different directions on the visible
horizon.
What is written here specifically to GPS, is
transferable to all existing satellite navigation
systems (GOLNASS / BAIDOU / GALILEO / NAVIC), the only difference, they are in orbits of different
heights and operate on different carrier frequencies of the L-band (1-2 GHz).
Thereby were for ellipsoid models different variants of coordinate systems have been developed, which
have now become established and represent the regions of the earth with different accuracy, such as
the Bessel ellipsoid (Potsdam Datum), the International Ellipsoid (ED 50), the European Terrestial
Reference System (ETRS89) and the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84). The differences between all
these systems are small.
The WGS84 has established itself worldwide as a valid reference system as the basis for GPS. That is why
all ECDIS systems and all systems using GPS are set to the date of the WGS 84 standards in shipping.
The further longitudes and latitudes are run in same spaced. However, this distance is too inaccurate for
position information, so that 1 ° was broken down into 60 arc minutes (') and 1 arc minute in 60 arc
seconds ('').
However, the longitudes converge at the poles, which means that the distance between two degrees of
longitude is different everywhere. As a result, a subdivision into degrees and minutes for distance
measurement is only insufficiently possible.
For the coordinate system to be used in the GPS, this is circumvented with the UTM grid (Universal
Transverse Mercator projection), in which a rotation ellipsoid of the earth is assumed (mainly WGS84).
The entire earth's surface is divided into 60 lengths and 20 width strips, which in turn are divided into
1200 smaller sections. UTM coordinate system and Gauss-Krüger coordinate system are similar and can
be calculated with the same mapping equations. The main difference is that UTM coordinates refer to
WGS84 and UTM zones are projected onto a plane in 6° long strips of length, creating a rectangle.
While the Gauss-Krüger projection refers to the Bessel or Krassowski ellipsoid and uses 3 ° wide
longitudinal stripes. However, the described coordinate systems are only fixedly referred to the earth's
surface so that only points can be described on it.
2.1.2 ECEF - Coordinate System
But we have to do it with satellite navigation, used as a location systems and the satellites are important
reference points for positioning. However, since these are in orbits above the Earth, a coordinate system
is required, which can represent both points on and above the Earth , To do this, the GPS uses the ECEF
(Earth Centered-Earth Fixed Coordinate System) coordinate system. With the following definition:
This coordinate system is dextrorotatory and rotates with the earth. With it, all points on the earth's
surface and above, i.e. satellites and airplanes can be represented
2.1.3 ECI – Coordinate system
Due to the irregularities in the earth's movement, the ECEF coordinate system is not inertial, especially it
has to be remarked to the precession movement of the earth. That is due to the orbit of the earth
around the sun, the axis of rotation (Z-axis) of the earth is not spatially fixed. For this reason, it was
agreed to refer the Z-axis of the ECEF coordinate system to the position of the earth on 01.01.2000 and
thus to create a space-stable inertial system. This system is referred to as the ECI (Earth Centered
Inertial Coordinate System) coordinate system
Inertial = when every force-free body remains at rest relative to this frame of reference, or moves
uniformly (unaccelerated) and in a straight line.
Inertial System = A system of reference in physics is called the inertial system, when every force-free
body remains at rest relative to this frame of reference or moves uniformly and in a straight line
So we recognize that GPS consists of several reference systems. Therefore, it is also necessary that the
WGS4 reference date on board be used for the nautical systems.
On the altitude determination in GPS is deliberately not entered by me, because it plays no role in the
seafaring. It is primarily used for GPS ashore for elevation.
3. Segments of the GPS
GPS consists of three segments:
4. Operation of GPS
4.1 Position determination
Position determinations of satellite-based positioning systems are based on the principle of transit time
measurement of electromagnetic waves in the high-frequency range (L-band, f = 1-2 GHz, λ = 30 -50
cm). The exchange of information between the MCS and the satellite takes place in the S band (f = 2-4
GHz, λ = 7.5 -15 cm).
4.1.1. Small wave theory
Electromagnetic waves are periodic changes in the state of the electromagnetic field. The electrical and
magnetic fields are composed of state vectors.
Basically, harmonic waves are used in GPS, which are characterized in that a temporal and spatial
periodic deflection takes place from the rest position. It would go too far now to elaborate a theoretical
treatise on Maxwell's equations describing the phenomenon of electromagnetism, how electric and
magnetic fields are related. It is important to know that this waveform can be represented
mathematically as a simple sinusoidal form. For a better understanding, the following explanations:
a) If an electromagnetic field is observed at a constant location, so will be the duration of oscillation T
as the time distance between two points of the same oscillation state called. The frequency is then given
by f = 1 / T.
b) Assuming a fixed time point, the electromagnetic field changes periodically with increasing distance
from the transmitter and the spatial distance between two points of the same phase is defined as
wavelength λ
During the time T, the wave shifts by λ, so the propagation velocity of the electromagnetic wave in
space is defined as the phase velocity v as follows:
In vacuum, electromagnetic waves propagate at the speed of light. However, in the Earth's atmosphere
and on Earth, part of the electrical energy is converted into heat by friction, resulting in damping of the
wave. This attenuation is caused by the atmosphere gases in the atmosphere, precipitation particles
(rain), reflection on the earth's surface or at objects including multipath propagation. Also, in
electromagnetic waves, similar to light, a refraction occurs, which is mainly caused by the decrease of
the atmospheric density in height. In addition, the effects of diffraction on objects and the phase delays
due to the atmosphere should not go unmentioned.
The behavior of electromagnetic waves in the earth's atmosphere is frequency-dependent. High
frequencies are better suited for signal transmission. That' why, only frequency bands in the microwave
range are used for data transmission with GPS from the broad spectrum of electromagnetic wave.
The data code modulation, which is the same for both waves, follows the modulation with the PRN
sequences. In order to guarantee real-time satellite positioning, the required parameters and additional
information of the satellites must be available. This is achieved by the fact that the signal with a further
phase modulation, packs data for a navigation message and transmits with the signal. The message itself
is a 30 second sequence of +/- 1 in the 50 Hz cycle.
4.3.4. Runtime Measurement
Runtime measurement is a method of indirect distance or velocity measurement by measuring that time
which a signal requires to traverse the measuring distance
In this method, the time of a signal emitted by a transmitter is measured until it reaches a known
location.
The transit time measurement in GPS is a one-way measurement. In order to obtain a position, signals
from several transmitters are required, in the case of GPS, the electromagnetic waves of several
satellites (at least 4).
Due to their different distances to a ship, different measured transit time’s result, which are multiplied
by the speed of light (c). Their lines converge in the position of the ship. The application of the 4th
satellite for transit time measurement serves to determine the receiver watch error.
It is important that the clocks of the transmitters and the ship are synchronized and display the same
time. The GPS time is a globally uniform atomic clocked time without a leap second, as opposed to UTC,
where this leap second is inserted to keep UTC in agreement with Earth's rotation. Because of this, GPS
time and UTC differ, which means GPS time is currently 18 seconds ahead of UTC.
4.4. Position Determination
GPS positioning is based on the signal being received by at least 3 satellites.
It is not based on the true distances to the satellites, but so - called pseudo - distances, which come
about as follows:
The modulated signals are used for position determination. Thus, if a satellite is in the range of the GPS
receiver, its signal transit time Δt is determined by generating an identical signal and determining the
phase shift. By multiplying by the speed of light (c), the pseudo-distance from the satellite can be
determined.
It is thereby assumed that the different clocks are not synchronized. Based on the GPS system time, one
starts from a reference time, which is the deviations of user time (receiver) to system time (tu) and
satellite time to system time (ts). Thus it can be seen that the pseudo-distance is an error caused by
time differences, so that
for the actual distance of the user from the satellite is valid.
As the intellectual connection, it should be pointed out that this method of position determination in
the broader sense has a similarity with hyperbola radio location procedure.
Even if both objects are in motion, this principle forms the basis of the velocity determination, since the
same effects occur on approaching and to move away motion, taking into account the motion
parameters of both objects, so long the two objects have different motion velocity (the relative speed
vector must be > 0).
4.6. Course determination in the GPS
The course calculation in the GPS is based on the determination of the distance traveled, that is. It is an
analysis of the direction of movement of ship positions in past, which are connected by straight lines
whose direction is shown as a two-dimensional course vector in 360 degree representation, north
stabilized. In a figurative sense, this can be compared with the radar representation in the "Past Track"
mode. The accuracy of the course value is depends from accuracy of the receiver and the time interval
of the position determination. To do this, the GPS receiver must be in motion. This also explains why for
ships at anchor while turning around the anchor the course and speed determination is jumpy.
The position update is performed every 1 second in the standard procedure and every 0.1 second at the
maximum update rate.
4.7. Selected Availability and Anti-Spoofing
A short insight into the possibilities of influencing the accuracy of GPS and preventing spoofing against
GPS.
4.7.1. Selective Availability (SA)
The accuracy of GPS available to the user is at the operator's discretion with the Selected Availability
(SA) tool. There have been discussions over and over again in the past, because the accuracy differences
are considerable. With SA: 100 -150 m and without SA: 5 - 10 m. They are caused by artificial falsification
of the satellite orbits and by artificially created receiver noise of the carrier signal. SA was switched off in
May 2000. The effects can also be seen in the left graphic.
AS is usable to the L1 and L2 frequency.
4.7.2. Anti-Spoofing (A-S)
Anti-spoofing is established to prevent that transmitted signals can be influenced by false signals and
thus will receiving incorrect information from the receivers which limit or even render impossible the
function of GPS.
For this purpose, the P-code (Precise Code) is additionally encrypted with a Y-code, referred to as P / Y
code. This ensures that for unauthorized users, ie the public, only the C / A coded part (Coarse /
Aquisition - Civilian Access Code) of the L1 frequency can be used.
Authorized users of the P / Y code, armed forces and authorized authorities typically have dual
frequency receivers that can receive L1 and L2 frequencies that are automatically corrected via a
dedicated receive module and operate with high accuracy.
It must always be aware that GPS is a military system under the control of the US Forces. That means
that SA and A-S can be activated at any time for the L1 frequency resulting in limited civilian use.
In the past, some regions of the world, e.g. Black Sea and Northern Norway, have reported massive
disruptions of GPS usage allegedly due to spoofing attacks. I see these reports critically, as also technical
and physical error influences, the function can disturb massively. But more on that later.
DGPS is a system that also works on the basis of transit time measurement. It is founded on stationary
antennas that are installed as reference stations on land. Their position has been determined by
classical surveying methods, which ensures a high accuracy of the position. DGPS has the task to correct
the existing error inaccuracies of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). DGPS is not limited to GPS,
but for GNSS, so all existing satellite navigation systems available.
The method makes use of the fact that the actual signal propagation times can be determined from the
deviation of the actual position and the received position. The difference between the theoretical and
the actual signal propagation time is transmitted to the DGPS receivers in the respective region. DGPS
receivers on board correct this difference and thus increase the accuracy of the position determination.
The associated accuracy depends on the distance of the receiver from the reference station on land.
Accuracies of approx. 0.5 m to 2.5 m are possible.
It is noteworthy that, in addition to the onshore stationary regional DGPS reference stations, which is
only regionally usable, there is also a satellite-based DGPS system, which enables the worldwide use of
DGPS.
It is based on geostationary satellites orbiting Earth at 36000 km altitude, always maintaining their same
position to Earth. It is referred to as SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System) and also serves to
increase the accuracy in determining the position of GNSS.
There are currently four systems active and two more systems under construction, but these are
currently mainly used in flight navigation.
Epilogue
The purpose of this paper is primarily to provide nautical cadets, students and officers with basic
knowledge about GPS as currently the most commonly used satellite navigation system. I have the view
that the user must be able to know technical and physical fundamentals. The practice on board has
shown that only fragmentary knowledge is available.
I hope this work is a clearly arranged form a way given to navigators’ basic knowledge to hand.
In the second part I will deal more intensively with occurring technical and physical errors, which are
unavoidable with GPS as a technical system, which is used on the basis of the wave theory. This should
also help to not immediately classify any irregularity in the operation of GPS as a spoofing attack.
© Copyright November 2019, Capt. Gunter Schütze. Replication or redistribution in whole or in part is
expressly prohibited without the prior written consent by Capt. M.Eng. Gunter Schütze