GPS Subjective QA
GPS Subjective QA
A1: Analytical resection in GPS involves determining the position of an unknown point using signals from at
least four known GPS satellites. Each satellite sends its position and time, and the receiver calculates
distances using signal travel time. The point is found at the intersection of the spheres formed by these
distances.
Q2: What are the three main segments of the GPS system and their functions?
- Control Segment: Ground stations monitoring, controlling, and updating satellite data.
A3: Four satellites are needed to solve for the three spatial coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude) and to
A4: Whole to part involves establishing a large control framework first and then filling in details, which
localizes errors and prevents them from accumulating across the survey.
A5: Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision is how close repeated
Q6: How does a GPS receiver determine its distance from a satellite?
A6: The receiver calculates the time taken by a signal to travel from the satellite and multiplies it by the speed
A7: It includes stations that track satellites, collect data, compute corrections, maintain satellite health, and
A8: Atomic clocks provide extremely precise timing signals, enabling accurate distance calculations. Receiver
Q9: What are PRN codes and how do they function in GPS?
A9: Pseudo-Random Number (PRN) codes are unique sequences of binary digits that identify each satellite
Q10: Compare the L1 and L2 GPS signals in terms of frequency and application.
A10: L1 (1575.42 MHz) is used for civilian purposes, while L2 (1227.6 MHz) supports military applications
Q11: What are the major civilian and military GPS codes used, and how are they different?
A11: C/A Code (civilian): modulated on L1, low accuracy, openly accessible.
P(Y) Code (military): encrypted, modulated on L1 and L2, more resistant to jamming and spoofing.
GPS Principles - Subjective Questions and Answers
A13: Bi-phase modulation changes the phase (direction) of a carrier wave to represent binary data (0s and
A14: GPS tracks pollution levels, supports disaster monitoring, and helps manage environmental data
spatially.
A15: Spoofing is when false GPS signals are sent to mislead a receiver, potentially causing incorrect
A16: GPS guides machinery in precise farming (e.g., planting, spraying) and in construction for grading,
A17: Ionospheric models help correct delays in signal travel time caused by atmospheric interference,
A18: Antenna, receiver, controller (computer/processor) form the basic GPS receiver setup.
A19: It provides the precise orbit information of a satellite, which is essential for accurately determining the
receiver's location.
A20: NAVSTAR began in 1978 with 4 satellites, became fully operational with 24 satellites in 1993.