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Author Topic: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial  (Read 27702 times)

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Offline DZ PLEASE

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Offline Neil Obstat

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Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
« Reply #226 on: September 30, 2017, 11:11:36 PM »
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  • Yes, the opus-jig thing worked... your going to have understand, my composition is bad, computer savy is even worse...  :cowboy:
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    That's OPUS.jpg, they call that a J-PEG (address ends with ".jpg"). 
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    J-peg image technology has been a standard for over 25 years now. They call it "old school."
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    Offline St Ignatius

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #227 on: September 30, 2017, 11:18:08 PM »
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  • .
    That's OPUS.jpg, they call that a J-PEG (address ends with ".jpg").
    .
    J-peg image technology has been a standard for over 25 years now. They call it "old school."
    .
    Sorry, was trying to be funny... I knew about "J-PEG," but was not familiar with "OPUS."

    Offline Neil Obstat

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #228 on: September 30, 2017, 11:19:11 PM »
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    Maybe you guys missed this. The chart that compares vertical with horizontal accuracy



    Interpreted, it says that vertical accuracy is worse than horizontal accuracy, but that after 24 hours (during which time both kinds improve) the vertical accuracy is still worse than the horizontal was at the very beginning.
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    In other words, as time improves accuracy, the horizontal type is better from the start than the vertical type will become even after it improves for 24 hours.
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    Offline Neil Obstat

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #229 on: September 30, 2017, 11:26:52 PM »
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  • Sorry, was trying to be funny... I knew about "J-PEG," but was not familiar with "OPUS."
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    Okay, ha-ha-ha.  ::)
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    I found the earlier spot where they used the same j-peg before. It's the second picture in this post, 3h:
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    https://www.cathinfo.com/fighting-errors-in-the-modern-world/global-navigation-satellite-systems-tutorial/msg569789/#msg569789
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    Maybe you can't see the picture there too? That's where they explained OPUS: Online Position User Service, or OPUS
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    Offline St Ignatius

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #230 on: September 30, 2017, 11:49:11 PM »
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  • .
    Okay, ha-ha-ha.  ::)
    .
    I found the earlier spot where they used the same j-peg before. It's the second picture in this post, 3h:
    .
    https://www.cathinfo.com/fighting-errors-in-the-modern-world/global-navigation-satellite-systems-tutorial/msg569789/#msg569789
    .
    Maybe you can't see the picture there too? That's where they explained OPUS: Online Position User Service, or OPUS
    .
    Doesn't show up there either... will try viewing on the laptop tomorrow to see if any of the pictures show up.  Just not having having any luck on this device. Thanks though for your efforts. 
    Time for me to put the kids in bed... chow. 
      

    Offline DZ PLEASE

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #231 on: September 30, 2017, 11:53:00 PM »
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  • Doesn't show up there either... will try viewing on the laptop tomorrow to see if any of the pictures show up.  Just not having having any luck on this device. Thanks though for your efforts.
    Time for me to put the kids in bed... chow.
    So, Matthew's file share is a no-go?

    Offline Neil Obstat

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #232 on: October 01, 2017, 03:57:27 PM »
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  • .
    Maybe you guys missed this. The chart that compares vertical with horizontal accuracy



    Interpreted, it says that vertical accuracy is worse than horizontal accuracy, but that after 24 hours (during which time both kinds improve) the vertical accuracy is still worse than the horizontal was at the very beginning.
    .
    In other words, as time improves accuracy, the horizontal type is better from the start than the vertical type will become even after it improves for 24 hours.
    .
    .
    If you can't see the picture above, it's supposed to look like the one below.
    Source
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    Offline Neil Obstat

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #233 on: October 01, 2017, 04:07:14 PM »
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    This is the end of unit 4, Reducing errors in GNSS processing. They're using surveying principles in obtaining coordinates of land located positions, but since they're working with moving satellites, they have to rely on iteration programming to automatically identify and remove errors (or inaccuracies) in the computations. That's why this unit is important. Most error compensation in surveying is done deliberately and one at a time. Not here.
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    4f. Summary

    In this unit, we explored how multiple sources of error enter into the equations that affect our estimated distances between the GNSS satellites and the GNSS receivers on Earth. Interactions between the satellite signals and the charged ions in the ionosphere or the atmospheric conditions in the troposphere can cause unexpected delays in the signals as they travel from the satellites to the receiver. We discussed how clock errors—at both the satellites and the receiver—cause errors in our estimate of the distances. We explored various methods of removing or reducing these errors, either using physical properties of radio waves or multiple receivers receiving signals from the same satellites at the same time. We looked at the important role of observation time on the accuracy of positioning results. We also discussed the role of post-processing GNSS data in the reduction or removal of many of these sources of error.
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    Offline Neil Obstat

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #234 on: October 01, 2017, 04:20:49 PM »
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    4g. Review questions

    Question 1 of 3

    Organize the following terms into knowns and unknowns in terms of reducing GPS error:
    Drag each term to the right category. (The categories are "knowns" and "unknowns.")

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    Unknown
    GPS pseudorandom code
     
    Satellite position
     
    GPS receiver clock bias
     
    CORS position
     
    Satellite orbit


    GPS signal frequency
     
    Ionospheric delay
     
    Tropospheric delay
     
    GPS receiver position


    Satellite clock time
     


    Question 2 of 3

    Which of the following are NOT elements of GPS post-processing? (Choose all that apply.)
    a) Continuously Operating GPS Reference Stations
    b) Satellite data acquisition
    c) Double differencing
    d) Removal of atmospheric errors
    e) Updating the almanac in the receiver and satellite



    Question 3 of 3

    Which of the following serve to improve the accuracy of a GPS-based position? (Choose all that apply.)
    a) Long GPS observation period
    b) Post-processing GPS data
    c) Maintaining a clear view of the sky
    d) Reducing likelihood of multipath



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    Offline Neil Obstat

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    .--. .-.-.- ... .-.-.- ..-. --- .-. - .... . -.- .. -. --. -.. --- -- --..-- - .... . .--. --- .-- . .-. .- -. -.. -....- -....- .--- ..- ... - -.- .. -.. -.. .. -. --. .-.-.


    Offline Neil Obstat

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #236 on: October 01, 2017, 08:14:56 PM »
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    5. Unit description and objectives

    In this unit you will learn how GNSS-based coordinates are fundamentally tied to a Cartesian coordinate system with its center at the center of mass of Earth, and how mathematical equations are needed to convert these coordinates into more the easily understandable positional units of latitude, longitude, and height. After completing this unit you should be able to:

    • 1.  Describe a reference frame (or datum) and how it is used in GNSS.

    • 2.  Describe the process of converting between Cartesian coordinates (X,Y,Z) and positions (latitude, longitude, ellipsoid height).

    • 3.  Explain why, for most applications, heights should be converted from an ellipsoid to an orthometric reference frame.
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    Offline Neil Obstat

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #237 on: October 01, 2017, 08:22:42 PM »
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  • .
    5a. The limitations of GPS positions in an X, Y, Z coordinate system


    The precise orbits of GPS satellites (accurate to ± 2 cm) are referenced to an international geometric reference frame, called the International Terrestrial Reference Frame, or ITRF. The ITRF has its origin at the center of mass of Earth, with its three axes oriented at 90⁰ from each other.

    So now we have precise positions from our GPS receiver but they are in a Cartesian coordinate system. Although this system may be easy to work with mathematically, it’s very difficult for us to conceptualize the corresponding locations on Earth’s surface. It would be more useful for most applications if we had them referenced to a geodetic coordinate system such as latitude, longitude, and height on Earth’s surface.

    Geodetic vs. geometric systems
    The word “geodetic”, derived from “geodesy” is used to indicate that we are relating positions to the precise size and shape of the earth. This is distinct from a purely “geometric” system which is referenced to single point and orthogonal axes.

    The location of the peak of the Washington Monument in 3D Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z), expressed in meters.

    For example, the peak of the Washington Monument expressed in Cartesian (geometric) coordinates is: (1115287.503, -4844432.918, 3982867.096). These are actually distances measured in meters from the center of mass of Earth along the x, y, z axes of the ITRF frame.

    Not the most useful piece of information, is it? These numbers are unwieldy and not commonly used. To be more useful, we’d like to transform them into a more familiar geodetic coordinate system expressed in latitude, longitude and height.

    So how do we translate our x, y, and z into latitude, longitude, and height? We need a model of the surface of Earth and its relationship to its center of mass.
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    I went ahead and uploaded these two images which should be visible below. Their order is reversed, though..........
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    Offline Neil Obstat

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #238 on: October 01, 2017, 08:50:47 PM »
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    This page includes a nice video which I don't know how to copy here (it's Flash), but they provide the audio text to copy, therefore that is what I have given below the main title, instead of trying to link the video. If you want to see the video log on to the tutorial website and you can view it that way.
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    5b. Expressing positions in an ellipsoid model
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    Click for video text  

    (links to this address: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/GIS/GNSS_positioning/navmenu.php?tab=5&page=1-2-0&type=flash#pnote-1)

    “The most commonly used reference surface (or datum) is an ellipsoid—an idealized representation of Earth’s shape. Because Earth is not smooth, the ellipsoid may lie above or below Earth’s surface at any given location. The ellipsoid is the basis for satellite navigation systems such as the U.S. Global Positioning System (or GPS). The surveyor uses professional GPS equipment to compute a highly accurate height of the ground... relative to the ellipsoid reference frame.“





    ----I uploaded this image, see below----

    [size={defaultattr}][font={defaultattr}]However, there are many different ellipsoid models that can be used to approximate the shape of Earth. Many nations use the Geodetic Reference System 1980 (GRS 80) ellipsoid, but with slightly different orientations to best fit their location. In the United States, the official horizontal datum, or reference surface, is the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83)—based on a specific orientation of the GRS 80 ellipsoid. NAD 83 is also the reference frame for establishing ellipsoid heights in the United States. Transformation tools allow us to convert ITRF-based Cartesian coordinates to latitude, longitude, and ellipsoid heights referenced to NAD 83.

    In depth: WGS 84 and GRS 80: Two different ellipsoid models[/font][/size]

    [This is the In Depth material]:
    Although the official horizontal datum of the United States is based on the GRS 80 ellipsoid model, another ellipsoid model currently in use in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world is the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84). WGS 84 and GRS 80 are very similar, with the same semi-major axis length (6378137.0m ) but slightly different flattening (1/f = 298.257222101 for GRS 80 and 1/f = 298.257223563 for WGS 84). Over time, ellipsoid datums have become more precise as better techniques for measuring Earth’s shape have become available.


    Sketch showing conceptual relationship between a point on Earth’s surface, the center of mass of Earth, and the reference ellipsoid surface. The point on Earth’s surface is given in Cartesian coordinates (x,y, z). The angle λ is our definition of longitude; the angle φ is our definition of latitude, and h is the height with respect to the ellipsoid.

    ----I uploaded this image, see below----
    [size={defaultattr}][font={defaultattr}]

    Let’s look at a simplified example of a transformation from Cartesian coordinates to geodetic positions. In this basic example, we will use a 3 parameter transformation from x, y, z to latitude, longitude and height.[/font][/size]







    [size={defaultattr}][font={defaultattr}]
    Where:
    h = ellipsoid height
    N = curvature in the prime vertical
    φ = latitude (angle)
    λ = longitude (angle)[/font][/size]

    [size={defaultattr}][font={defaultattr}]
    a = ellipsoid semimajor axis
    b = ellipsoid semiminor axis[/font][/size]

    [size={defaultattr}][font={defaultattr}]
    As you can see, converting Cartesian coordinates to the geodetic coordinates of latitude, longitude, and ellipsoid height is an iterative process since latitude appears in our expression of N, the curvature in the prime vertical. An estimated latitude is used as a first approximation, and successive iterations converge on the correct value.[/font][/size]

    The National Geodetic Survey provides transformation tools (http://geodesy.noaa.gov/TOOLS/XYZ/xyz.shtml) to go from X, Y, Z to a lat/long and height. We can now translate the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the summit of the Washington Monument into something that is more intuitively useful to us, such as latitude, longitude, and height.

    Question: Position of summit of the Washington Monument?

    Question
    What is the latitude, longitude and ellipsoid height of the summit of the Washington Monument given the coordinates of (1115287.503, -4844432.918, 3982867.096)? Use the NGS conversion tool (http://beta.ngs.noaa.gov/gtkweb/). Make sure to choose the option to convert to lat-long (second tab) and choose a projection for conversion as XYZ. (Choose the best answer.)


    a) N38∘ 53’ 22.08257” W077∘02’06.86427” 149.172m
    b) N38∘ 53’ 29.61745” W077∘02’06.86427” 173.36m
    c) N38∘ 53’ 22.08257” W012∘57’ 53.13573” 149.172m

    The NAD 83 datum can provide us with very useful positions of latitude and longitude. However, ellipsoid heights can be difficult to understand since they do not necessarily match our concept of height with respect to sea level. The GRS 80 ellipsoid on which NAD 83 is based is the best-fitting geometric surface to approximate the continental plate in North America. However, since the ellipsoid is a mathematical smooth surface, it does not take into account local topography.


    ----I uploaded this image, see below----


    [size={defaultattr}][font={defaultattr}]For example, along much of the coastline of the continental United States, the ellipsoid is above the land surface...so low-lying coastal land may have a negative ellipsoid height! In the mountains, the ellipsoid is typically below the surface. One problem with ellipsoid-based heights is that they do not accurately predict the direction of water flow. To do this, we need to convert to orthometric heights which are more closely related to gravity.[/font][/size]

    The surface of Earth is most closely described as an ellipsoid, a sphere somewhat flattened at the poles. We can convert the geometric coordinates derived from GPS satellites to points on this ellipsoid surface. This lets us express positions in terms of defined geodetic latitude, longitude, and height.
    .--. .-.-.- ... .-.-.- ..-. --- .-. - .... . -.- .. -. --. -.. --- -- --..-- - .... . .--. --- .-- . .-. .- -. -.. -....- -....- .--- ..- ... - -.- .. -.. -.. .. -. --. .-.-.

    Offline Neil Obstat

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    Re: Global Navigation Satellite Systems -- tutorial
    « Reply #239 on: October 01, 2017, 09:05:12 PM »
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    I remember someone asking about elevations in this tutorial, and at the time I wasn't sure where they would be, but now that we're covering ellipsoids, this is the part to see for elevations.
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    In engineering traditionally a datum line is used for a construction project for elevations. When building a dam or a bridge or a high rise building, some depth level is selected which will be a convenient level from which to reference all elevations in the project. Quite often it's a plane about 100 feet below the earth's surface. This is a theoretical plane and nobody ever has to go digging down to "find it" because that would accomplish nothing. They wouldn't be able to "see" anything there anyway. It's just a number on a piece of paper like a plan map.
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    In this tutorial, the ellipsoids described are theoretical spheroid constructions that closely imitate the "smoothed out" shape of the earth, and as such they are located in some places above the surface of the earth, and in some places cutting through hills or mountains or even through flat plains or lakes.
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    For geodetic surveying then, ellipsoids are closely related to datum lines since vertical measurements to describe elevations are measured as being above or below the ellipsoid by a particular number of meters.
    .
    That last section, above, that came out in italics was not supposed to. Here is a copy of it without the italics:
    .
    For example, along much of the coastline of the continental United States, the ellipsoid is above the land surface...so low-lying coastal land may have a negative ellipsoid height! In the mountains, the ellipsoid is typically below the surface. One problem with ellipsoid-based heights is that they do not accurately predict the direction of water flow. To do this, we need to convert to orthometric heights which are more closely related to gravity.

    The surface of Earth is most closely described as an ellipsoid, a sphere somewhat flattened at the poles. We can convert the geometric coordinates derived from GPS satellites to points on this ellipsoid surface. This lets us express positions in terms of defined geodetic latitude, longitude, and height.

    .
    These two paragraphs are important for this thread, and we'll probably be referring back to them later.
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