This course provides an overview of the NAVSTAR GPS system, commonly known as GPS, focusing on its basic operating principles and theory. The information presented in this course is summarized from references such as the NAVSTAR GPS User Equipment Introduction and the Global Positioning System Standard Positioning Service Performance Standard. GPS is a passive, all-weather, 24-hour Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) managed by the Department of Defense (DoD). The GPS constellation consists of approximately 24 satellites orbiting at high altitudes. Its primary mission is to provide real-time, three-dimensional positioning, navigation, and velocity data for land, air, and sea-based strategic and tactical forces worldwide. Additionally, GPS has become widely used for various civil applications, including positioning and time transfer.

Topics: • Global Positioning System (GPS) Overview • GPS System Configuration • GPS Broadcast Frequencies and Codes • Pseudoranges, Carrier phase measurements, Broadcast ephemerides • GPS Broadcast Messages and Ephemeris Data • GPS Status and Problem Reporting • GPS User Operating and Tracking Modes • Absolute or Autonomous GPS Positioning Techniques • Differential or Relative GPS Positioning Techniques • GPS Modernization

Initiatives Publication Source: USACE