GPS and GNSS Technologies Training Course

Participants can distinguish earth models and choose datum information required for a GNSS project.

• Reference ellipsoids, geoid models and physical height relationships
• WGS 84 datum, ellipsoid, geoid and coordinate reference system relationships
• Horizontal datums, vertical datums and epoch-dependent reference frames
• Geodetic latitude, longitude and ellipsoidal height calculations
• Orthometric heights derived using geoid separation values
• Datum transformations using grid shifts, Helmert parameters and transformation epochs

Participants can select and document suitable coordinate reference systems for location-based work.

• Geographic coordinate systems expressed in decimal degrees and DMS
• UTM zones, central meridians and scale factor effects
• Transverse Mercator, Lambert conformal conic and local grid applications
• Projection distortion assessed through distance, area, angle and direction requirements
• EPSG codes used to identify coordinate reference systems
• Coordinate reference system decision records for project data governance

Participants can diagnose major GNSS error sources and select appropriate mitigation measures.

• Ionospheric delay effects on code and carrier measurements
• Tropospheric delay modelling using pressure, temperature and humidity
• Multipath identification near buildings, water, vehicles and metal surfaces
• Satellite clock errors and broadcast ephemeris limitations
• Receiver noise, antenna phase centres and cable effects
• Selective availability history and current intentional signal interference

Participants can plan observation windows and field methods using satellite availability information.

• Dilution of precision: PDOP, HDOP, VDOP and TDOP interpretation
• Skyplot review for obstruction, azimuth and elevation assessment
• Elevation masks and their effects on measurement availability
• Mission planning with satellite almanacs and predicted geometry
• Observation windows selected against PDOP and constellation availability thresholds
• Field schedules adjusted for canopy, urban canyon and terrain constraints

Participants can configure GNSS equipment for a stated accuracy and data-management requirement.

• Receiver classes: mapping-grade, survey-grade and timing-grade capabilities
• Antenna types, ground planes and multipath reduction techniques
• Tribrachs, poles, bipods and antenna height measurement methods
• Controller settings for coordinate systems, epochs and logging intervals
• Battery, storage and communication checks before field deployment
• Equipment configuration sheets supporting repeatable crew procedures

Participants can design a GNSS field collection workflow with defined attributes, metadata and acceptance criteria.

• Feature dictionaries linking asset classes, attributes and coded values
• Point, line and polygon capture methods with GNSS receivers
• Averaging observations for mapping-grade point feature collection
• Occupations, repeats and independent checks for survey control
• Metadata fields for receiver, correction source, time and accuracy
• Field acceptance criteria based on precision, fix status and completeness

Participants can select and apply differential correction methods appropriate to required accuracy levels.

• Common-mode error removal through base and rover observations
• Code-based differential GNSS for sub-metre mapping applications
• SBAS corrections, coverage limits and integrity message interpretation
• Base station coordinates, antenna setup and correction broadcasting
• Correction age, latency and baseline length quality indicators
• Differential correction selection against accuracy, cost and communications constraints

Participants can operate and evaluate RTK workflows using base-rover or network corrections.

• Carrier-phase ambiguity resolution and fixed versus float solutions
• RTK base-rover architecture and radio communication requirements
• Network RTK services using virtual reference station methods
• NTRIP client, caster and mountpoint connection workflow
• Initialization checks, ambiguity resets and loss-of-fix recovery
• RTK quality thresholds for fixed status, PDOP and correction age

Participants can plan static GNSS control observations and determine suitable occupation strategies.

• Static, rapid-static and stop-and-go survey method selection
• Baseline length, session duration and observation interval planning
• Control network design using redundancy and independent checks
• Monument selection, station descriptions and recovery information
• Antenna height records using slant and vertical measurements
• Control survey field logs supporting traceability and later adjustment

Participants can prepare GNSS observation files and assess post-processed baseline results.

• RINEX observation, navigation and meteorological file structures
• Raw receiver data conversion and file naming conventions
• Precise orbit products and their role in post-processing
• Baseline processing with code, carrier phase and ambiguity constraints
• Cycle slips, data gaps and signal loss detection
• Processing reports reviewed for residuals, ratios and solution status

Participants can assess survey network quality using adjustment outputs and positional accuracy measures.

• Least-squares adjustment principles for GNSS survey networks
• Redundancy, residuals and outlier detection in observation sets
• Error ellipses and confidence intervals for adjusted coordinates
• Relative accuracy versus absolute accuracy in control surveys
• Root mean square error calculations and reporting limits
• Acceptance reports comparing achieved accuracy against project specifications

Participants can identify integrity threats and define operational responses to unreliable GNSS signals.

• GNSS integrity concepts: alarm limits, protection levels and alerts
• Jamming indicators, interference sources and receiver response procedures
• Spoofing symptoms identified through position, time and signal anomalies
• Multi-constellation monitoring for improved availability and fault detection
• Fallback positioning methods using total stations, maps and control points
• Incident records documenting suspected interference and data-use restrictions

Participants can apply a quality-assurance process to GNSS data before operational release.

• Quality assurance plans defining accuracy, completeness and traceability criteria
• Independent check points used to verify collected coordinates
• Attribute validation rules for field-collected GIS features
• Duplicate observations compared using tolerance-based exception reporting
• Metadata review for date, operator, equipment and correction source
• Nonconformance logs assigning corrective actions and approval decisions

Participants can import, validate and manage GNSS-derived data within a GIS workflow.

• GNSS point imports using CSV, GPX, GeoJSON and shapefile formats
• Coordinate transformation checks before GIS layer integration
• Field-collected features matched against authoritative base mapping
• Topology rules for asset points, lines and polygon boundaries
• Positional accuracy attributes stored using ISO 19115 metadata principles
• GIS editing workflows preserving original observations and audit trails

Participants can plan and document GNSS ground control for remotely sensed imagery and drone surveys.

• Ground control point placement for aerial imagery and orthomosaics
• Check points separated from control points for independent validation
• Target design, visibility and image-identification requirements
• RTK and post-processed kinematic methods for drone positioning
• Vertical accuracy checks against terrain models and surveyed points
• Ground control reports linking coordinates, photos and accuracy evidence

Participants can match GNSS methods to operational requirements in common professional applications.

• Utility asset capture using offset measurements and feature coding
• Construction setting-out checks against approved design coordinates
• Environmental monitoring plots located through repeatable GNSS procedures
• Transport corridor surveys using kinematic trajectories and control points
• Emergency mapping requirements for speed, accuracy and data sharing
• Method selection matrix comparing accuracy, staffing, equipment and risk

Participants can write GNSS requirements and review supplier evidence against stated specifications.

• Survey scopes defining deliverables, coordinate systems and accuracy classes
• Accuracy specifications separating horizontal, vertical and relative requirements
• Method statements covering equipment, corrections and field quality checks
• Contractor submissions reviewed for metadata, control and processing evidence
• Acceptance criteria based on independent checks and documented tolerances
• Handover packages containing data, reports, logs and coordinate records

Participants can prepare an end-to-end GNSS project plan for a defined field-data requirement.

• Requirements analysis translating operational needs into positional accuracy targets
• Work breakdown structures for planning, collection, processing and reporting
• Risk registers covering weather, access, interference and communications
• Crew roles, equipment allocations and daily field-control procedures
• Data management plans defining storage, naming, backups and version control
• Project review gates for readiness, quality assurance and client acceptance

Participants can build, review and present a complete GNSS survey and GIS data-delivery package for a realistic operational case.

• Define positioning requirements, tolerances, outputs and stakeholder acceptance criteria
• Select coordinate reference systems, equipment and correction methods
• Prepare a satellite plan, field procedure and risk register
• Create field attributes, metadata rules and quality-control checkpoints
• Review simulated observation results, exceptions and corrective actions
• Present the completed GNSS project package and technical justification