Principles of Applied Global Positioning Systems 
A GOG 479/579


 

Instructor: Dr. Floyd M. Henderson

Office:  AS 211

Office Hours: as posted in class

Phone: 442-3912

Webpage: http://www.albany.edu/~fmh06


Course Objective:

This course will  provide an introduction to the fundamentals behind global positioning systems. The elements that comprise the GPS, its history, characteristics, and development are discussed. GPS use in various disciplines of the geosciences is illustrated with examples. The relationships among GPS, remote sensing and GIS are given particular emphasis. 

 

 

 

Required Texts


 U.S. Quad sheet, 1:24,000 "Albany" from the Bookhouse 

Course Requirements

Requirements GOG479:


Exam I mid-term: 20%
Exam II final: 20%
Lab Exercises 40%
Field Project 20%

Requirements GOG579

 

Exam I midterm: 

20%

Exam II final: 

20%

Lab Exercises

30%

Field Project

30%

Field Project:

Students  of the course will be required to complete a field project using GPS. The topic will be provided by the instructor or must be approved by the instructor but it must be of an applied nature. Examples include using GPS to register a remote sensing image with GCPs; integrate GPS points with a GIS data base; create a map of a small area with precise geographic coordinates and areas and/or paths.

Lab Descriptions:

There will be six lab exercises in the class. The subject of each is listed below. Each lab, except Lab 1, may be done as a team of two persons. The GPS receivers can be checked out for a three hour period from the Department Office.

LAB I

Reading a Map: Map Parameters and Characteristics: Latitude, Longitude, Universal Transverse Mercator, and State Plane; Scale and Symbols

LAB II

Introduction to Magellan ProMarkX

LAB III

Operating a Professional GPS Receiver: Setting Parameters and Familiarization

LAB IV

Waypoints and Navigation

LAB V

Navigation/Differential Correction: Static and Mobile Files; Post Processing

LAB VI

Tutorial/Scenario/Data Dictionary

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