Introduction

The overall objective of this book is for you to be able to explain Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) principles, uses and carry out GNSS activities. More specifically, you will be able to:

1. discuss the features and applications of GNSS and its importance in society today
2. define coordinates systems likely to be encountered by GNSS users and calculate and discuss GNSS coordinates
3. describe global satellite navigation systems, satellite orbital characteristics, and satellite signal structure
4. define the fundamental characteristics of GPS and other GNSSs and outline their development
5. discuss the principles of GNSS observations, make observations using a GNSS receiver, and calculate and analyse findings
6. explain GNSS observations techniques, and calculate and evaluate levels of accuracy associated with GNSS observations
7. demonstrate an understanding of error sources in GNSS observations, and explain the uses and critical factors of Differential GNSS techniques
8. identify and discuss project planning features when using GNSS, and discuss the key steps in planning a GNSS data collection project for asset mapping
9. explain GNSS data collection and processing procedures, including Differential GNSS, and evaluate collected and processed data
10. describe the use of GNSS for asset mapping, and other common uses.