Satellite Positioning Systems and Applications unit (KGG306)

Hobart

Introduction

Everything on Earth and in space has a location. In modern society we use spatial information (i.e., positions), to understand the world and our place in it. The rise of easily-accessible location data via satellite positioning systems has changed the way we live, and significantly influenced how decisions are made at all levels - from the personal, to corporate and government. Satellite positioning has also become an indispensable tool in many industries and across scientific disciplines. As a result, individuals with expertise in satellite positioning systems and applications are in high demand and will play a crucial role in advancing the economy, technology, industry and science. Successful completion of this unit will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of satellite positioning systems theory and applications. You will learn the underlying principles and operation of satellite positioning systems, including signal transmission, reception, and processing. You will also gain an understanding of the various sources of errors and biases in satellite positioning measurements, and learn how to mitigate them during data collection and analysis.

When working with satellite positioning data, it is crucial that coordinate datums and transformations are well understood and correctly applied. Therefore, at the beginning of semester we will also review the theory of coordinate definition and transformation. In the weekly hands-on activities and practical classes, students will develop skills in data collection and analysis to achieve different levels of positioning accuracy: from centimeter-level for surveying and geodesy applications, to meter-level for navigation and mapping applications. You will also gain an understanding of the choices that are often required to be made between maintaining accuracy and precision, versus efficiency and cost when undertaking spatial data collection and analysis. Upon completion of this unit, you will have gained the skills and knowledge necessary to evaluate and select appropriate satellite positioning data collection and correction methodologies across a range of applications

 

Summary

Unit name	Satellite Positioning Systems and Applications
Unit code	KGG306
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline	Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator	Doctor Rachael Hurd
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the relationship between satellite positioning theory and the accuracy of coordinated data.
• Appraise coordinate datums and transformations relevant to satellite positioning data.
• Apply professional methodologies for the collection, analysis and presentation of satellite positioning data.
• Evaluate satellite positioning data collection and processing outcomes.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
031101	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,401.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KGG102

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2 x 1-hour online lectures, 1 x 1-hour tutorial (on campus or online), 1 x 3-hour practical, per week.
Assessment	Coordinates Assignment (10%)|Satellite Positioning Application Case Study (15%)|RTK-GNSS data collection and analysis (20%)|Static GNSS data collections and analysis (25%)|Satellite Positioning Quizzes (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	You will need to download a copy of the following online resource: Geocentric Datum of Australia 2020 Technical Manual Version 1.7 Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) Geodesy Working Group (GWG) 26 October 2021. https://www.icsm.gov.au/publications/gda2020-technical-manual-v17 Other Required Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator.
Recommended	Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.