Hobart
Students enrolling in this unit are expected to have a basic understanding of coordinate geometry and be comfortable working with numerical data in applications such as Excel.
Introduction
Everything on earth and in space has a location, and in modern society we use spatial information (i.e. positions) to understand the world around us and our place in it. The rise of easily-accessible location data via Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) has changed the way we live and significantly influenced how decisions are made, from the personal to corporate and government levels. Positioning via satellite has now become an indispensable tool in many industries and across scientific disciplines. As a result, individuals with expertise in GNSS positioning 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 GNSS theory and applications. You will learn about the underlying principles and operation of GNSS positioning including signal transmission, reception, and processing. You will also gain an understanding of the various sources of errors and biases in GNSS measurements and learn how to mitigate them during data collection and analysis. When working with GNSS data it is crucial that coordinate datums and transformations are well understood and correctly applied and so, at the beginning of the 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 GNSS data collection and correction methodologies across a range of applications.
Summary
| Unit name | Global Navigation Satellite Systems |
| Unit code | KGG546 |
| 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 |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/2/2027 | 15/3/2027 | 18/4/2027 | 12/6/2027 |
* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the relationship between GNSS theory and the accuracy of coordinated data.
- Evaluate coordinate definitions and transformations relevant to working with GNSS data.
- Develop professional methodologies for the collection, analysis and presentation of of GNSS data.
- Appraise GNSS survey outcomes in a scientific manner.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KGG539Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2 x 1-hour online lecture, 1 x 1-hour tutorial (on campus or online), 1 x 3-hour practical, per week. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Coordinates Assignment (10%)|RTK-GNSS data collection and analysis (15%)|GNSS Case Study (20%)|Static GNSS data collections and analysis (25%)|GNSS 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: 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.