 |
|
|
|
|
Accuracy The degree of conformance between the estimated or measured position, time, and/or velocity of a GPS receiver and its true time, position, and/or velocity as compared with a constant standard. Radionavigation system accuracy is usually presented as a statistical measure of system error and is characterized as follows: •Predictable - The accuracy of
a radionavigation system's position solution with respect to the charted
solution. Both the position solution and the chart must be based upon the
same geodetic datum. •Repeatable - The accuracy with which a user can return
to a position whose coordinates have been measured at a previous time with
the same navigation system. •Relative - The accuracy with which a user
can measure position relative to that of another user of the same navigation
system at the same time.
Analog A type of transmission characterized
by variable waveforms representing information, contrasted with digital.
A standard clock with moving hands is an analog device, whereas a clock
with displayed and changing numbers is a digital device. The human voice
and audible sounds are analog. Modern computers are invariably digital,
but when they communicate over telephone lines, their signals must be converted
to analog using a modem ( a modulator/demodulator). The analog signal is
converted back into a digital form before delivering it to a destination
computer.
Application software These programs accomplish the
specialized tasks of the user, while operating system software allows the
computer to work. A computer-aided dispatch system is application software,
as is each word processing program.
Automatic Vehicle Location - AVL A type of system using any sort
of technology to track or locate a vehicle.
Availability The percentage of time that the services of a navigation system can be used within a particular coverage area. Signal availability is the percentage of time that navigational signals transmitted from external sources are available for use. Availability is a function of both the physical characteristics of the operational environment and the technical capabilities of the transmitter facilities. Bandwidth The range of frequencies in a
signal.
Block I, II, IIR, IIF satellites The various generations of GPS
satellites: Block I were prototype satellites that began being launched
in 1978; 24 Block II satellites made up the fully operational GPS constellation
declared in 1995; Block IIR are replenishment satellites; and Block IIF
refers to the follow-on generation.
C/A code The coarse/acquisition or clear/acquisition
code modulated onto the GPS L1 signal. This code is a sequence of 1023
pseudorandom binary biphase modulations on the GPS carrier at a chipping
rate of 1.023 MHz, thus having a code repetition period of 1 millisecond.
The code was selected to provide good acquisition properties. Also known
as the "civilian code."
Carrier A radio wave having at least one
characteristic, such as frequency, amplitude or phase, that may be varied
from a known reference value by modulation.
Carrier-aided tracking A signal processing strategy that uses the GPS carrier signal to achieve an exact lock on the pseudorandom code. Carrier frequency The frequency of the unmodulated fundamental output of a radio transmitter. The GPS L1 carrier frequency is 1575.42 MHz. Carrier phase GPS measurements based on the
L1 or L2 carrier signal.
CDMA - see code division multiple access
Channel A channel of a GPS receiver consists
of the circuitry necessary to receive the signal from a single GPS satellite.
Chip The length of time to transmit
either a "0" or a "1" in a binary pulse code. Also, an integrated circuit.
Chip rate Number of chips per second. For
example, C/A code = 1.023 MHz.
Circular error probable (CEP) In a circular normal distribution,
the radius of the circle containing 50 percent of the individual measurements
being made, or the radius of the circle within which there is a 50 percent
probability of being located.
Civilian code - see C/A code.
Clock bias The difference between the clock's
indicated time and true universal time.
Clock offset Constant difference in the time
reading between two clocks.
Code division multiple access (CDMA) A method of frequency reuse whereby
many radios use the same frequency but each one has a unique code. GPS
uses CDMA techniques with Gold's codes for their unique cross-correlation
properties.
Code phase GPS GPS measurements based on the
C/A code.
Computer-aided dispatch An automated system for processing
dispatch business and automating many of the tasks typically performed
by a dispatcher. Abbreviated CAD (not to be confused with computer-aided
design which is also known as CAD) is application software with numerous
features and functions. A basic CAD system provides the integrated capability
to process calls for service, fleet management and geographical referencing.
Control segment A world-wide network of GPS monitor
and control stations that ensure the accuracy of satellite positions and
their clocks.
Cycle slip A discontinuity in the measured
carrier beat phase resulting from a temporary loss-of-lock in the carrier
tracking loop of a GPS receiver.
Data message A message included in the GPS
signal which reports the satellite's location, clock corrections and health.
Included is rough information about the other satellites in the constellation.
DGPS - see differential positioning? Differential positioning - DGPS A technique used to improve positioning
or navigation accuracy by determining the positioning error at a known
location and subsequently incorporating a corrective factor (by real-time
transmission of corrections or by postprocessing) into the position calculations
of another receiver operating in the same area and simultaneously tracking
the same satellites.
Digital Generally, information is expressed,
stored and transmitted by either analog or digital means. In a digital
form, this information is seen in a binary state as either a one or a zero,
a plus or a minus. The computer uses digital technology for most actions.
Dilution of Precision - DOP A description of the purely geometrical
contribution to the uncertainty in a position fix. Standard terms for the
GPS application are: GDOP: Geometric ( 3 position coordinates plus clock
offset in the solution) PDOP: Position (3 coordinates) HDOP: Horizontal
(2 horizontal coordinates) VDOP: Vertical (height only) TDOP: Time (clock
offset only) RDOP: Relative (normalized to 60 seconds)
Distance root mean square (drms) The root-mean-square value of
the distances from the true location point of the position fixes in a collection
of measurements. As typically used in GPS positioning, 2 drms is the radius
of a circle that contains at least 95 percent of all possible fixes that
can be obtained with a system at any one place.
Dithering The introduction of digital noise.
This is the process the DoD used to add inaccuracy to GPS signals to induce
Selective Availability.
DOP - see dilution of precision
Doppler-aiding A signal processing strategy that
uses a measured doppler shift to help the receiver smoothly track the GPS
signal. Allows more precise velocity and position measurement.
Doppler shift The apparent change in the frequency
of a signal caused by the relative motion of the transmitter and receiver.
Earth-centered earth-fixed - ECEF Cartesian coordinate system where
the X direction is the intersection of the prime meridian (Greenwich) with
the equator. The vectors rotate with the earth. Z is the direction of the
spin axis.
ECEF - see earth-centered earth-fixed
Elevation Height above mean sea level. Vertical
distance above the geoid.
Elevation mask angle That angle below satellites should
not be tracked. Normally set to 15 degrees to avoid interference problems
caused by buildings and trees and multipath errors.
Ellipsoid In geodesy, a mathematical figure
formed by revolving an ellipse about its minor axis. It is often used interchangeably
with spheroid. Two quantities define an ellipsoid, the length of the semimajor
axis, a, and the flattening, f = (a - b)/a, where b is the length of the
semiminor axis. Prolate and triaxial ellipsoids are always described as
such.
Ellipsoid height The measure of vertical distance
above the ellipsoid. Not the same as elevation above sea level. GPS receivers
output position fix height in the WGS-84 datum.
Ephemeris A list of accurate positions or
locations of a celestial object as a function of time. Available as "broadcast
ephemeris" or as postprocessed "precise ephemeris."
Epoch Measurement interval or data frequency,
as in making observations every 15 seconds. "Loading data using 30-second
epochs" means loading every other measurement.
Fast-multiplexing channel - see Fast-switching channel
Fast-switching channel A single channel which rapidly
samples a number of satellite ranges. "Fast" means that the switching time
is sufficiently fast (2 to 5 milliseconds) to recover the data message.
Frequency band A particular range of frequencies.
Frequency spectrum The distribution of signal amplitudes
as a function of frequency.
Geodesy The science related to the determination
of the size and shape of the Earth (geoid) by direct measurements.
Geodetic datum A mathematical model designed
to best fit part or all of the geoid. It is defined by an ellipsoid and
the relationship between the ellipsoid and a point on the topographic surface
established as the origin of datum.
Geoid The particular equipotential surface
that coincides with mean sea level and that may be imagined to extend through
the continents. This surface is everywhere perpendicular to the force of
gravity.
Geoid height The height above the geoid is
often called elevation above mean sea level.
Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP) see Dilution of Precision
GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite System Organizing concept of a European
system that would incorporate GPS, GLONASS, and other space-based and ground-based
segments to support all forms of navigation.
GPS The U.S. Department of Defense
Global Positioning System: A constellation of 24 satellites orbiting the
earth at a very high altitude. GPS satellites transmit signals that allow
one to determine, with great accuracy, the locations of GPS receivers.
The receivers can be fixed on the Earth, in moving vehicles, aircraft,
or in low-Earth orbiting satellites. GPS is used in air, land and sea navigation,
mapping, surveying and other applications where precise positioning is
necessary.
GPS ICD-200 The GPS Interface Control Document
is a government document that contains the full technical description of
the interface between the satellites and the user.
Handover word The word in the GPS message that
contains synchronization information for the transfer of tracking from
the C/A to the P -code.
Hardware The physical components of a computer
system. Reference is often made to "hardware" and "software"; in that context,
"hardware" consists of the computer, input and output devices and other
peripheral equipment.
Integrity The ability of a system to provide
timely warnings to users when the system should not be used for navigation
as a result of errors or failures in the system.
Interface A shared boundary between various
systems or programs. An interface is also the equipment or device that
makes it possible to interoperate two systems. For example, it is common
to interface the 911 telephone system with a computer-aided dispatch (CAD)
system. Both hardware and software are needed to provide that interface.
Ionosphere The band of charged particles
80 to 120 miles above the earth's surface, which represent a nonhomogeneous
and dispersive medium for radio signals.
Ionospheric delay A wave propagating through the
ionosphere experiences delay. Phase delay depends on electron content and
affects carrier signals. Group delay depends on dispersion in the ionosphere
as well and affects signal modulation (codes). The phase and group delay
are of the same magnitude but opposite sign.
Ionospheric refraction The change in the propagation
speed of a signal as it passes through the ionosphere.
Kalman filter A numerical method used to track
a time-varying signal in the presence of noise.
L-band The group of radio frequencies
extending from 390 MHz to 1550 MHz. The GPS carrier frequencies (1227.6
MHz and 1575.42 MHz) are in the L-band.
L1 signal The primary L-band signal transmitted
by each GPS satellite at 1572.42 MHz. The L1 broadcast is modulated with
the C/A and P-codes and with the navigation message.
L2 signal The second L-band signal is centered
at 1227.60 MHz and carries the P-code and navigation message.
MDT - Mobile Data Terminal A device, typically installed
in a vehicle, that consists of a small screen, a keyboard or other operator
interface, and various amounts of memory and processing capabilities.
Monitor stations One of the worldwide group of
stations used in the GPS control segment to track satellite clock and orbital
parameters. Data collected at monitor stations are linked to a master control
station at which corrections are calculated and from which correction data
is uploaded to the satellites as needed.
Multichannel receiver A receiver containing multiple
independent channels, each of which tracks one satellite continuously,
so that position solutions are derived from simultaneous calculations of
pseudoranges.
Multipath Interference caused by reflected
GPS signals arriving at the receiver, typically as a result of nearby structures
or other reflective surfaces. Signals traveling longer paths produce higher
(erroneous) pseudorange estimates and, consequently, positioning errors.
Multiplexing channel A receiver channel through which
a series of signals from different satellites can be sequenced.
Modem A modulator/demodulator. When
two computers communicate over telephone lines and similar media, digital
signals must be converted to analog during transmission, then back again
to digital at the destination. Modems are always used in pairs, one at
each end. They are rated according to the speed, typically in "bits per
second," at which the information can pass through the transmission medium.
NAD-83 North American Datum, 1983
Nanosecond One billionth of a second.
Nav message The 1500-bit navigation message
broadcast by each GPS satellite at 50 bps on the L1 and/or L2 signals.
This message contains system time, clock correction parameters, ionospheric
delay model parameters, and the vehicle's ephemeris and health. The information
is used to process GPS signals to give user time, position, and velocity.
Observation The period of time over which
GPS data is collected simultaneously by two or more receivers.
P-code The precise or precision code
of the GPS signal, typically used alone by U.S. and allied military receivers.
A very long sequence of pseudo-random binary biphase modulations on the
GPS carrier at a chip rate of 10.23 MHz which repeats about every 267 days.
Each one-week segment of this code is unique to one GPS satellite and is
reset each week.
PDOP - Position dilution of precision A unitless figure of merit expressing
the relationship between the error in user position and the error in satellite
position, which is a function of the configuration of satellites from which
signals are derived in positioning (see DOP). Geometrically, PDOP is proportional
to 1 divided by the volume of the pyramid formed by lines running from
the receiver to four observed satellites. Small values, such as "3", are
good for positioning while higher values produce less accurate position
solutions. Small PDOP is associated with widely separated satellites.
Phase lock The technique whereby the phase
of an oscillator signal is made to follow exactly the phase of a reference
signal. The receiver first compares the phases of the two signals, then
uses the resulting phase difference signal to adjust the reference oscillator
frequency. This eliminates phase difference when the two signals are next
compared.
Point Positioning A geographic position produced
from one receiver in a standalone mode.
Precise Positioning Service (PPS) The highest level of military
dynamic positioning accuracy provided by GPS, using the dual-frequency
P-code.
Pseudolite (shortened form of pseudo-satellite) A ground-based differential GPS
receiver that simulates the signal of a GPS satellite and can be used for
ranging. The data portion of the signal may also contain differential corrections
that can be used by receivers to correct for GPS errors.
PRN - Pseudorandom noise A sequence of digital 1's and
0's that appear to be randomly distributed like noise but that can be reproduced
exactly. Their most important property is a low autocorrelation value for
all delays or lags except when they coincide exactly. Each GPS satellite
has unique C/A and P pseudorandom-noise codes.
Pseudorange A distance measurement, based
on the correlation of a satellite-transmitted code and the local receiver's
reference code, that has not been corrected for errors in synchronization
between the transmitter's clock and the receiver's clock.
Radionavigation The determination of position,
or the obtaining of information relative to position, for the purpose of
navigation by means of the propagation properties of radio waves. GPS is
a method of radionavigation.
Range rate The rate of change between the
satellite and receiver. The range to a satellite changes due to satellite
and observer motions. Range rate is determined by measuring the Doppler
shift of the satellite beacon carrier.
Relative navigation A technique similar to relative
positioning, except that one or both of the points may be moving. A data
link is used to relay error terms to the moving vessel or aircraft to improve
real-time navigation.
Relative positioning The process of determining the
relative difference in position between two locations, in the case of GPS,
by placing a receiver over each site and making simultaneous measurements
observing the same set of satellites at the same time. This technique allows
the receiver to cancel errors that are common to both receivers, such as
satellite clock and ephemeris errors, propagation delays, and so forth.
Reliability The probability of performing
a specified function without failure under given conditions for a specified
period of time.
RINEX - Receiver INdependent EXchange
format A set of standard definitions and formats that permits interchangeable
use of GPS data from dissimilar GPS receiver models or postprocessing software.
The format includes definitions for time, phase, and range.
SA - see selective availability
Satellite constellation The arrangement in space of a
set of satellites. In the case of GPS, the fully operational constellation
is composed of six orbital planes, each containing four satellites. GLONASS
has three orbital planes containing eight satellites each.
Selective availability - SA A DoD program that controls the
accuracy of pseudorange measurements, degrading the signal available to
nonqualified receivers by dithering the time and ephemerides data provided
in the navigation message.
Space segment The portion of the GPS system
that is located in space, that is, the GPS satellites and any ancillary
spacecraft that provide GPS augmentation information (i.e., differential
corrections, integrity messages, etc.)
Spread spectrum The received GPS signal is wide-bandwidth
and low-power (-160 dBW). The L-band signal is modulated with a PRN code
to spread the signal energy over a much wider bandwidth than the signal
information bandwidth. This provides the ability to receive all satellites
unambiguously and to give some resistance to noise and multipath.
Spherical Error Probable (SEP) The radius of a sphere within
which there is a 50 percent probability of locating a point or being located.
SEP is the three-dimensional analogue of CEP.
SPS - see standard positioning service
Squaring-type channel A GPS receiver channel that multiplies
the received signal by itself to obtain a second harmonic of the carriers
that does not contain the code modulation. Used in "codeless" receiver
channels.
Standard deviation (sigma) A measure of the dispersion of
random errors about the mean value. If a large numberof measurements or
observations of the same quantity are made, the standard deviation is the
square root of the sum of the squares of deviations from the mean value
divided by the number of observations less one.
Standard Positioning Service (SPS) The normal civilian positioning
accuracy obtained by using the single frequency C/A code. Under selective
availability conditions, guaranteed to be no worse than 100 meters 95 percent
of the time (2 drms).
Static positioning Location determination accomplished
with a stationary receiver. This allows the use of various averaging or
differential techniques.
SV Satellite vehicle or space vehicle
Universal time coordinated (UTC) An international, highly accurate
and stable uniform atomic time system kept very close, by offsets, to the
universal time corrected for seasonal variations in the earth's rotation
rate. Maintained by the U.S. Naval Observatory. GPS time is directly relatable
to UTC: UTC-GPS = seconds. (The changing constant = 5 seconds in 1988.)
URA - see user range accuracy
User interface The hardware and operating software
by which a receiver operator executes procedures on equipment (such as
a GPS receiver) and the means by which the equipment conveys information
to the person using it: the controls and displays.
User Range Accuracy - URA The contribution to the range-measurement
error from an individual error source (apparent clock and ephemeris prediction
accuracies). This is converted into range units, assuming that the error
source is uncorrelated with all other error sources. Values < 10 are
preferred.
User segment The part of the whole GPS system
that includes the receivers of GPS signals.
UTC - see universal time coordinated
World geodetic system A consistent set of parameters
describing the size and shape of the Earth, the positions of a network
of points with respect to the center of mass of the Earth, transformations
from major geodetic datums, and the potential of the Earth (usually in
terms of harmonic coefficients).
WGS-84 (World Geodetic System 1984) The mathematical ellipsoid used
by GPS since January, 1987.
Y code The encrypted version of the P-code |
