SPAT3003

SPAT3003: Satellite and Space Positioning

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Which units require SPAT3003?

SPAT3003 is a prerequisite for 4 units.

What is SPAT3003 about?

Who uses GPS (Global Positioning System)? Pretty much everyone in one way or another. Satellite and Space Positioning unit provides you with the knowledge and basic skills needed to collect and process data for positioning using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS; comprising the US-GPS, Russian-GLONASS, EU-Galileo and Chinese-Beidou). Need for positions derived from GNSS are now required in most fields. For example, whereas Surveyors need to provide accurate three-dimensional coordinates in space and time, Civil and Mine Engineers use Real Time Kinematic (RTK) to obtain positions during construction and mining activities. Geologists, on the other hand, need precise locations of their rocks while Agriculturalists require accurate positions for precision farming. With climate change increasingly being of global concern, its monitoring is now being undertaken using GPS atmospheric sounding. In this unit, you will not only be introduced to a modern surveying positioning tool but also to the state-of-the-art space missions currently in operation, such as GPS radio occultation and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). Assuming no prior knowledge, the unit provides the basics of GPS, its positioning methods (static, RTK, Real Time Extended (RTX), etc.), and the processing techniques (Trimble Business Center (TBC) and AUSPOS Online Service). In addition, the unit considers other space-based positioning techniques such as VLBI (very long baseline interferometry), LLR (lunar laser ranging) and SLR (satellite laser ranging). It is hoped that once you have completed this unit, you will be prepared to meet future challenges requiring knowledge and skills of satellite and space positioning, which is not only essential, but which you will find very useful and use regularly in your future careers.

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Unit details

Credits25

Contact Hours4 Weekly

Result TypeGrade/Mark

AreaSchool of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) (1152)

Field of Education031100 Geomatic Engineering (Narrow Grouping)

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How this unit is taught

Online lecture (pre-recorded)1 x 1 hour weekly
Workshop1 x 2 hours weekly
Fieldwork/Computer Lab - mixed class8 x 3 hours semesterly