CEG8735 : Satellite positioning, navigation, timing and earth observation
CEG8735 : Satellite positioning, navigation, timing and earth observation
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Professor Peter Clarke
- Lecturer: Dr Achraf Koulali Idrissi, Dr Maria-Valasia Peppa
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To provide a comprehensive understanding of satellite positioning systems and Earth Observation techniques.
To understand the principles of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), remote sensing technologies, satellite imaging, and applications in geospatial sciences, environmental monitoring, and disaster management
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will cover the design and use of satellite-based geospatial technologies and their applications in various domains, e.g. terrestrial and airborne navigation and guidance, disaster response, and climate and environmental monitoring. In particular, students will learn the principles of satellite orbit determination, tracking, and constellation design for positioning and Earth Observation (EO); the fundamentals of precise positioning, navigation and time transfer (PNT) using GNSS; the basis of radar, optical, hyperspectral and gravimetric satellite EO techniques; and the linkages between satellite PNT&EO and airborne / drone-based remote sensing. They will develop skills in processing and analysing satellite-based and airborne geospatial data including the use of machine learning and AI to enhance PNT&EO, with a focus on real-world environmental and sustainability applications.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will:
• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of GNSS and satellite-based positioning.
• Explain the principles and practice of satellite-based and airborne (including drone) Earth
Observation systems.
• Analyse how principles of AI and machine learning (ML) can be applied to enhance satellite
positioning and Earth Observation applications.
• Apply satellite positioning and Earth observation (EO) techniques to real-world problems.
Intended Skill Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Explain satellite-based positioning, and the concepts of signals, orbits, and reference frames.
• Explain the design and use of satellite-based and airborne Earth Observation systems.
• Analyse a variety of applications for satellite positioning and Earth Observation, including
navigation, time transfer, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
• Process and interpret satellite-derived positioning and Earth Observation data using software
tools, including ML-based techniques.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Online quiz formative assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Closed book, in-person exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 20 | 2:00 | 40:00 | Coursework submission preparation - portfolio |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 6 | 3:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Lecture follow-up |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Seminar - practical briefing sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 77:00 | 77:00 | Further reading and exam preparation |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures convey the core concepts, theories, and methods. Practicals enable the principles introduced in lectures to be put into practice, learned and assimilated through hands-on examples. The practicals have been developed to enable students to work independently and the practicals before each coursework submission will enable students to develop their submission. Clinics provide the opportunity for students to ask questions arising post-practicals and before submission deadlines. A series of Canvas tests will check knowledge after lecture/practical pairs.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 60 | Present-in-person closed book digital exam |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 2 | M | 40 | Collation and critical discussion of principal outputs from tasks undertaken at practicals. (approximately 1500 words, excluding figures, tables and computational workings) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | Online quiz on concepts and principles |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Coursework write-ups of practicals provide an opportunity to consolidate this understanding and obtain feedback. The closed-book, timed exam provides the means for a student to individually demonstrate their cumulative knowledge and understanding gained as needed in future careers and the workplace.
The formative online mid-semester quizzes provide a means of introducing the students to the style of exam later encountered, and an opportunity to test their understanding to date.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG8735's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CEG8735's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
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