CEG1705 : Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Achraf Koulali Idrissi
- 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: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aim of the module is for students to understand the principles underlying the use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) at metre and sub-metre accuracy for applications in surveying, GIS, transport, agriculture, asset management, and scientific studies.
This module introduces students to the basics of positioning using GNSSs, of which the US Global Positioning System (NAVSTAR GPS) is the prime example. The module covers the system components and the way they interact, the causes of measurement errors and how they may be mitigated (including differential GNSS), and the relationships between the different coordinate types that may be used to describe position. The applications of metre-accuracy GNSS positioning are discussed in lectures and within a self-directed project. More advanced topics include a brief introduction to precise (millimetre-accuracy) positioning using the carrier phase and the relationships between different historical geodetic datums used in the UK and worldwide (including height systems involving the geoid). Practical exercises include spreadsheet-based coordinate calculations, and the opportunity to test different types of GNSS receivers in the field.
Outline Of Syllabus
- Overview of GNSSs
- How code GNSS works
- Errors affecting GNSS positioning and error mitigation
- Differential GNSS
- Overview of precise (phase) GNSS
- The future of GNSSs
- Coordinate systems used with GNSS
- Overview of map projections
- Overview of geodetic datums and coordinate transformations
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 17 | 1:00 | 17:00 | PiP delivery |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Project report writing |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Practical write-up |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | PiP invigilated summative exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 17 | 0:30 | 8:30 | Revision for exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | PiP computer based |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PiP seminar |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | PiP GNSS data collection and analysis |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 53:30 | 53:30 | General reading and revision |
| Total | 100:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CEG2719 | Global Navigation Systems for Geoscientists |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Factual and conceptual material relating to all learning outcomes is covered in formal lectures, whereas more interpretative and application-based material is encountered in the individual project. Knowledge outcomes 1 and 4, and the skill outcomes, are further covered in two computer-based practical sessions on computational aspects of coordinate systems and one practical field exercise involving the collection of actual GNSS data, followed by analysis and interpretation of errors.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | PiP invigilated unseen written exam |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Navigation Systems for Geoscientists | 2 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 30 | Practical/fieldwork/report |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | GNSS field activity: for satisfactory completion of fieldwork and seminar |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The majority of factual and conceptual material relating to the learning outcomes is assessed within the unseen exam. Analytical and computational aspects are assessed as part of the practical reports (coursework). Knowledge outcomes 3 and 4, and the skill outcomes, are particularly addressed in the assessed project report (coursework).
Practical 1 (coordinate types): 4% for satisfactory completion;
Practical 2 (GNSS in the field): 3% for satisfactory completion of fieldwork and seminar;
Practical 3 (coordinate transformations): 8% for satisfactory completion and correct calculations;
Practical 4 (Project / applications of GNSS): 15% for approximately 4 pages.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG1705's Timetable