Course Details

GPS/GNSS Surveying Techniques Training Course

Introduction

The advent of Global Positioning System (GPS) and the broader family of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) has fundamentally transformed the field of surveying, navigation, and location-based services. GNSS technology allows for the determination of precise three-dimensional coordinates (latitude, longitude, and height) anywhere on or near the Earth's surface, at any time, under virtually all weather conditions. Unlike traditional terrestrial surveying methods that require direct line-of-sight between points, GNSS relies on signals from a constellation of orbiting satellites, offering unparalleled speed, efficiency, and accuracy for a wide array of applications. From establishing highly accurate control networks for large infrastructure projects to collecting topographic data, setting out construction points, monitoring deformations, and facilitating precision agriculture, GNSS has become the backbone of modern geospatial data acquisition. However, effectively harnessing the power of GNSS requires more than simply operating a receiver; it demands a deep understanding of its underlying principles, various surveying techniques (e.g., Static, RTK, PPK), error sources, and data processing methodologies. Without comprehensive training, users may struggle with achieving desired accuracies, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring data integrity, leading to costly errors and inefficient workflows. Many geospatial professionals recognize the ubiquity and potential of GNSS but lack the specialized practical and theoretical knowledge to maximize its capabilities for precise and reliable surveying.

Conversely, mastering GPS/GNSS Surveying Techniques empowers professionals to efficiently collect highly accurate spatial data, establish robust control networks, and conduct precise positioning tasks across diverse applications. This specialized skill set is crucial for transforming raw satellite signals into reliable geographic information, driving efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced quality in various land-related and geospatial disciplines. Our intensive 5-day "GPS/GNSS Surveying Techniques" training course is meticulously designed to equip aspiring surveyors, civil engineers, construction managers, GIS professionals, land developers, and researchers with the essential theoretical knowledge and extensive practical, hands-on skills required to confidently set up, operate, and process data from GNSS receivers for a wide range of surveying applications.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "GPS/GNSS Surveying Techniques" training course is ideal for a broad range of professionals and individuals who need to acquire practical skills in using GPS/GNSS technology for various field and office applications. This includes:

• Aspiring Surveyors and Survey Technicians: Individuals seeking fundamental hands-on training for their career.
• Civil Engineers and Construction Managers: For site control, layout, as-built surveys, and progress monitoring.
• GIS Professionals and Data Collectors: Who require high-accuracy positional data for mapping and asset management.
• Urban Planners and Land Developers: For property boundary verification, site assessment, and infrastructure planning.
• Environmental Scientists and Ecologists: For precise mapping of field sites, ecological monitoring, and research.
• Agriculturalists and Agronomists: For precision farming applications, field boundary mapping, and guidance systems.
• Researchers and Academics: Requiring accurate spatial data collection for field studies in various disciplines.
• Mining Engineers: For mine surveying, volumetric calculations, and safety monitoring.
• Anyone involved in projects requiring accurate outdoor positioning and spatial data collection.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "GPS/GNSS Surveying Techniques" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of GPS and other GNSS constellations.
• Comprehend the types of GNSS signals, measurements (code, carrier phase), and positioning modes.
• Operate and configure various types of GNSS receivers for different surveying applications.
• Execute common GNSS surveying techniques: Static, RTK (Real-Time Kinematic), and Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK).
• Understand and mitigate sources of error in GNSS measurements.
• Perform basic GNSS data processing using specialized software.
• Plan and execute GNSS surveys efficiently and effectively.
• Assess the accuracy and reliability of GNSS-derived positions for specific project requirements.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to GNSS and Fundamental Concepts

• Overview of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
• History and evolution of satellite positioning.
• Basic principles of GNSS positioning: Satellites, control segments, user segments.
• How GNSS receivers determine position: Trilateration, pseudo-ranges.
• Types of GNSS signals (L1, L2, L5) and their characteristics.

Module 2: GNSS Receivers and Data Types

• Components of a GNSS receiver: Antenna, receiver unit, data collector.
• Types of GNSS receivers: Handheld, mapping-grade, survey-grade (single-frequency, dual-frequency).
• Understanding different data types: Code measurements (pseudo-ranges) and Carrier-phase measurements.
• Raw GNSS data formats (e.g., RINEX) and proprietary formats.
• Receiver configuration and settings for various surveying tasks.

Module 3: Coordinate Systems, Datums, and Projections

• The Earth's shape: Geoid, Ellipsoid.
• Geodetic datums: Global (WGS84) and local datums.
• Coordinate systems: Geographic (latitude, longitude) and Projected (Easting, Northing).
• Understanding map projections and their distortions.
• Transformations between different coordinate systems and datums.

Module 4: GNSS Positioning Modes and Accuracy

• Autonomous GNSS: Basic positioning, handheld receiver accuracy.
• Differential GNSS (DGNSS): Principles and accuracy improvement using correction sources (e.g., SBAS, CORS).
• Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS: Principles, base-rover setup, communication links (radio, cellular), accuracy.
• Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) GNSS: Principles, data logging, post-processing accuracy.
• Understanding factors affecting accuracy: PDOP, multipath, atmospheric conditions.

Module 5: GNSS Error Sources and Mitigation

• Satellite-related errors: Orbital errors, clock errors.
• Atmospheric errors: Ionospheric and tropospheric delays.
• Receiver-related errors: Noise, multipath.
• Geometric dilution of precision (GDOP/PDOP).
• Mitigation strategies: Differential correction, receiver design, antenna selection, survey planning.

Module 6: GNSS Survey Planning and Field Procedures

• Pre-survey planning: Project requirements, site reconnaissance, control point selection.
• Network design for Static GNSS surveys.
• Setting up base and rover receivers for RTK/PPK.
• Field data collection procedures: Point collection, line features, stakeout.
• Quality control in the field: Redundancy, checks, data logging.

Module 7: GNSS Data Processing and Analysis

• Importing raw GNSS data into processing software (e.g., Trimble Business Center, Leica Infinity, RTKLIB).
• Base station selection and data input.
• Post-processing Static and PPK data: Baseline processing, ambiguity resolution.
• Network adjustment for control surveys.
• Generating reports on processing results, accuracy, and residuals.

Module 8: Advanced GNSS Applications and Trends

• GNSS for precise monitoring: Deformation, structural health.
• GNSS for Machine Control and guidance in construction and agriculture.
• Integration of GNSS with Total Stations and LiDAR.
• Understanding Network RTK (NRTK) and Virtual Reference Stations (VRS).
• Future trends in GNSS: Multi-constellation, multi-frequency receivers, urban positioning challenges.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com