GPS TERMINOLOGY
Absolute Positioning
Positioning mode in which a position is identified with respect to a well-defined coordinate
system, commonly a geocentric system (i.e., a system whose point of origin coincides with the
center of mass of the earth).
Almanac
A data file that contains orbit information on all satellites, clock corrections, and atmospheric
delay parameters. It is transmitted by a GPS satellite to a GPS receiver, where it facilitates rapid
satellite vehicle acquisition within GPS recievers.
Ambiguity
Integer bias term, Cycle ambiguity The unknown number of whole wavelengths of the carrier
signal contained in an unbroken set of measurements from a single satellite at a single receiver.
Anti Spoofing
AS Encryption of the P-code signal transforming it to Y-code which is unavailable to civilian
users.
Anywhere fix
The ability of a receiver to start position calculations without being given an approximate
location and time.
AROF
Ambiguity Resolution On the Fly Fast ambiguity resolution GPS surveying where the solution is
determined while the receiver is in motion.
Attribute
A value that describes a feature. Features may have zero to many attributes. The attributes for
features are described in the data dictionary. Values for attributes are entered while collecting the
data. An example of an attribute would be the name of a building, or the height of a tree.
Availability
The number of hours per day that a particular location has sufficient satellites (above the
specified elevation angle and less than the specified PDOP value) to make a GPS position fix.
Baseline
A baseline consists of a pair of stations for which simultaneous GPS data has been collected.
Baseline - Vector
The difference in three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z) computed from the difference in
simultaneous carrier phase observations at two or more receivers.
Base station
Also called a reference station. A receiver that is set up on a known location specifically to
collect data for differentially correcting rover files. The base station calculates the error for each
satellite and, through differential correction, improves the accuracy of GPS positions collected at
unknown locations by a roving GPS receiver.
Base station file
The data file created by the base station. Base station files follow a naming pattern: A7-Month-
Day-Hour.SSF, such as A7110413.SSF for a file created on November 4th during the hour of
13:00 (GMT). The base station will write a new file every time the hour changes. If here is an
error in a file or the station has an error writing the file, the new file for that hour will have
extension .001.
Blue Book
Term referring to the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee publication "Input Formats and
Specifications of the National Geodetic Survey Data Base" which defines the file formats for
data submission to the National Geodetic Reference System.
C/A code
The standard (Clear/Acquisition) GPS code; also known as the "civilian code" or S-code.
Carrier
A radio wave having at least one characterstic (e.g. frequency, amplitude, phase) that can 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
pseudo random code. More accurate than standard approach.
Carrier beat phase
The phase of the signal which remains when the incoming Doppler-shifted satellite carrier signal
is beat (the difference frequency signal is generated) with the nominally-constant reference
frequency generated by the receiver.
Carrier frequency
Frequency of the unmodulated output of a radio transmitter.
L1 carrier signal broadcasts at 1575.42 MHz (19 cm wavelength).
L2 carrier signal broadcasts at 1227.60 MHz (24 cm wavelength).
A channel of a GPS receiver consists of the radio frequency, circuitry, and software necessary to
tune the signal from a signal GPS satellite.
Clock bias
The difference the clock's indicated time and true universal time.
Code phase GPS
GPS measurements based on the C/A code.
Constant offset
In some cases you will be unable to receive GPS signals while mapping a desired feature. A
constant offset can be configured that will allow you to stand a distance away from the feature,
yet record the feature's position.
Constellation
Refers to either the specific set of satellites used in calculating positions or all the satellites
visible to a GPS receiver at one time.
Control segment
A world-wide network of GPS monitoring and control stations that ensure the accuracy of
satellite positions and their clocks.
Coordinate System
What mapping system is used to represent postions. Some examples are latitude/longitude and
state plane. The datalogger by default uses latitude/longitude. You can convert your data into the
desired coordinate system using PFinder.
CORS
Continuously Operating Reference Station Fixed GPS receiver site in continuous operation.
Cycle slip
A discontinuity of an interger number of cycles in the measured carrier beat phase resulting from
a temporary loss-of-lock in the carrier tracking loop of a GPS receiver.
Data Dictionary
Defines the fields you will fill during data collection using the GPS equipment. Very similar to
describing the fields in a record for a database program.
Datalogger
Also called a data recorder. A handheld, lightweight data entry computer. It can be used to store
additional data obtained by a GPS reciever.
Data message
A 1500 bit message included in the GPS signal which reports the satellite's location, clock
corrections, and health.
Datum
geodetic - A set of constants specifying the coordinate system used for geodetic control. A
complete geodetic datum provides, as a minimum, definition for orientation, scale and
dimensions for the reference ellipsoid. The concept is generally expanded to include the
published coordinates of control stations within the system.
GRS 80 - The reference ellipsoid of the NAD83 coordinate system. a = 6378137.000 m, b =
6356752.314 m, 1/f = 298.257 222 101
Clarke 1866 - The reference ellipsoid for the NAD27 coordinate system. a = 6378206.400 m, b
= 6356583.800 m, 1/f = 294.978 698 200
NAD 27 - Regional horizontal coordinate system used throughout the U.S. until 1986 with the
origin at station MEADS RANCH.
NAD 83 - Horizontal coordinate system for U.S., Canada and Mexico. Originally published in
1986 it is based upon the GRS 80 ellipsoid with its origin at the center of mass defined by BIH at
epoch 1984.0. Geodetic surveyors must be particularly cognizant of epoch dates attached to the
NAD 83 an acronym. These refer to the mean date of the observations used in the regional
adjustment. The California HPGN was originally published at epoch 1991.35.
NAVD 88 - Vertical (elevation) reference system for U.S., Canada and Mexico. Published in
1991 the orthometric heights are derived from an adjustment of leveling data constrained at a
single point on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
NGVD 29 - Mean sea level reference system for U.S. prior to NAVD 88. Constrained to 26 tide
stations in U.S. and Canada, the datum is distorted to fit sea surface topography.
WGS 84 - Geodetic datum for the GPS orbits and consequently positions and baselines
computed using them. a = 6378137.000 m, b = 6356752.3100, 1/f = 298.257 223 563
Deflection of the vertical - The angle at a point on the surface of the earth between the vertical at
that point (the line normal to the geoid) and the line through the point which is normal to the
reference ellipse.
Differential Correction
Using either GPS positions collected from a base station (located on a known position)
simultaneously or RTCM broadcasts to increase the accuracy of your position information.
Dilution of Precision
DOP A scale factor representing the contribution of the satellite configuration geometry to the
positioning accuracy. Standard terms for GPS applications are:
GDOP - Geometric (three coordinates plus clock offset)
PDOP - Position (three coordinates)
HDOP - Horizontal (two coordinates)
VDOP - Tertical (height only)
TDOP - Time (clock offset only)
Dithering
The introduction of digital noise. This is the process the Department of Defense (DoD) uses to
add inaccuracy to GPS signals to induce Selective Availability.
Dongle
A security device that fits into the 25-pin port on the back of the laptop. Not a GPS term, but you
need to know it to use the PFinder and Community Base Station software.
Double Difference
Baseline computation algorithm using differences between carrier phase measurements between
satellites and between receivers. This processing is the typical solution utilized for precise
surveying applications. Computations are ambiguous in the unknown integer cycle term (see
cycle ambiguity).
Elevation mask
Required elevation of the SV above the horizon. SVs with elevation below the mask will not be
used to compute positions. This is done because SVs near the horizion have more error due to
atmosphere.
Emphemris
The predictions of current satellite position that are transmitted to the user in the data message.
Ellipsoid spheroid
The mathematical function used to describe the shape of the earth for geodetic computations.
The figure is formed by rotating an ellipse about its minor (shorter) axis and is typically
described by dimensions for the semimajor axis (a) together with the semiminor axis (b) or
flattening (f) = (a-b)/a.
Ellipsoid height
The distance from a point to the reference ellipsoid along a line normal to the ellipsoid.
Ephemeris almanac
The description of the satellite orbits and clock correction parameters variable over time used for
positioning and baseline computations. The ephemerise may be broadcast (projected ahead into
time and subject to selective availability) or precise (post-fitted).
Epoch - A specific instant in time. GPS carrier phase measurements are made at a given
frequency (e.g. every 30 seconds) or epoch rate.
Epoch Date - The date, usually expressed in decimal years, for which published coordinates and
data are valid.
Error ellipse
A statistical measure of the positional error at a given point computed from the propagation of all
errors contributing to the position and expressed by its semi-major and semi-minor axis (vectors
of greatest and least magnitude) and the covariance (rotation angle from the reference coordinate
system). Two dimensional errors are typically propagated at one-standard deviation (39.4%
probability that the position lies on or within the ellipse) or 2.1447 times the standard deviation
(95% confidence) level.
Fast ambiguity resolution
Rapid static, Fast static GPS surveying technique utilizing multiple observables (dual-frequency
carrier phase, C/A and P codes) to resolve integer ambiguities with shortened observation
periods. The method may also be used for observations with the receiver in motion known as on-
the-fly ambiguity resolution.
Fast-switching channel
A single channel which rapidly samples a number of satellite ranges. "Fast" implies that the
switching time is sufficiently short (2 to 5 milliseconds) to recover the data message.
Feature
Any item about which you want position information. Your data dictionary will describe the
features you wish to collect. A feature may be a single point, a line, or an area.
Geoid
That equipotential surface (a surface of equal gravity potential) which most closely matches
mean sea level. An equipotential surface is normal to the gravity vector at every point
Geodetic surveys
Global surveys done to establish control networks (comprised of reference or control points) as a
basis for accurate land mapping.
Geometric Dilution of Precision
The multiplicative factor that modifies range error. It is caused solely by the geometry between
the user and their set of satellites; known as DOP or GDOP.
Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS)
This is the Russian counterpart to GPS. GLONASS provides worldwide coverage, however, its
accuracy performance os optimized for the northern latitudes. and is specificed as identical to
that of GPS SPS.
GPS week
Incremental number of weeks, starting at 0 hour UTC on the date January 6, 1980. April 6, 1997
is the first day of GPS week 900.
Gravity void
A block or area of blocks within the gravity measurement database without observations. A
geoid model relying upon this database would be weak and possibly in error at these blocks.
Ground plane
A large flat metal surface, or electrically charged field, surrounding a GPS antenna used to
deflect errant signals (multipath) reflected from the ground and other near-by objects.
Ionospheric refraction
The change in the propagation speed of a signal as it passes through the ionosphere.
Multipath error
Errors caused by the interference of a signal that has reached the receiver antenna by two or
more different paths. This is usually caused by one path being bounced or reflected.
Multi-channel receiver
A GPS receiver that can simultaneously track more than one satellite signal.
Multiplexing channel
A channel of a GPS receiver that can be sequenced through a number of satellite signals.
NAVSTAR
The name given to GPS satellites. NAVSTAR is an acronym for NAVigation Satellite Timing
and Ranging.
NAD 27
North American Datum of 1927. Older and obsolete horzontal datum of North America. NAD 27
depends upon an early approximation of the shape of the earth, known as the clarke Spheriod of
1866, designed to fit only the shape of the conterminous United States, and utilizing a specific
Earth surface coordinate pair as its center of reference.
NAD 83
North American Datum of 1983. Official horizontal datum of North America. NAD 83 relies on
the more precise Geodetic Reference System of 1980 (GRS 80).
NAVD 88
North American Vertical Datum of 1988. Effort underway by the National Geodetic Survey
(NGS) to readjust the North American Vertical Datum. The NAVD 88 readjustment will remove
distortions from the continent-wide vertical geodetic (height) reference system.
P-code
The Precise or Protected code. 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 1-week segment of this code is unique to one GPS satellite and is reset each week.
Point positioning
Positioning mode in which a position is identified with respect to a well-defined coordinate
system, commonly a geocentric system (i.e., a system whose point of origin coincides with the
center of mass of the earth).
Position
The latitude, longitude, and altitude of a point. An estimate of error is often associated with a
position.
P-code - The protected, or precise, code modulated on both L1 and L2 carrier signals. The P-code
is a very long (about 1014 bits) sequence of pseudo-random binary biphase modulations on the
GPS carrier at a chipping rate of 10.23 MHz which does not repeat itself for about 38 weeks.
Each satellite uses a one-week segment of this code which is unique to each satellite, and reset
each week.
PDOP
Percent Dilution of Position. Measure of the geometrical strength of the GPS satellite
configuration. The amount of error in your position. PDOP less than 4 gives the best accuracy
(under 1 meter). Between 4 and 8 gives acceptable accuracy. Greater than 8 gives poor accuracy.
PDOP Mask
The upper limit for PDOP that you wish to collect data. If PDOP goes above the PDOP mask,
GPS data will no longer be collected (until the PDOP decreases). The default is 6.
Post-processed differential GPS
In post-processed differential GPS the base and roving recievers have no active data link
between them. Instead, each records the satellite observations that will allow differential
correction at a later time. Differential correction software is used to combine and process the data
collected from these receivers.
Precise Positioning Service (PPS)
The most accurate dynamic positioning possible with GPS, based on the dual frequency P-code.
Proportional error
One means of expressing positional accuracy, expressed as the position error divided by the
distance to the origin of the coordinate system used, stated in parts per million (ppm).
Pseudo-lite
A ground-based differential GPS receiver which transmits a signal like that of an actual GPS
satellite, and can be used for ranging.
Pseudo-random noise (PRN) code
A signal with random noise-like properties. It is very complicated but repeated pattern of 1's and
0's.
Pseudo-range
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.
Pseudo-static GPS - Also known as pseudo-kinematic and repeat occupation, this relative
positioning technique relies upon two or more simultaneous observations at a point pair,
separated by some time interval (typically 60 minutes or more), in order to solve the integer bias
terms from the change in satellite geometry occurring between the repeat observations.
Range
A fixed distance between two points, such as between a starting and an ending waypoint or a
satellite and a GPS reciever.
Real-time differential GPS
A base station which computes, formats, and transmits corrections usually through some sort of
data link (e.g. VHF radio or cellular telephone) with each new GPS observation. The roving unit
requires some sort of data link receiving equipment to receive the transmitted GPS corrections
and get them into the GPS receiver so they can be applied to its current observations.
Relative positioning
The determination of relative positions between two or more receivers which are simultaneously
tracking the same GPS signals.
Relative precision
Precision is defined as a measure of the tendency of a set of numbers to cluster about a number
determined by the set (e.g. the mean). The usual measure is the standard deviation with respect to
the mean. Relative precision denotes the tendency for the various components (X, Y, Z) between
one station and other stations in the network to be clustered about the adjusted values. Current
custom is to express relative precision at the two-standard deviation (95% confidence) level. This
may be stated in terms of a relative error ellipse or as a proportion of the separation distance (e.g.
10 ppm or 1:100,000).
RINEX
Receiver INdependent EXchange format. A set of standard definitions and formats to promote
the free exchange of GPS data and facilities the use of data from any GPS receiver with any
software package. The format includes definitions for three fundamental GOS observables: time,
phase, and range.
RMS
Root Mean Square deviation is also known as the population standard deviation.
Rover
Any mobile GPS receiver collecting data during a field session. The receiver's position can be
computed relative to another, stationary GPS receiver.
Rover file
The data file created by the rover. After being transferred to PFinder, the rover file has extension
.SSF. File names follow a naming pattern: R-Month-Date-Hour-Sequence, for example, file
R110413A.SSF was created on November 4th, during the hour of 13:00 (GMT), and is the first
file created in that hour. A second file created in this hour would be named R110413B.SSF
RTCM
Real Time Correction Measure. RTCM is a format for using Differential GPS broadcasts over
radio to provide real-time correction of the error in the calculated positions. Trimble ProBeacon
is the Differential GPS receiver we have.
Satellite elevation mask
Required elevation of the SV above the horizon. SVs with elevation below the mask will not be
used to compute positions. This is done because SVs near the horizion have more error due to
atmosphere.
S-code
The standard (Clear/Acquisition) GPS code; also known as the "civilian code" or S-code
Satellite configuration
The state of the satellite constellation at a specific time, relative to a specific user or set of users.
Satellite constellation
The arrangement in space of a set of satellites.
Selective Availibility
SA. Errors in data and satellite-clock dithering deliberately induced by the Dept. of Defense to
restrict full GPS accuracy to authorized users, typically the U.S. military.
SNR
Signal to Noise Ratio. A measure of the information content of the signal relative to the signal's
noise. A higher number is desirable.
Slow switching channel
A sequencing GPS receiver channel that switches too slowly to allow the continuous recovery of
the data message.
Space segment
The space-based component of the GPS system (i.e. the satellites).
Space vehicle (SV)
A GPS satellite.
Standard positioning service (SPS)
The normal civilian positioning accuracy obtained by using the single frequency C/A code.
Static GPS
Carrier phase differencing technique where the integer ambiguities are resolved from an
extended observation period through a change in satellite geometry.
Static positioning
Location determination when the receiver's antenna is presumed to be stationary in the earth.
This allows the use of various averaging techiques that improve the accuracy by factors of over
1000.
Tropospheric correction
The correction applied to the measurement to account for tropospheric delay.
Universal time
Local solar mean time at Greenwich Meridian. Some commonly used version of Universal Time
are:
UT0 - Universal Time as deduced directly from observations of stars and the fixed numerical
relationship between Universal and Sidereal Time; 3 minutes 56.555 seconds.
UT1 - UT0 corrected for polar motion.
UT2 - UT1 corrected for seasonal variation in the earth's rotation rate.
UTC - Universal Time Coordinated; uniform atomic time system kept very closely to UT2 by
offsets. Maintained by the U.S. Naval Observatory. GPS time is directly relatable to UTC. UTC-
GPS = 9 seconds (in 1994)
User segment
The component of the GPS system that includes the receivers.
Variance
The square of the standard deviation.
Variance factor
reference variance, variance of unit weight A statistical measure of how close the observation
residuals match the predicted errors. It is the square root of the sum of the weighted squares of
the residuals divided by the degrees of freedom. If the errors in a network have been weighted
correctly, the variance factor will approach 1.0.
Widelane
A linear combination of the L1 and L2 observation (L1 - L2) used to partially remove ionospheric
errors. The widelane combination has an effective wavelength of 86 cm making the integer terms
more apparent than the pure carrier. For this reason it is often used in step-wise fast ambiguity
resolution processing. The penalty is increased observation noise.
Y-code
Classified PRN code, similar to the P-code, though restricted to use by the military.
