451-337 Satellite Positioning and Geodesy

451-200 Geomatics Science 2 and 451-208 Computational Methods in Geomatics (or equivalent subjects)

Upon completion of this subject students should have a basic understanding of the theory and applications of modern geodesy. Space-based positioning systems (such as GPS and GLONASS) are used in conjunction with sophisticated mathematical techniques to solve the problems of determining 3-D position and defining the earth's gravity field. The course will provide an overview of the geodetic problem and a presentation of the techniques used in its solution.

Content includes the theory of satellite geodesy, error modelling, applications of satellite positioning, practical satellite geodesy, advanced data processing techniques, other space-based positioning systems, geodetic datum definition and coordinate systems, physical geodesy and the future of geodesy.

One 3-hour written examination, plus assignments and practical exercise reports totalling not more than 40 pages. The relative weighting of the assessment components will be provided to students at the beginning of the subject.