SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1992
STP24190S

An Overview of the Global Positioning System and Its Use in Geographic Information Systems

Source

The NAVSTAR global positioning system (GPS) provides accurate position data which can be used to aid the users of geographic information systems (GIS) in several ways. GPS is a satellite-based navigation, positioning, and timing system. From the data emitted by the GPS satellites, the receivers are able to calculate either two-dimensional (latitude and longitude) or three-dimensional (latitude, longitude, and altitude) positions. GPS, when used autonomously, is accurate to approximately 12 m circular error probable (CEP). In differential GPS, when used with a base station, the accuracy of GPS position fixes improves 2 to 5 m (CEP). For surveying applications, survey-grade receivers are available which are accurate in millimetres. The GIS applications of GPS include: georeferencing photogrammetric or digital map data; ground-checking satellite imagery data; and creating or updating GIS databases with point, line, or polygon digital data. For these applications, commercial GPS receivers are available which are portable, rugged, and easy to use, although a good understanding of the principles of GPS is required to correctly interpret the data involved.

Author Information

Lange, AF
Trimble Navigation, Ltd., Sunnyvale, CA
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: D18
Pages: 106–110
DOI: 10.1520/STP24190S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5188-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1471-5