Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for GEO 223 archive revision 202104

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Effective Term:
Fall 2021 through Winter 2025

Course Number:
GEO 223
Course Title:
GPS Theory and Design
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
30

Course Description

Provides a conceptual overview and hands-on experience with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Includes GPS theory, techniques, and field data collection using various GPS technologies. Covers geodesy, differential correction, precision and accuracy, survey controls, triangulation, vertical positions, data conversions, and creating maps from GPS data. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

  1. Plan, collect, and process geospatial data using GPS technologies.

  2. Determine accuracy and precision of GPS data.

  3. Calculate and analyze error sources for GPS data.

  4. Correct GPS data using differential correction.

  5. Represent GPS with other geospatial data on a map.

  6. Apply GPS technologies to real world scenarios using an understanding of GPS theory and practices.

Course Activities and Design

The material in this course will be presented in a computer lab setting through classroom lecture, discussion, software demos, computer-based labs and outdoor fieldwork/data collection. Students will complete a term-long project that involves collecting GPS data, data processing, and map creation.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of themes, concepts, issues, competencies and skills by any combination of the following:

  • Written results of class labs and exercises
  • Final Project
  • In-class discussions
  • Map critiques

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills:

  • Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
  • Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
  • Creating maps with GPS data
  • Differential Correction
  • Precision & Accuracy
  • Error & Uncertainty
  • Survey controls
  • Triangulation
  • Dilution of Precision
  • Vertical Positions
  • Field Data Collection Methods
  • GPS Reference Systems
  • GPS Applications
  • Geodesy