GIS 323 Introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

School of Environment and Geomatics

GIS 323 Introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles will first introduce the fundamental concepts of Global Navigation Satellite Systems with specific emphasis on Global Positioning System (GPS) and the applied technologies for GPS data collection and GIS integration. Through interactive instruction and hands-on course exercises, students will work with a variety of GPS tools and field collection techniques to learn how to create, edit, update and manage geographic information. Emphasis areas will include familiarity with GPS receivers, GPS processing software, data collection standards and cartography. The second part of the course will introduce Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technology. More specifically, this includes introduction to photogrammetry, characteristics of images obtained from UAV, mission planning, acquiring images using UAV and digital image processing. Students will work on series of assignments to get the hands on experience on data acquisition and image processing.

Prerequisites: GIS 302 (if online version of GIS 323)

Corequisite: GIS 302

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks7.5
Total Credits
Total Hours45
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture6

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Describe GPS Systems theory, concepts and methods
  2. Gaining hands on experience on field data collection techniques using GPS receivers and processing software
  3. Utilizing GPS data in a GIS world; and project design, management and collaboration strategies
  4. Introduction to Photogrammetry and characteristics of images from UAV
  5. Interpreting and gaining hands on experience on UAV mission planning and quality controlling - how to achieve higher accuracies
  6. Practicing digital image processing techniques and producing 2D and 3D image products

Teaching and Learning Approach

The course will include a mix of theory, discussion, demonstration, and assessment of case studies, fieldwork, lab work, and independent study.

Learning Resources

Van Sickle, J. (2015). GPS for land surveyors (Fifth edition). CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Introduction to space based navigation systems Range Calculations A review of coordinate systems 2. GNSS Signal encoding Consumer grade GNSS use 3. Improving on GNSS accuracy - Differential measurements, carrier phase measurements 4. Design of GNSS receivers Error sources affecting the GNSS measurement Data post processing to remove errors Survey planning tools 5. GNSS survey methods 6. GNSS - GIS integration - a look at mobile data collection apps 7. Reading Week 8. Mid Term Test 9. Introduction to UAV mapping UAV regulations UAV design UAV mission planning UAV controls 10. UAV flight practice UAV automated mapping mission 11. Photogrammetry Orthorectification of images Mosaicing of images Accurate location of imagery with in a coordinate system using ground control points 12. Project Work Working in small groups, independently plan, record and report a survey using either UAV or GNSS

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Assignments60%
Quizes5%
Mid Term15%
Project20%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

PercentageLetter GradeGPA
90-100A+4.33
85-89A4.00
80-84A-3.67
76-79B+3.33
72-75B3.00
68-71B-2.67
64-67C+2.33
60-63C2.00
55-59C-1.67
50-54P1.00
0-49F0.00
DNW0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.