Virginia Tech® home

ECE 4164 - Introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS) Theory and Design (4C)

Course Description

Fundamental theory and applications of radio navigation with the Global Positioning System GPS. Satellite orbit theory, GPS signal structure and theory, point positioning with pseudoranges and carrier phases, selective availability, dilution of precision, differential GPS, atmospheric effect on GPS signals.

Why take this course?

The Global Positioning System GPS is one of the most powerful modern technologies. Civilian applications of GPS are rapidly growing and these applications will revolutionize our society in the near future. Many opportunities exist in industry and government agencies for engineers with background and formal training in GPS theory and design. This course will provide students with a firm background in the fundamentals of GPS theory and design. The course has a required weekly laboratory component which will provide students with hands on experience through laboratory experience and a design project.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the fundamental theory and concepts of the Global Positioning System
  • Calculate GPS satellite orbit positions and velocities.
  • Calculate user position using GPS pseudorange data.
  • Calculate and analyze error sources for GPS user position calculations.
  • Correct GPS user position errors by using local area Differential GPS.
  • Organize and write technical reports
  • Organize and make technical presentations

    • Resources & Links

    Two-Semester Major Design Experience

    ECE’s two-semester Major Design Experience (ECE 4805-4806) provides teams of students with simulations of the post-college world via projects specified and directed by industry partners. For more information, contact class instructor, Dr. Joe Adams.

    Textbook List

    Take a look at the Fall 2024 ECE textbook list.
    Take a look at the Spring 2025 ECE textbook list.

    Current Prerequisites & Course Offering

    For current prerequisites for a particular course, and to view course offerings for a particular semester, see the Virginia Tech Course Timetables

    ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission

    The B.S. degree in electrical engineering and the B.S. degree in computer engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

    Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) & Student Outcomes (SOs)