Geodesy and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)

lphys2260  2020-2021  Louvain-la-Neuve

Geodesy and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information below is subject to change, in particular that concerning the teaching mode (presential, distance or in a comodal or hybrid format).
5 credits
30.0 h
Q2

  This biannual learning unit is not being organized in 2020-2021 !

Language
English
Main themes


The topics/themes covered in the teaching unit are space geodesy for the Earth and planets with a particular focus on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and their applications in geophysics.
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1

a.     Contribution of the teaching unit to the learning outcomes of the programme (PHYS2M and PHYS2M1)
AA1: A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, A1.4, A1.5, A1.6
AA2: A2.1, A2.2
AA3: A3.1, A3.2, A3.4
AA6: A6.1
AA7: A7.3
AA8: A8.1, A8.2
b.    Specific learning outcomes of the teaching unit
At the end of this teaching unit, the student will be able to :
1.     explain space geodesy techniques used on Earth ;
2.     properly apply spatial geodesy methods to retrieve terrestrial geophysical information ;
3.     define terrestrial and celestial reference systems and passages from one to the other ;
4.     explain the geophysical phenomena that disturb the rotation and orientation of the Earth ;
5.     explain spatial geodesic techniques used around planets and moons of the solar system ;
6.     properly apply spatial geodesy methods to retrieve the geophysical information that can be obtained for the planets and moons of the solar system on their current, past and future states and their evolutions ;
7.     access the databases of space geodesy ;
8.     use multidisciplinary approaches to solve a spatial geodesy problem or a fundamental question such as the habitability of the planets and moons of the solar system or exoplanets.
 
Content
  1. Classical and spatial geodesy
  2. GPS system
  3. European Galileo System and other satellite navigation systems
  4. GPS / GNSS applications in Earth sciences
  5. Celestial reference systems and frames
  6. Terrestrial reference systems and frames
  7. Rotation of the Earth
  8. Space geodesy techniques other than GNSS
  9. Space geodesy around other planets of the solar system
  10. Motion of an artificial satellite around a planet and geophysical information


Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Lectures and exercises, with a visit of a geodesic site and of the Royal Observatory of Belgium
Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Individual oral exam with two presentations of questions to choose from the course.
Individual work on GNSS data.
Other information


Bibliography


Teaching materials
  • Syllabus préparé pour l’unité d’enseignement / Syllabus prepared for the teaching unit.
Faculty or entity
PHYS


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Master [120] in Geography : Climatology

Master [60] in Physics

Master [120] in Physics