SVY1110: Surveying Field Induction Assessment

Assignment 2 Field Missions: Positioning & Site Diagnostics

Learning Outcomes & Module Alignment

• Plan and execute short GNSS observations and export per-epoch data (M4–M6 foundations, using only features your device/app supports). 
• Explain how environment and geometry affect results; interpret DOP qualitatively (M3). 
• Compute simple statistics and compare conditions (M0 stats). 
• Communicate site-specific errors and practical mitigations (M3–M7 awareness, no requirement to operate differential methods). 
• Equipment & software 
• GNSS device: smartphone app or GNSS receiver (use features available on your device). 
• Software: basemap/GIS viewer for maps; spreadsheet/stat tool for tables/figures; phone/camera for photos and short videos. 
• CRS (students in and outside Australia): Use a local CRS appropriate to your location. If in Australia, prefer GDA2020. Otherwise, use a recognised local CRS or WGS84/ITRF, and state it clearly on your map and captions. 
• Safety & conduct 
• Choose safe, publicly accessible points; follow local rules for photography/video; be cautious around roads and structures.

Mission 1 – Prime Positioning

For this assignment you must download and use only the following apps:

Android 

• GPSTest 
• GNSS View 
• My GPS Coordinates 
• Benchmark

iOS 

• GNSS View 
• My GPS Coordinates 
• Sensor Logger 
• Benchmrk

Field protocol 1

• Map your sites (Task 1.1): Provide a clear map with title, scale bar, north arrow, CRS named, coordinates for each point, and data source. 
• Device/app (Task 1.2a): Identify your device/app and include relevant screenshots/specs that show GNSS capability. 
• Systems & signals (Task 1.2b): Document which constellations/frequencies your device supports and used (evidence via screenshot/log). No penalty if dual-frequency or additional constellations are not supported.
• Two geometry conditions (Task 1.3): Create two 6-minute condition logs at each point using one of the following:
  • PDOP-grouped epochs (e.g., later compare PDOP ≤ 2 vs PDOP ≥ 4), or 
  • Two times-of-day at the same site to achieve naturally different geometry. If your app does not export PDOP, compare coordinate scatter and report satellite counts (note the limitation). Export per-epoch positions (and PDOP if available). 
• Analysis (Task 1.4): For each set of observations, compute mean, standard deviation, and range for E, N, H; summarise PDOP. Interpret how environment and geometry condition affected the results. Include a brief cross-site comparison.

Mission 1: Deliverables

• Map(s) and site photos; device/app screenshots; systems/signals evidence. 
• Tables of data set statistics; PDOP summary if available.
• Figures (e.g., simple scatter/time-series) supporting your interpretation.

Mission 2 – Site Diagnostics Video Log

Goal: Create three short site-diagnostic videos (≤3 min each), one per environment, explaining:

• Dominant error sources (e.g., multipath, attenuation, poor geometry) linked to your evidence (PDOP/coordinate scatter/satellite counts). 
• Practical mitigations you would use (e.g., change time-of-day, avoid reflectors, improve antenna placement, increase averaging time; awareness of when differential methods could be useful— operation not required). 
• A brief single-constellation, single-frequency comparison (conceptual is acceptable if your device does not support additional constellations/frequencies).

Assessment Summary: Field Missions Positioning & Site Diagnostics

This assessment required students to plan and execute short GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) observations using either a smartphone app or a GNSS receiver, and then interpret and communicate the results effectively. The primary objective was to help students understand the impact of environmental and geometric factors on GNSS positioning accuracy and develop essential data analysis and reporting skills.

Key Requirements:

• Planning & Data Collection: Conduct two field missions using approved GNSS apps (e.g., GPSTest, GNSS View, My GPS Coordinates, Sensor Logger, Benchmark).
• Mapping & Site Documentation: Prepare detailed site maps with CRS details, coordinate data, scale bar, and north arrow.
• System & Signal Documentation: Record device specifications, constellations, and frequencies used, supported by screenshots.
• Observation Conditions: Collect per-epoch position data under two distinct geometry conditions (based on PDOP or time-of-day variations).
• Statistical Analysis: Compute mean, standard deviation, and range for Easting, Northing, and Height. Interpret variations using PDOP and environmental observations.
• Site Diagnostics (Video Log): Create three short videos (≤3 minutes each) explaining site-specific error sources, their impact on GNSS accuracy, and practical mitigation strategies.

Academic Mentor’s Step-by-Step Guidance Approach

The academic mentor guided the student through the assessment in a structured and systematic manner, ensuring conceptual understanding, correct methodology, and accurate interpretation of results.

Step 1: Understanding the Task & Setup

The mentor began by helping the student review the assignment brief, clarifying the difference between Mission 1 (Prime Positioning) and Mission 2 (Site Diagnostics). The mentor emphasized the importance of following field safety protocols and selecting easily accessible, open sites.
Students were instructed to download the specified GNSS apps and verify that their device supported key GNSS features such as satellite constellation display, PDOP readings, and coordinate exports.

Step 2: Site Mapping and Equipment Familiarization

The mentor demonstrated how to create accurate site maps using a GIS or basemap viewer, showing title, CRS, coordinates, and scale bar. The student learned how to capture screenshots from GNSS apps and record details of the supported systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc.) for documentation purposes.

Step 3: Data Collection under Varying Conditions

Guidance was provided on designing the observation sessions—choosing two geometry conditions either by varying the time of day or by grouping epochs based on PDOP values.
The mentor explained how to record 6-minute observation logs, ensuring consistency in duration and data export format. The importance of maintaining field notes about environmental conditions (e.g., nearby buildings, trees, or obstructions) was emphasized to contextualize results later.

Step 4: Data Processing & Statistical Analysis

The mentor guided the student through importing per-epoch data into a spreadsheet or statistical software. The student learned to calculate mean, standard deviation, and range for E, N, and H coordinates.
The mentor then explained how to interpret variations in results — identifying correlations between higher PDOP values and greater positional scatter, and linking these findings to geometric dilution and environmental interference.

Step 5: Preparing the Report & Interpretation

In this stage, the student was supported in organizing results into tables, graphs, and scatter plots, supported by screenshots and site photos. The mentor reinforced how to write concise interpretations explaining how geometry, signal blockage, or multipath effects influenced accuracy.

Step 6: Site Diagnostic Videos

For Mission 2, the mentor helped the student plan and script three short videos, each focusing on a distinct environment (e.g., open field, urban area, near trees). The videos demonstrated understanding of error sources and mitigation strategies — such as improving antenna placement, increasing observation time, or scheduling data collection during favorable satellite geometry.

Step 7: Review & Reflection

Finally, the mentor reviewed the compiled report and videos with the student, ensuring all deliverables aligned with marking criteria and learning outcomes. The mentor also encouraged reflection on how GNSS data accuracy depends not only on technology but also on environmental awareness and methodological precision.

Outcome and Learning Achievements

Through this structured approach, the student successfully:

• Conducted and analyzed GNSS observations under different conditions.
• Demonstrated understanding of how PDOP, geometry, and environment affect accuracy.
• Applied basic statistical tools for data comparison and interpretation.
• Communicated site-specific errors and mitigations clearly through written and video formats.

Get Expert Help – Use This Sample for Reference, Not Submission

Looking to understand how to approach your assignment? You can download the sample solution below to see the correct structure, formatting, and referencing style used by our academic experts. This sample is designed strictly for reference and learning purposes  submitting it as your own work may lead to plagiarism penalties under your institution’s academic policies.

If you need a fresh, original, and plagiarism-free solution tailored to your topic and university guidelines, our team of professional academic writers is ready to help. We ensure 100% unique content, thorough research, and proper citation styles all delivered within your deadline.

Why Order a Custom Assignment?

• Written from scratch as per your specific requirements
• 100% plagiarism-free and quality-checked by academic experts
• Structured and referenced according to your university standards
• Delivered on time with full confidentiality guaranteed

Take the smarter route learn from the sample, but submit your own original work crafted just for you.

Download Sample Solution  Order Fresh Assignment