GPS & DGPS

NOTE
Made Easy
This booklet is intended to provide mariners
with a basic understanding of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Differential
Global Positioning System (DGPS), and to assist them in choosing the most appropriate
receiver for their needs.

The Coast Guard encourages mariners to learn about these systems and to take advantage
of them. They will help make your voyage safer, especially when long distances and poor
visibility levels make navigation difficult.

2000 EDITION
NOTE

This booklet is intended to provide mariners with a basic understanding of the Global
Positioning System (GPS) and the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), and to
assist them in choosing the most appropriate receiver for their needs.

The Coast Guard encourages mariners to learn about these systems and to take advantage
of them. They will help make your voyage safer, especially when long distances and poor
visibility levels make navigation difficult.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For their time, their expertise and their technical guidance, I must thank Dave Ireland,
Ian Gillis, Val Smith and Monique Hupé. My indebtedness extends to a host of other
people as well, so many in fact that space will not allow me to mention all of you by name.
I hope you will accept this acknowledgement of my deep appreciation.

I would also like to thank the Garmin Corporation for allowing the Canadian Coast Guard
to reprint some of their material.

Lynn Denis
Standards Officer
Navigation Systems Branch
Canadian Coast Guard
 GPS / DGPS MADE EASY

WHAT IS GPS?

The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based radionavigation system provided by the

US Department of Defense. It permits users with suitable receivers to establish their
position, speed and time on land, sea or in the air, at any time of the day or night and in
any weather condition. The System is accurate to within 30 metres, which is equal to or
better than any other radionavigation system available today.

A GPS receiver can obtain a position fix anywhere in the world.

The GPS system has 3 major segments: space, control and user.

The Space Segment consists of a constellation of 24 satellites orbiting the earth at an

altitude of 20,000 kms. These satellites act as reference points from which receivers on
the ground determine their position.

The Control Segment consists of 5 stations here on earth which track the satellites.

The User Segment consists of antennas and receiver-processors.

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SO HOW DOES IT WORK?

GPS receivers use the principle of "RANGING". The receiver measures the distance from
a location on earth to the positions of several satellites to determine the latitude and
longitude of the position on earth.

GETTING A POSITION FROM GPS

Only 1 satellite

Suppose you turn on your GPS receiver and

it picks up the signal of 1 satellite. The
receiver tells you the location of that satellite
and the distance between you and it.

But this single measurement is not a big help.

At best, you can conclude that you are within
a rather large circle whose circumference is
determined by your distance from the
satellite.

You are still lost!

2 satellites

Now suppose that your GPS

receiver picks up signals
from another satellite. This
helps to narrow down your
location.

Now, you know that you are

somewhere within the
intersection of two large
circles.

You still don't know exactly where you are, but things
are starting to look better!

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 3 satellites

Let’s go one better. If your

receiver picks up signals from a
third satellite, then you know that
your position will be within the
intersection of three circles.

You have a position but no

check on its quality!

4 satellites

With four satellites you get a

precise point for your position
and you also know your
elevation.

There, you have a position that is accurate to 30 metres!

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WHAT IS DGPS?

Differential GPS is a method of increasing the accuracy of positions derived from GPS
receivers. With DGPS receivers, position accuracy is improved, going from 30 metres to
better than 10 metres.

Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) reference stations correct most of the errors in the GPS
signal and transmit these corrections to anyone within the CCG or USCG coverage area
who is equipped with a DGPS receiver.

DGPS COVERAGE IN CANADA

If your receiver is designed and equipped for differential corrections, then it will apply the
Coast Guard corrections to your position - making your position much more accurate.

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 CCG Base

A GPS receiver can be upgraded to receive DGPS signals only if it has been designed as
“DGPS ready.” This is a useful option for those who do not need the more accurate
technology immediately, but think they will in the near future. If you require 10 metre
accuracy right now, you can also purchase a DGPS receiver initially.

CAUTION: While many GPS receivers are advertised as differential “ready”, please
note that this does NOT mean that the differential receiver is already built
into the unit. The unit requires an additional receiver module along with a
low-frequency antenna.

Here's how GPS/DGPS fits into the navigation picture.

(Radius of Position Error)

3700-1850
Celestial Navigation metres

400 metres

Loran, Radar

30 metres
GPS Point
Positioning
10 metres

DGPS

2 metres

Things just get better and better!

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DGPS also provides integrity monitoring. Whenever the accuracy provided by the
reference station falls below established limits, a warning signal is automatically
transmitted to advise the mariner that the service is unreliable.

Should the differential signal be lost altogether, a DGPS receiver can continue to operate
in the GPS mode.

* Consult your operator’s manual to verify your receiver’s ability to process

and display the integrity monitoring signal.

Levels of Service Standards for the Coast Guard DGPS service

• Accuracy to 10 metres 95% of the time

• Signal availability 99.0% of the time
• Broadcast reliability 99.8% of the time
• Integrity monitoring warning within 10 seconds
• Double or enhanced coverage in all Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) zones

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OBSTRUCTION ERROR

The GPS/DGPS signal could be reflected from the surfaces of nearby obstructions. It that
happens, the signal may reach the receiver antenna indirectly and positional accuracy may
be degraded.

Obstructions can include other vessels, mountains, trees and even parts of your own
vessel. Indeed, if you stand too close to the antenna, you could become the obstruction.

Remember, for GPS/DGPS to work you must have clear visibility of the full sky (meaning,
line of sight?).

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

To take full advantage of this service, users should ensure that they have high quality GPS
/ DGPS receiver equipment which is properly installed in accordance with the
manufacturers’ instructions.

Remember....

** Read your manual carefully for installation instructions. **

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GPS/DGPS & NAUTICAL CHARTS

NOTE: The following section describes how a mariner can make use of GPS/DGPS in
conjunction with nautical charts. The same principles apply to land-based
GPS/DGPS, except that land maps are used instead of charts.

If charts or maps are not available, you may relate your present position to
objects around you and use this correlation to return to backtrack to previous
positions. (See practical application section.)

A nautical chart, a pair of dividers or compass (divider with pencil) and a straight edge
(ruler) are ESSENTIAL tools of SAFE NAVIGATION.

A nautical chart is a map of water areas and adjoining land which is intended primarily for
marine navigation. It provides the mariner with a vast amount of information such as
depth of water, elevation of land, Horizontal Datum, nature of the bottom and the
positions of aids and dangers to navigation.

There are several scale levels of charts: a large-scale chart covers a small geographical
area while a small-scale chart will cover a larger area. Larger scale charts are
recommended for their greater accuracy.

These charts are produced by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). When you first
look at a nautical chart, you will notice that it uses numerous symbols and abbreviations to
convey important information to the user. To help you decipher these symbols and
abbreviations, CHS publishes a manual called Chart 1. Information about CHS and where
to obtain charts is available on the Internet at www.chs-shc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Another very important publication which you will require is the Notices to Mariners
which advises about any changes that may have occurred with respect to navigation, and
explains how to update your charts accordingly. This publication is also available on the
Internet at www.notmar.com

When using GPS or DGPS you must be able to relate the position that it provides to the
world around you, otherwise the information given by your receiver will have little
meaning. To confirm your position, the latitude and longitude readings from the GPS or
DGPS should be plotted on a chart. Conversely, the chart can provide latitude and
longitude information which you can enter into a GPS or DGPS unit for trip planning.

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Once you have your chart, the first step is to make sure that you have selected the right
chart datum on your GPS/DGPS receiver. This information is shown in the Horizontal
Datum note near the bottom of the chart’s title note and looks like this: NAD 27 & NAD
83. Some receivers may show WGS 84 instead of NAD 83.

If the Horizontal Datum Note says that the chart is on North American Datum 1983
(NAD 83), then select NAD 83 or WGS 84 on the GPS/DGPS receiver. Then you may
plot positions directly on the chart. Alternatively, you could input positions scaled off the
chart, inputting these to the receiver as “waypoints”.

If it says the chart is on North American Datum 1927 (NAD 27), you have two choices:

- You can select NAD 27 on the GPS/DGPS receiver and then either plot the
positions on the chart or input the positions to the receiver. With this
procedure, however, there is the possibility that, in some parts of Canada, you
may end up introducing an additional positioning error of up to about 50
metres.

- You can select NAD 83 or WGS 84 on the receiver and manually follow the
instructions of adding or subtracting published constants to both the latitude
and longitude before plotting on the chart. To input coordinates scaled off the
chart, one needs to reverse the mathematical operation before inputting the
value to the GPS/DGPS receiver.

All Canadian charts are being converted to NAD 83 as new charts or new editions are
produced.

Example of information found on chart:

HORIZONTAL DATUM : North American Datum 1983

(NAD 83). Positions on NAD 27 must be moved 0.30
seconds northward and 3.59 seconds eastward to agree
with this chart.

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Let’s start....

On the chart below are two sets of scales running along the top, bottom and sides. The
scales on the top and bottom are for measuring longitude (east or west), while the sides
are for latitude (north or south).

LONGITUDE
East / West

N
o L
r A
t T
h I
/ T
S U
o D
u E
t
h

Latitude and Longitude are defined in terms of degrees, minutes and seconds
(i.e. o = degrees, ’ = minutes and ” = seconds)

Note: 1 degree contains 60 minutes and 1 minute contains 60 seconds and 1minute of
latitude = 1 nautical mile (1852 metres or approximately 6076 feet).

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(Please note that the Canadian Coast Guard recommends that mariners NOT USE aids to
navigation as waypoints).

Let’s take a position from a chart (i.e. Cape St. Francis)

To find the latitude of Cape St. Francis, you need to place your dividers on the nearest
latitude line.
Still keeping one point of the dividers (or compass) on the latitude line, extend the other
point to the position of Cape St. Francis.
Once you’ve done this, take your dividers and place one point on the latitude scale (on the
side) and read the latitude off the scale. Please be as precise as possible because errors
will come back to haunt you later.

Cape St. Francis

48

47

46

Latitude here is
47o 45’

The latitude for Cape St. Francis should read 47o48’32”N

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Repeat the same process for longitude by using the longitude line and longitude scale (at
the top or bottom).

46 44

Longitude here
is 52o 45’ W

Cape St. Francis

The longitude for Cape St. Francis should read 52o 47’ 09” W
The complete coordinates for Cape St. Francis are 47o 48’ 32”N / 52o 47’ 09” W.
Remember...
• When taking a position, please be as precise as possible.
• Mariners are cautioned not to use aids to navigation as waypoints - due to the risk of
colliding with the aid or grounding on the danger the aid is marking.

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How to Plot a Position

Let’s say your GPS or DGPS receiver shows your position as being 47o 18’ 04” N and
53o 58’ 02” W.

Using your parallel rules (a ruler, compass or pair of dividers can do the trick, if you do
not have a set of parallel rules), locate the coordinates on the latitude scale. Again, be
careful to ensure accuracy using these tools. Locate the coordinates on the latitude scale.
Estimate the distance and with a sharp pencil mark the location.

Next, take your parallel rules and place one edge on a nearby latitude line. Slide the other
edge until you hit your mark and draw a line to it.

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Repeat the same process for your longitude by using the longitude scale.

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 The intersection of these lines is your location on the chart.

In other words X marks the spot...

So remember...

• Use recent chart editions

• Keep your charts up-to-date using the Notice to Mariners publication
• Use the largest scale chart available which is more accurate since it covers a smaller
area

For more information on purchasing charts and about other matters – (chart catalogue,
charts, symbols and abbreviations), please contact your nearest Chart Dealer or CHS
office, or visit the CHS web site at www.chs-shc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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PRACTICAL APPLICATION

* In this practical application portion, only the basic functions are covered.
For more detailed functions please refer to your user’s manual.

** Please note that the snap-shots were taken from the GPS screens of one
model. The information found on other models might be displayed
differently but the information remains the same.

When a GPS receiver is turned on, it searches, acquires and tracks the coded satellite
signals and computes a position fix, all automatically.

A new receiver right out of the box will have a completely clear memory; it won’t know
what time it is, what its position is or where any of the GPS satellites are.

Initialization

Before you start doing anything you must

first initialize your receiver. There are
various ways of doing this, so please refer
to your user’s manual.

When the unit is turned on it will

immediately start searching for coded
satellite signals. It will ask you for
intialization information such as an
approximate position by selecting a country
and/or province from the internal list.

Don’t forget also to enter the “time” for the area of operation and for Standard and
Daylight Savings Time.

One more thing to keep in mind...

If your receiver has traveled more than 500 miles from where it was last powered up, a re-
initialization is required.

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Satellite Status
Searching
Acquiring
2D Nav
The satellite status provides
you with a visual reference
of satellite acquisition, signal
strength and position.

Sky View
Indicates satellites visible to receiver

no bar – receiver looking for a satellite

hollow bar – receiver acquiring data
solid bar – satellite is being used for fixing

Position

Once you’ve acquired sufficient

signals, the position page will show
up. This shows you where you are,
what direction you're heading and
how fast you're going, and it’s
particularly helpful when you do not
have an active destination selected.

Map

The map displays allows you

to view your position and
provides a real time graphic
"bread-crumb" display of the
path you have traveled over
and nearby waypoints that
you have entered (see
waypoint screen).

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Navigation Page
(Compass or Highway)

When going to a waypoint,

the navigation page provides
graphic steering guidance.

The highway page provides

the same information as the
compass page.

Menu

This provides access to additional

pages (sub-menus) that are used to
select and customize operation and
navigation setup (access to the
waypoint management, route, track
log and setup features).

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Waypoint

Waypoints serve as electronic

markers that let you keep track of
starting points, destinations, navaids
and other important positions (e.g.
good fishing spot). A waypoint
position can be entered by taking an
instant electronic fix or by manually
entering a coordinate or range and
bearing in reference to an existing
waypoint.

Go To

A Go To is nothing more than the

receiver providing a pointer and
drawing a straight-line course from
your present position to the
destination you've selected.

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Backtrack or Traceback Navigation

The backtrack or traceback function allows

you to quickly and easily retrace your path.

Man Overboard

The man overboard function (MOB) lets

you simultaneously mark and set a course
to a position for quick response to passing
positions (like the spot where your hat blew
overboard)

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Routes

The route navigation lets you plan and navigate a course from one place to another using a
set of pre-defined waypoints.

So remember....

• Setup the Chart Datum correctly and check when changing charts
• Always check your course to "go to" on the chart

SOME COMMON SENSE...

• Read your GPS receiver manual. Most manuals have a good description of the
GPS/DGPS system, as well as how to enter waypoints and routes.

• GPS is a tool. Add it to your toolbox of navigation techniques, but remember:

It only tells you where you are, and the range and bearing to where you told it
you want to go. You've still got to plan the route.

• Due to the risk of collision with the aid, or grounding on the danger the aid is
marking, mariners are cautioned not to use an aid to navigation as a waypoint.

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 DEFINITIONS

NAVIGATION: The process of traveling from one place to another

and knowing where you are in relation to your
desired course.

DIFFERENTIAL GPS (DGPS): An extension of the GPS system that uses land based
radio beacons to transmit position corrections to
GPS receivers.

GROUND SPEED: The velocity you are traveling relative to a ground

position. The speed that you are traveling over the
bottom.

POSITION: An exact, unique location based on a geographic

coordinate system.

WAYPOINT: A specific location saved in the receiver's memory

that is used along a planned route.

BEARING: The compass direction from your position to a

destination.

LATITUDE: A north / south measurement of position

perpendicular to the earth's polar axis.

LONGITUDE: An east / west measurement of position in

relation to the Prime Meridian, an imaginary circle
that passes through the north and south poles.

MULTIPATH ERROR: Errors caused by the interference of a signal that has

reached the receiver antenna by 2 or more different
paths. Usually caused by one path being bounced
or reflected.

TRACK: The direction of movement relative to a ground

position.

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DESIRED TRACK: The compass course between the "from" and
"to" waypoints.

CROSSTRACK ERROR: The distance you are off a desired course in either
direction.

2D NAVIGATION: At least three satellites with good geometry have

been locked onto and a 2-dimensional position fix
(latitude and longitude) is being calculated. "2D
Diff" will appear when you are receiving DGPS
corrections in 2D fix.

3D NAVIGATION: At least four satellites with good geometry have

been locked onto and your position is now being
calculated in latitude, longitude and altitude. "3D
Diff" will appear when you are receiving DGPS
corrections in 3D mode.

POOR COVERAGE: The receiver is no longer tracking enough satellites

for a 2D or 3D fix.

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 LIST OF DGPS STATIONS OPERATING IN CANADA

STATION Geographical Position Frequency

NAME Latitude (KHz)
Longitude

PACIFIC REGION

Alert Bay 50o 35’ N 309

BC 126 o 55’ W

Amphitrite Pt 48 o 55’ N 315

BC 125 o 33’ W

Richmond 49 o 11’ N 320

BC 123 o 07’ W

Sandspit 53 o 14’ N 300

BC 131 o 49’ W

CENTRAL & ARCTIC REGION

Cardinal 44 o 47’ N 306

ON 75 o 25’ W

Wiarton 44 o 45’ N 286

ON 81 o 07’ W

LAURENTIAN REGION

St-Jean-sur-Richelieu 45 o 19’ N 296

QC 73 o 19’ W

Lauzon 46 o 49’ N 309

QC 71 o 10’ W

Rivière du Loup 47 o 46’ N 300

QC 69 o 36’ W

Moisie 50 o 12’ N 313

QC 66 o 07’ W

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 STATION Geographical Position Frequency
NAME Latitude (KHz)
Longitude

MARITIMES REGION

Partridge Island 45 o 14’ N 295

NB 66 o 03’ W

Pt. Escuminac 47 o 04’ N 319

NB 64 o 48’ W

Fox Island 45 o 20’ N 307

NS 61 o 05’ W

Western Head 43 o 59’ N 312

NS 64 o 40’ W

Hartlen Point 44 o 36’ N 298

NS 63 o 27’ W

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION

Cape Race 46 o 46’ N 315

NF 53 o 11’ W

Cape Ray 47 o 38’ N 288

NF 59 o 14’ W

Cape Norman 51 o 30’ N 310

NF 55 o 49’ W

Rigolet 54 o 11’ N 299

NF 58 o 27’ W

For further information on the DGPS service or the DGPS system characteristics,
contact your regional Coast Guard office.

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