The Effects of Altitude on GPS Dilution of Precision and Coverage

Christopher Varner and M. Elizabeth Cannon

Abstract:	Altitude effects on the GPS Dilution of Precision and coverage are investigated. Starting at the surface of the Earth, variations for the Dilution of Precision and GPS coverage are reviewed. The work is based upon the “21 Primary” constellation. However, the “Optimal 21 constellation will also be discussed to provide validity and historical background. Dilution of Precision is evaluated as a function of altitude above the Earth’s Surface. Appropriate consideration is given to the field of view of the GPS satellites. The theoretical limits for the use of “far side” satellites are established for the Solid Earth Limb, the Atmospheric Limb, and the Ionospheric Limb. This paper shows that an improvement in receiver/antenna technology is required to address the practical concerns regarding signal strength and reception of ‘far side” satellites. While no upper limit on the altitude is assumed, this work establishes that GPS can not effectively provided single point solutions above altitudes of 3,000 kilometers.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 51st Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1995) June 5 - 7, 1995 Antlers Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs, CO
Pages:	119 - 127
Cite this article:	Varner, Christopher, Cannon, M. Elizabeth, "The Effects of Altitude on GPS Dilution of Precision and Coverage," Proceedings of the 51st Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1995), Colorado Springs, CO, June 1995, pp. 119-127.
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