Differential GPS

Definition

Differential GPS (DGPS) is an enhancement to the standard Global Positioning System that provides improved location accuracy. By using a network of fixed ground-based reference stations that communicate with GPS satellites, DGPS corrects the signals received by GPS receivers, reducing errors caused by atmospheric interference and satellite positioning. This technology is crucial for precise site mapping and documentation in various fields, including archaeology, where accurate geolocation is essential for understanding site layouts and artifact distribution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DGPS can improve location accuracy to within one to three meters, making it significantly more reliable than standard GPS, which may have errors of up to 10 meters or more.
2. The correction signals from reference stations can be transmitted via radio waves, allowing mobile users to receive real-time adjustments to their GPS data.
3. This technology is especially beneficial in areas with dense vegetation or urban settings where GPS signals may be obstructed or reflected.
4. DGPS has applications beyond archaeology, including marine navigation, agricultural precision farming, and surveying.
5. The use of DGPS can help archaeologists document site layouts with high precision, enabling better planning and analysis of excavation strategies.

Review Questions

• How does Differential GPS enhance the accuracy of location data compared to standard GPS?
  • Differential GPS enhances accuracy by utilizing fixed ground-based reference stations that receive GPS signals and calculate correction factors for any errors caused by atmospheric conditions or satellite positioning. These corrections are then transmitted to mobile GPS receivers, allowing them to adjust their calculated positions. This process significantly reduces location errors, often improving accuracy to within one to three meters compared to standard GPS.
• Discuss the importance of Differential GPS in the context of archaeological site mapping and documentation.
  • Differential GPS is critical for archaeological site mapping as it allows for precise geolocation of artifacts and features. With improved accuracy, archaeologists can create detailed maps that accurately represent the spatial relationships between different elements on a site. This level of detail aids in understanding site layout, artifact distribution patterns, and overall site integrity, making it easier to plan excavations and analyze findings.
• Evaluate how the use of Differential GPS might influence the future practices of archaeological research and fieldwork.
  • The incorporation of Differential GPS into archaeological research practices could lead to a paradigm shift in how fieldwork is conducted. By providing highly accurate location data, DGPS may facilitate more efficient excavation strategies, improved documentation methods, and enhanced spatial analysis of archaeological data. This technology could also foster better collaboration among researchers by allowing for standardized mapping techniques, ultimately leading to more comprehensive studies and interpretations of archaeological sites. As DGPS continues to evolve and integrate with other technologies like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), its impact on archaeological methodologies will likely expand further.

Related terms

GPS: Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their exact location on Earth using signals from satellites.

Georeferencing: Georeferencing is the process of aligning geographic data to a known coordinate system, enabling accurate mapping and analysis of spatial information.

Satellite Navigation: Satellite navigation refers to the use of satellite systems to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning, commonly used in transportation and mapping.