A Study on GPS Signal Performance Analysis Platform Based on LabVIEW

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite based precise positioning system available worldwide. GPS is capable of providing some information which can be used widely for many commercial and military applications for a long period. By providing some information such as position, velocity, direction, time and etc., GPS has been playing an important role in both aviation navigation and other fields. GPS signal qualities such as availability and accuracy are important before implementing any application in certain area. In this paper, the mentioned characteristics of GPS signal are addressed. Some methods evaluating the availability and accuracy of GPS signal are given. In order to collect data and analysis the performance of GPS signal, the GPS signal evaluation platform based on LabVIEW is discussed in detail. Some field data are recorded by the platform. Based on the collected data, satellite visibility and dilution of precision (DOP) of GPS were analyzed in detail. A GUI(Graphical User Interface) was created using LabVIEW to read the GPS data and used for data analysis and processing. The prototype of the system being implemented in LabVlEW, theoretical and experimental investigations are discussed and provided.