Project Overview

The GPS PDOP Selective Availability project explores the critical relationship between satellite geometry and GPS positioning accuracy through the lens of Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP). Understanding how satellite configuration impacts location accuracy is essential for mission planning, navigation system design, and operational reliability in GPS-dependent applications. The system the team implements will provide an interactive way to visualize and understand these fundamental concepts.

This project aims to research and develop a modern, containerized web solution that transforms PDOP analysis from a specialized desktop task into an accessible, cloud-based service. The solution will feature an intuitive user interface that allows users to visualize satellite constellations, configure selective availability scenarios, and generate PDOP coverage maps without requiring specialized training or software installations. The architecture will follow standard, minimalist web design principles—leveraging open-source tools, Docker-based containerization, REST APIs for programmatic access, and scalable cloud deployment patterns. By implementing a clean separation between the computation backend, data storage layer, and visualization frontend, the system will be maintainable, extensible, and ready for integration into larger mission-planning ecosystems. The project will demonstrate how modern web technologies can make sophisticated aerospace analysis tools accessible to a broader user community while maintaining the rigor and accuracy required for mission-critical applications.