Purpose and Objectives

Fisheries biologists and hydrologists use GPS to map stream systems. Recreation resource managers use GPS to map trails systems. A variety of professional use GPS in conjunction with wildfire monitoring and suppression activities. All natural resource managers, along with the general public, use GPS to navigate. While most people think of GPS in terms of the receivers that they use, GPS is actually a system of satellites, receivers, control stations, base stations, and software for navigation and mapping the earth's features. This two-day course:

• Introduces the basic features of the Global Positioning System
• Discusses sources of error and techniques for assessing data quality
• Provides experience with GPS mission planning, GPS data collection, and post-processing GPS data
  

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Understand the basic components of GPS
• Be able to understand many of the common terms associated with GPS (e.g., PDOP)
• Think critically about GPS error sources and data quality
• Understand how to plan and conduct a data collection project with a mapping-grade GPS receiver

Who Should Attend?

Natural resource management professionals and realtors who have little or no background with the Global Positioning System (GPS), yet have an interest in learning about the basics of GPS and experiencing data collection procedures, post-processing procedures, and accuracy assessment methodology. Upper-level managers who need to communicate GPS-related requests with field personnel may find the course useful as well. Realtors who are involved in the valuation of rural land and timber should also attend.

Format

This course provides lecture material, computer-based exercises, and field data collection exercises to provide an overview of GPS and experience in various phases of GPS use in natural resource management. The material will be presented in a logical manner, from a description of GPS, to the equipment involved, to field data collection procedures. These all occur on Day 1. On Day 2, data collected in the field will be transferred to a computer, differentially corrected, and displayed in a geographic information system. Accuracy will be assessed. Handouts will be provided to summarize the material presented.

Parking and Directions

A visitor parking deck is located just north of the Georgia Center. Current rates are $.50 for the first 30 minutes, $2 for the first hour, $2 for each additional hour, and a maximum of $8 for each 24-hour period parked.

For a map and directions click here

Agenda

View the agenda for this course

Continuing Education Credits

Course Instructor(s)

Dr. Pete Bettinger

706.542.1187

pbettinger@warnell.uga.edu