Introduction Basics of GPS Prepretory Exercises Explore your GPS Record Data Find Yourself Field Exercise Results GeoSTAC

Introduction

Objective: This exercise will introduce the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for general geologic field work and orienteering.

Required Materials:

• Handheld GPS (e.g. Garmin)
• Straight edge metric ruler (1mm spacing)
• Topographic map (1:24000 scale)

NOTE:

Your map must represent a location that is accessible to you. Make sure it has a few sites of interest to you, such as lakes, streams, mountains, neighborhoods, etc. (just about anything is appropriate). You can buy these at local outfitter stores, some bookstores, your local BLM or Forest Service office, or through the U.S. Geological Survey.

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This exercise will take place in three distinct stages, where each stage builds incrementally on the previous. You will benefit the most from this exercise if you do all three exercises in sequence, following all links that provide supplementary and background information. At the end of these three exercises, you will be asked to turn in a report. Before you start this exercise you will need to be familiar with topographic maps.

1. The basics of GPS

In this exercise, you wil learn how GPS works and answer some short questions.

2. Prepretory exercises

In these exercises, you will explore GPS functionality and perform some basic GPS tasks, such as collecting a point and locating yourself on a map using your GPS.

3. Field exercise

In this exercise, you will combine your knowledge of theory and operation of GPS and your knowledge of topographic maps to collect data, overlay it on your topographic map to map features, and discuss any errors you observe.

4. Turn in your report.