Understanding GPS for Forestry & Natural Resource Data Collection
Location: Shelton and Cottage Grove , WA
Title: Understanding GPSÂ for Forestry & Natural Resource Data Collection
Location: Shelton, WA
Date: 2013-02-12
Instructor: William E. Schlosser, Ph.D.
Kamiak Ridge, LLC, Pullman, WA www.resource-analysis.com
This class is organized into a one day session for attendees to be exposed to the history and evolution of GPS systems, fundamentals of GPS data collection, and to the collection and post processing of GPS data. Attendees are encouraged to bring GPS units to gain hands-on experience during the session’s field time. This class will train users on the Garmin Map76CSx and 60CSx and Trimble Juno and GeoExplorer GPS receivers. Because of the schedule of this class, questions about operations of other GPS units will not be possible.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own GPS units but are not required for workshop attendance. A limited number of class demo units will be available for use and attendees can also team up with other attendees for the outdoor exercise.
These classes are planned for a time of the year where rain and windy conditions are likely. Come prepared for a ‘typical field day’ while learning how to maximize your GPS experience.
| February 12, 2013 | |
| 8:30 | Introductions and overview of class |
| 8:45 | GPS Fundamentals What is GPS and how does it work?UTM and Latitude/LongitudeWhat is the Public Land Survey System and how does it play into the “Big Picture”?What are the pros and cons of recreation grade, map grade, and survey grade GPS units?Review of Garmin, Trimble and other map grade units |
| 9:45 | What are the available hardware and software options? Hardware:Garmin, Trimble and other product lines for data loggersExternal antennas and staffsData loggers vs. GPS receiverSoftware:Minnesota DNR GPSArcPad
TerraSync GPS Correct and GPS Analyst Pathfinder Office |
| 10:30 | Â Break |
| 10:45 | How to set up the basic configuration of your GPS equipmentWhat projection do I use?Troubleshooting GPS connectivityUnderstanding GPS |
| 11:15 | Transfering data from your GPS unit to your computerMinnesota DNR GPS (Garmin)ActiveSync (Windows XP) (Trimble)ArcPad Data Manager in ArcMap (Trimble)Windows Mobile (Windows 7) (Trimble) |
| Noon | Lunch |
| 1:00 | Outdoor Exercise: Collecting data in the field (be prepared for the weather).Workshop attendees will work outside in teams to learn:Unit setupNavagation screensSatellite configurationSignal qualityPDOP or accuracy of a GPS position based on number and geometry of satellitesMulti-path problems of GPS signalsHow to collect data points, build polygons and turn into acres |
| 3:15 | Â Break |
| 3:30 | Post processing: How to improve data point qualityWhy we do it, and when do we know it is necessary?Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office and GPS AnalystHow to complete post-processing on Trimble GPS unitsSee the difference: uncorrected vs. post-processed datatd> |
| 4:15 |
Solving in-office projections issues or how to get your GPS data to line up in your GIS How to solve in-office issues with GPS data placement from unknown projectsions |
| 5:00 | Adjourn |
William E. Schlosser, Ph.D.
About the Instructors
This class is offered by Kamiak Ridge, LLC, a Pullman, Washington natural resource consulting and regional planning firm serving clients in the western United States and Canada. The instructors for this class are Dr. William Schlosser and Joseph Mierzwinski. Both instructors have assisted field technicians, spatial planning crews, resource scientists, and environmental engineers in acquiring the right GPS units for the needed accuracy and data use, how to maximize data collection techniques, how to migrate GPS data to mapping software (GIS), and how to transfer GIS data to the field GPS units. Both instructors have logged substantial time, over many years, collecting and managing GPS data and transferred it into GIS systems for analysis work.
Students to this seminar are invited to bring their own GPS receivers to gain additional experience during the training event’s field exercises. Those who have not yet made their selection of a GPS receiver are encouraged to visit the Kamiak Ridge website (http://www.resource-analysis.com/Services/GPS) to review some ideas for the selection of a GPS unit to purchase. The units listed on this webpage will be discussed and demonstrated during the class. While all GPS units are welcome at the class, the instructors will only be able to give guidance to the users of the GPS units listed here.