Summary:
Learn to how to map trails using handheld GPS units! This workshop builds on basic concepts from GPS Basics to provide all of the info and skills you need for your trail mapping project! The workshop will begin with a discussion of best practices for mapping tails with GPS. Next, the course will move out to provide participants with a hands-on opportunity to practice mapping trails and other natural features. Finally, we will wrap up the workshop by using the newly collected trails and features to make a basic map using Google Earth or free GIS software.
This workshop is designed for people basic GPS users who want to learn more about this ever more important technology. If you have no experience with GPS, you are strongly encouraged to take GPS Basics or Google Puts the "G" in GPS prior to taking this workshop.
To learn more about what you can do with Google mapping software, check out Making Maps the Google Way. We also have workshops to learn more about free GIS software (GIS on Pennies a Day: Test Drive) and ESRI software (ArcGIS Drivers Permit).
General topics:
using GPS to map trails
using GPS to map natural features
making simple trail maps using Google Earth or GIS
Participants will learn to:
use GPS to map trails and other natural features
create basic trail maps using GPS data in Google Earth or free GIS software
Software used:
DNR Garmin - [info] [download]
Google Earth - [info] [download]
Variety of free GIS software
Instruction and computer exercises will be based on the provided handheld GPS units (Garmin GPS 76). This ensures consistency of instruction and allows us to cover all workshop materials in the time provided. If participants bring their own units to the workshop, the instructors will help translate the activities to these units as time allows. Keep in mind that the general concepts of GPS will be useful no matter what GPS unit you own, and that the instructor will not be familiar with all GPS units.
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