COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces students to Global Positioning System (GPS) data collection techniques commonly used to map point, line, and polygon features in the field. Experience with hand-held GPS units will be complemented by theoretical and background discussions of GPS for importing and manipulating GPS data in ArcGIS software and Trimble Pathfinder. Students will become familiar with recreational grade GPS (Garmin Etrex), cellular phone-based GPS (Iphone/Android), ArcPad and Collector, The Trimble GEO7x handheld units, and the Trimble Total Station. In addition to the hardware, students will gain expertise in developing data dictionaries, post-processing and differential correction, and error. The course will mix the theory with application and with discussions of journal based articles.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Introduction to GPS: The Global Positioning System (2nd edition) by El-Rabbany A. (978-1-59693-017-9)

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion, students will be able to (1) record point, line, and polygon features with GPS devices, (2) identify different map projections and their appropriate uses, (3) develop and deploy data dictionaries and/or geodatabases. (4) export point, line, and polygon features from GPS devices to desktop or laptop computers and import the same features into ArcMap for display and/or further processing, (5) apply differential corrections to point, line, and polygon features collected by GPS devices, and (6) identify the limitations and strengths of global positioning systems.