GIS 281 - Global Positioning Systems

1 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
0 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Introduction to the technical use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receivers in a field setting. Includes review of GPS vocabulary and concepts, comprehensive initialization of handheld GPS receivers, data collection with handheld GPS, the use of mapping software with data from handheld GPS, concepts of differential GPS, operation of and field data collection with precision GPS, and use of software packages for differential correction and map production. Also includes using equipment, resources and facilities of the Archaeology Centre.

Prerequisite(s): Prerequisites(s): GIS 181
Information: Prerequisite may be waived with equivalent experience or consent of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes

Collect, transfer and manipulate data collected in a handheld GPS.
Create an electronic map from data collected in a handheld GPS.
Operate a precision GPS receiver.
Differentially correct data collected by a precision GPS device.
Create an electronic map from data collected with precision GPS equipment.

Outline:

Introduction
1. Review of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) terminology and concepts
2. Overview of positioning and locating systems
Handheld GPS
1. Detailed hardware configuration
2. Data logging
3. Data transfer
4. Map creation
Precision GPS
1. Overview of precision GPS and differential correction
2. Hardware configuration
3. Electronic recording
4. Procedures for data transfer
5. Map creation
Resource Usage of the Archaeology Centre