Introduction to GIS: Lab 5

Part One: Field Data Collection

This week, we'll be using global positioning system devices, phones, or

Google Maps to identify locations of interest across campus. We'll then input

these locations into ArcGIS Pro for mapping and manipulation. The Global

Positioning System relies on a network of satellites to provide 3D

triangulation of your position on Earth. This data can be inputted into a GIS

easily. If you are using your phone, or Google Maps, skip Part 1A.

For this exercise, you will visit various features on campus, and copy down

the coordinates of that feature as provided by your GPS, as well as navigate

to specific places to see what is there. We will import these features through

a spreadsheet transcription in Part Two of Lab 5, so SAVE THIS

INFORMATION!

Part one of Lab 5 is divided into two parts, which you should complete in

order:

Part 1A: GPS Device Use Instructions

Objective: Learn the important buttons on your GPS Device.

Part 1B: GPS Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Collect some GPS information about campus features. You

will collect this data for later transcription, input and use to make your

own campus map.

Part 1A: GPS Device Use Instructions

Turn on the GPS unit by pushing the power button on the side (marked

'light').

Use the scroll button (gray mini-joystick on the front) to navigate to the

'satellite' tile. (You'll likely have to scroll all the way to the bottom of this

menu full of tiles).

• Click into the satellite screen by pushing down on the scroll button. (If you

accidentally go elsewhere, use the back button to navigate back to the

tiles menu.)

• At the top of the satellite screen, you will see your coordinates in decimal

degrees (e.g., N42.3930, W-072.5305). Write this location under

'coordinates' in the table.

Part 1B: GPS Scavenger Hunt

Datum: WGS84/nFind 5 locations on campus that can be described as follows:

Coordinates

Description

1. A building on campus that you've N42.39028, W - 72.52378

never been into (name the building,

mark the location of a

door/entrance)

2. A spot with a nice view (take a

picture)

3. A place to lock your bike.

4. A tree with an ID tag (name the

tree).

5. A place to sit and eat lunch

N42.389953, W -72.526951

N 42.394049, W -72.526000

N 42.388994, W -72.527173

N 42.393069, W -72.525367

Navigate to the following coordinates and describe what you find

there:

Description

Coordinates

N42.3883, W-72.5232

N42.3892, W-72.5231

N42.3907, W-72.5229

Hold onto this data sheet! You will use this information to make

your map!