CRN: 45318
Fall 2017                                                                          
PCC - Sylvania, SS 110
T/TH 10:00 - 12:50 pm
Office Hours: Tu/W 1:00 - 3:00 pm or by appt.
Office: SS 201                                                   
971-722-4072
[email protected]

Course Description and Focus

This course will provide a conceptual overview and hands-on experience with Global Positioning Systems (GPS). We will cover GPS theory, techniques, and field data methods, and then apply that knowledge using hand-held GPS units to collect and integrate spatial and non-spatial data within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework. At the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and skills to use GPS technology for collecting, processing, and analyzing field data.  We will cover GPS units & software, how to develop & conduct a GPS survey, differential correction, importing features and tabular data into GIS, data conversions, building a GIS database, and creating maps from GPS data. 

You will learn and apply GPS theory and techniques through weekly readings, lab assignments, and field experiences.  

Course Format & Materials

This course includes both lecture and lab components. Each class will begin with lectures/demos of the concepts and techniques for that day. The remainder of the class will be spent applying those concepts as lab exercises in the field and/or in the computer lab.
 
Field work will be conducted outdoors, rain or shine, so wear appropriate shoes and rain gear. Since this is nearly a 3-hour class, it would also be wise to bring water and snacks to keep those brain cells well-hydrated and nourished. 

No textbook is required ​We will be using a series of online readings to accompany the course, which can be found on the syllabus.

Assignments and Grading

Participation (10%): Participation in this class is essential.  Your participation grade will be based on your presence in class and contributions to class discussions.
Labs / Assignments (60%):  There are a number of field-based / research assignments in class. 
Field Research Projects (30%): Each student will conduct their own project that includes: GPS survey planning, data collection, post-processing, mapping, and incorporating into GIS.

Final grades will be based on the following scale: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), and F (below 60). 

Course Outline
**Course schedule is subject to change and will be updated throughout the quarter. 

Topics

Sept 26 | 28. GPS 101

Introduction to Course
Topic. GPS concepts & devices

Oct 2 | 4.  GPS software

Topic. Trimble Pathfinder & other GPS software
Terrasync software manual

Oct 10 | 12.  This data doesn't look right

Topic. ​Reference systems, accuracy & precision

Oct 17 | 19. Differential correction
​
Topic.  ​Post-processing of GPS field data

Oct 24 | 26.  Collecting good data

Topic. ​Advanced data collection
​

Oct 31 | Nov 2.  

Topic. Final Field Projects
​Midterm Exam

Nov 7 | 9. Navigation & GPS

Guest Speaker. Ashley Reed, Ecology & Environment
Topic. ​Navigation & other uses

Nov 14 | 16.  Clean data

Topic. Navigation, con't
Topic. Field data apps

Nov 21. Field Data apps

Topic. ​Open Lab
NO CLASS THURSDAY NOV 23.  THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Nov 28 | 30.  Field project

Topic. ​Cleaning up your data
Topic. Working on field projects

Dec 5 | 7.  Field project

Topic.  Working on field projects & Presentations (12/7)
Dec 12. Presentations
Final Project Presentations 

Assignments

Read. Per Enge & Pratap Misra, 1999.  Scanning the Technology: Special issue on Global Positioning System

Trimble Juno User Guide

Read. Wing, Michael; Eklund, Aaron; Kellogg, Loren. 2005.  Consumer-grade GPS accuracy & reliability

Lab 1. Mission Planning & Data Dictionary

Read. Frank van Diggelen, 2007. Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Lab 2. GPS Survey

Read. Trimble, 2004. Why Postprocess data?

​Lab 3. Differential Correction

Read. Trimble, 2004. Velocity Filtering
Trimble, 2002. Advanced Data Collection Techniques

​Lab 4. Advanced data collection


Midterm Exam
Midterm Data

Read. Stanley M Tomkiewicz, Mark Fuller, John Kie, and Kirk Bates. 2010. GPS and associated technologies in animal behavior and ecological research

Lab 5. Navigation

Read. Avenza Maps, Collector for ArcGIS, Map It


Lab 6. Mapit Pro




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Final Projects

Class Resources

Citations - Easybib.com

'How To' Submit an Assignment

1. Your last name should be the first part of the file name, followed by the lab number or assignment name.  For example: friedle_Lab1
2. Submit a single document in .pdf format
3. The subject line of your email should reflect the assignment name.  For example: Reaction Paper 1

GPS & Mapping Software

In this course, we will use Trimble Juno handheld units. Students will use the GPS units during class, and the units may be checked out from the instructor for use outside of class time.  We will also experiment with some data collection apps like ESRI's collector and Avenza. 

We will mostly use Trimble Pathfinder Office software for transferring/processing data off the Juno GPS units to the computer desktop, and the desktop GIS software package ArcGIS 10x for map creation. All of these software programs are available in the classroom/lab as well as Sylvania Library, and the CRC at Rock Creek & Cascade campuses.

Attendance

Although attendance is not officially a part of your grade, it will be difficult to keep up if you are not regularly in class.  If you need to miss class or leave class early, talk to me beforehand to make arrangements.  If you have a personal problem that is inhibiting your performance in this class, please come talk to me as soon as possible so that we can discuss options to make your efforts in this class successful.  

Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism is “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work (Dictionary.com).”  This is unacceptable.  Cheating is also unacceptable.  If you have any questions about the college’s academic policy, see pages 9-11 of the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, online at http://www.pcc/edu/about/policy/student-rights/student-rights.pdf.  

Students with Disabilities

PCC is committed to supporting all students.  If you plan to use academic accommodations for this course, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your needs.  Accommodation are not retroactive; they begin when the instructor receives the "Approved Academic Accommodations" letter from you (submitted in person for courses on campus; via email for DL courses).  To request academic accommodations for a disability, please contact a disability services counselor on any PCC campus.  Office locations, phone numbers, and additional information may be found at http://www.pcc.edu/resources/disability 

Non-Discrimination Statement 

Portland Community College is committed to creating and fostering a learning and working environment based on open communication and mutual respect. If you believe you have encountered sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at (971) 722-5840 or [email protected].

PCC Grading Guidelines

To learn more about PCC's grading guidelines: ​http://www.pcc.edu/resources/student-records/grading/

Course Drop/Withdraw deadlines

If you need to drop or withdraw from this course, please make sure that you come and talk to the instructor.  To find out the process of dropping or withdrawing from a class:  ​http://www.pcc.edu/enroll/registration/dropping.html