CRN: 45318 |
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.
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.
TopicsSept 26 | 28. GPS 101 Oct 2 | 4. GPS software Oct 10 | 12. This data doesn't look right Oct 17 | 19. Differential correction Oct 24 | 26. Collecting good data Oct 31 | Nov 2. Nov 7 | 9. Navigation & GPS Nov 14 | 16. Clean data Nov 21. Field Data apps Nov 28 | 30. Field project Dec 5 | 7. Field project
Topic. Working on field projects & Presentations (12/7) Dec 12. Presentations
Final Project Presentations |
AssignmentsRead. Per Enge & Pratap Misra, 1999. Scanning the Technology: Special issue on Global Positioning System Read. Wing, Michael; Eklund, Aaron; Kellogg, Loren. 2005. Consumer-grade GPS accuracy & reliability Read. Trimble, 2004. Why Postprocess data? Read. Trimble, 2004. Velocity Filtering 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 Read. Avenza Maps, Collector for ArcGIS, Map It
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
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.
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