How are maps used with GPS and GIS?

A Geographic Information System (GIS) takes the information gathered from Global Positioning System (GPS) units and organizes the information into maps. GIS maps are interactive. They allow you to see the map from different angles, to zoom in and out, and to hide selected features. Some GIS programs are designed to help track storms or predict erosion patterns. Other systems, such as the GPS in a car, can provide a map and help you navigate to a particular location. …

Novel Ground Truth Method for Crop Fields Combining a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a Handheld Geographic Information System (HGIS)


Introduction

For the state of Arizona, Geographic Information System (GIS) map templates are created on an annual basis depicting the location of all potential crop fields.  These templates, along with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and Handheld Geographic Information System (HGIS), can be used to efficiently create a database of what crops were present during field visits and to assess the accuracy of crop classifications derived from remote sensing data.  These products can be easily created from inside a vehicle …

What is the difference between a recreational grade GPS, a mapping grade GPS, and a survey grade GPS?

1. Recreational grade GPS receivers are sold at most box stores and at many sporting goods and camping stores. They are also available widely through Internet retailers. These units are the least expensive grade and are generally accurate to within +/- 25 feet (7.6 meters). These receivers run in the $100 to $600 range and are the type most often purchased by the general public.

2. Mapping grade GPS receivers are generally sold by “high end” and licensed resellers. These …

What is mobile GIS?

Mobile GIS is taking Geographic Information Systems (GIS) out of the office and into the field. A mobile GIS allows folks out in the field to capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display geospatial data and information. Mobile GIS integrates one or more of the following technologies: * mobile devices (such as a PDA, tablet, or laptop computer, and in some countries mobile phones) * Geographic Information System (GIS) software * the Global Positioning System (GPS) * wireless communications for …

What are GPS differential corrections?

Every time a GPS receiver calculates its position, there is some amount of error inherent in the calculated position. Errors can be introduced from a number of sources (e.g., GPS clock errors, atmospheric conditions, the distribution of GPS satellites) over which the GPS user has little control.

Differential correction is a commonly used technique to reduce the systematic errors that decrease the accuracy of GPS positions. All differential correction techniques use correction data from a GPS base station to improve …

What is GPS?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation and precise-positioning tool. Developed by the Department of Defense in 1973 with the first satellite being lanched in 1978, GPS was originally designed to assist soldiers and military vehicles, planes, and ships in accurately determining their locations world-wide. Today, the uses of GPS have extended to include both the commercial and scientific worlds. Commercially, GPS is used as a navigation and positioning tool in airplanes, boats, cars, and for almost all outdoor …

The Virginia 4-H Geocoin Adventure

The Virginia 4-H Geocoin Adventure

The Virginia 4-H Geocoin Adventure is the result of a collaborative effort between Virginia 4-H, the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program, and the National Geospatial Extension Network (NGTEN).

The Purpose of the Virginia 4-H Geocoin Adventure

To support geospatial and geographical awareness and encourage everyone to learn more about their communities and their world, and to faciliate the awareness of Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM). As this initiative is an educational-based effort …

How to Geocache

You’ve decided to take the plunge and begin geocaching. Congratulations, you are ready for a fun adventure. This guide is designed to be used with Geocaching.com which is one of the larger social networking geocaching sites.

What you need:

  • GPS receiver
  • Internet connection (to get started)

IMPORTANT: If you have not used your GPS receiver, make sure to familiarize yourself with its operation prior to taking it out into the field. Make sure you take proper safety precautions and dress …