Using GPS in Library & Educational Settings

Robert Mayben & Pamela Picklesimer

GPS Introduction

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Global Positioning System (2000)

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The GPS is made up of three parts:

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At least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth

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Control and monitoring stations on Earth

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The GPS receivers owned by users

GPS Receivers

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Electronic devices (cars, handheld)

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Determine your approximate location (within around 6-20 feet) on the planet

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Coordinates: Longitude and Latitude

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Some units have maps, built-in electronic compasses, & voice navigation

GPS Receivers

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Costs/ Purchasing

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Companies

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Features

Who’s using GPS?

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Real World Applications

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Government Agencies

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Army Corps of Engineers Forestry Research Institutions – Data Gathering Libraries Classroom Teachers Recreational Applications

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Hunting, Fishing, Hiking Geocaching

What is Geocaching?

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Adventure game for GPS users

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www.geocaching.com

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Caches

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Finding & Logging Caches

GPS in the Library?

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List library geocaches on www.geocaching.com

draw people to the library which can help raise awareness of programs and services to

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Set up geocaches to promote local history awareness, community involvement, and environmental responsibility

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Tour of campus libraries

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Locating libraries in various cities, states, or countries

GPS in the Library?

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Many libraries offer GPS units for students, faculty, and staff to check out for data collection and navigation

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Integrate geocaching into a summer reading program

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Track bookmobile routes and stops

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Your Ideas?

GPS in the Classroom?

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Why? GIS2GPS & Teachers & Other Examples

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Digital Photography Scavenger Hunt Leaf Collection (pictures or actual leaves) Mean, Median, Mode Creative or Descriptive Writing Review Games Latitude & Longitude Related Topics such as Systems of the Body, Countries of Different Continents Vocabulary Activities Google Earth Integration Landmark Puzzle (Pictures, Countries, facts)

GPS in the Classroom?

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Classifications for Science Parts of Speech/Descriptions of items Math Shapes/Math in the Real World Geometric Planes/Trig Activities Measurements/Scale/Distance Math Multiple Choice/Work Problems to find Coordinates Relative vs. Absolute Directions for Social Studies Discussion on how GPS would have affected historical events (Wars, etc) Data Collection Your Ideas?

End of In-Class Session

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Questions so far?

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We will proceed outside for the next part of the training module.

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In part 2, there will be hands-on instruction on how to use a GPS unit as well as a group geocaching activity.

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Training Module Home