Transcript Introduction to GPS & Geocaching
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