Extension Education GPS/GIS Curriculum Training for Adult Leaders

Contact Information:Paul G. Carter

WSU Extension County DirectorColumbia County Extension Office

202 S 2nd StreetDayton, WA 99328

Phone: 509-382-4741 E-mail: cart@wsu.edu

AbstractGPS has quickly become a household term in today’s society, yet many have only a minimal grasp of the technology and lack operational skills. A program to train adult leaders and educators of youth was developed to help fill the technology void. The training focused on developing an understanding of geospatial systems that comprise GPS navigation and to provide hands-on operational knowledge of GPS units. 4H and Extension adults were invited to a one day hands-on training utilizing Garmin GPS Map 76, Garmin Rino 110, and Garmin GPS V handheld units. Basic GPS information was presented and handheld units were provided to each participant use. The participants were guided through exercises utilizing the GPS units to gain familiarity with the hardware and the “one screen” menus. Once comfortable with navigating the menus, they went outdoors to navigate to predetermined coordinates making a trail of their path as they went from point to point. Upon completion of the exercise, the trails generated with each unit were downloaded on a computer for viewing and comparing each path taken. Following this training, the adults were to train youth on the operation of GPS units. One leader of a 4H GPS Club trained their club youth members to operate similar GPS units and they conducted exercises at the county fair where youth members trained adults and other youth. Due to their efforts the county declared a “GPS Day.” This training has provided additional knowledge for 80 adults and youth.

Carter,* P.G. 1, Van Vleet, S. 21. Extension County Director, Washington State University Extension, Columbia County, Dayton, WA 99328

2. Extension Educator, Washington State University Extension, Whitman County, Colfax, WA 99111 Paul G. Carter, County Director

Columbia County Extension Office, Dayton, WA Washington State University

Introduction to GPS Navigation

Outline• What is GPS

– GPS is a System– Developed by Federal Government

• How GPS works– Timing– Distance from Satellites– Triangulation

• What you need to know about GPS– Signal accuracy– Source of Errors– Satellite distribution– Differential correction sources

• What can you do with GPS– Mark Waypoints– Paths, Tracks or Boundaries– Routes– Speed– Elevation– Measure areas and perimeters– Tide Tables

GPS/GIS Workshop Activities

Outline• Activity 1 – Getting to know the GPS• Activity 2 – Marking Waypoints & Tracks• Activity 3 – Entering coordinates and finding

locations• Activity 4 – Data transfer to and from the

computer

Geo-Hunt at the Palouse Empire Fair

Debbie Niehenke, leader for the Colton-Uniontown 4H Club (C.U. There 4H Club) and a workshop trainee, initiated a Geo-Hunt at the county fair. The geo-hunt was open to anyone interested in learning Global Positioning Systems (GPS). •Hunters used GPS handheld units to find coordinates while looking for clues to hidden treasures. •Hunters were assisted by 4H Club members who had been trained by Niehenke following the GPS/GIS Workshop. •This project has raised the awareness of GPS capabilities and ease of operation to the general population.•The 4H Club has been awarded a grant from Environmental Sciences Research Institute (ESRI) for software to analyze GPS data and make maps for general use and display.

Workshop Curriculum and ActivitiesConclusions

3.Adults can trained youth to operate GPS units and show others.

4.This project has expanded and increased knowledge of GPS/GIS technology to the general population.

5.Adults learned that the technologies are useful in all areas of life.

6.Youth are gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in school and future jobs.

7.A GPS Day was declared for Whitman County, WA.

Applications of GPS:• Public Safety• Resource management• Aviation• Agriculture• Military• Local planning• Recreation• Business

1. Garmin GPS Map 762. Garmin Rino 1103. Garmin GPS V

1. 2.

3.

Impacts

3.Adults learned that the technologies are not too difficult to utilize and teach.

4.Youth learned new technologies that can be utilized in all career possibilities.

5.C.U There 4H Club members learned the skills of training adults and other youth.

6.Club members learned geo-spatial technologies that will help them acquire better quality careers in science and technology applications.

7.These new skills will enable youth to earn better incomes. A 10% increase in wage compensation over a lifetime (45 years) will earn an extra $300,000.