GPS Field Exercise, Laubach Property, Near Cedar Park, TX

M. .Helper

Fall, 2005

327G/386G

GPS Field Exercise, Laubach Property, near Cedar Park, TX

Objectives:

1)Gain field experience with a variety of GPS receivers

2)Gather GPS points and lines to constrain the positions of features for later incorporation in a GIS

3)Enjoy the fall weather

Procedure

Pairs of students will work in teams to collect positions (either points or lines) on the following features:

LinesPointsPolygons

All gravel roadsMain gateGarage

All fence linesAll gravel pilesScreened cabins (3)

All trailsStone bridgesMain house

All stone wallsUtility polesBoat house

Lake levelWell heads (3 or 4)Green Shed

Geologic Contacts (2?)Fire Ring

Top of BluffBird houses (4)

Cattle Guard

Road Junctions

Deer Feeder

Cave

Silver pump house

Rock Pile

Equipment:

• Garmin E-Trex Vistas
• Trimble Geoexplorer III
• OneTrimble GeoXT running ArcPad
• Three Xplore tablet computers with integraged DGPS running ArcPad and ArcGIS

All data will be collected and stored relative to NAD83 in UTM zone 14N coordinates.

The Garmin instruments can record up to 1000 waypoints but cannot explicitly store lines (they keep track of routes, but at unspecified intervals). Those working with Garmin units will thus store points, which will then be connected, as needed, to form lines and polygons in ArcMap. Partners will keep careful notes about each waypoint or series of waypoints (lines, polygons) for later GIS use.

The Trimble GeoExplorer III can be configured to collect data as lines, points or polygons. Those using this instrument will either use the default data dictionary to do so, or construct their own data dictionary to permit collection of attributes about mapped features.

The Trimble GeoXT and Xplore tablets will contain pre-built ArcPad projects that can be used to capture GPS points, lines and areas directly into feature classes.

Departure and Gear:

We will depart from the East basement door at 7:30 AM, October 5.

Those wishing to spend the night can bring a tent and sleeping bag. Otherwise, you will only need a lunch and the gear needed to map and collect GPS data. This should include:

Clip board

Field book

Water bottle

Day pack

GPS receiver/Tablet computer

Pencil(s), eraser, etc.

Rain coat

Hat

Sturdy shoes or boots

A BBQ dinner will be provided by the FRAC consortium of the BEG. Beverages will not be provided – you may bring a small cooler with the beverage of your choice.

Those not spending the night will likely be back in Austin by 9 PM.