M. .Helper

Fall, 2006

327G/386G

GPS Field Exercise, Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area, near Mason, 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 and (super) exotic game

Procedure

Pairs or groups of three students will work in teams to collect positions (points,or vertices of lines or polygons) on the following features:

LinesPointsPolygons

Granite outcrop boundariesMeasured foliation in graniteGranite outcrop boundaries

Game trailsMan-made featuresMan-made features

Equipment:

  • Garmin E-Trex Vistas
  • Trimble Geoexplorer III
  • OneTrimble GeoXTand one TDS In-Situ running ArcPad
  • Four 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 map-grade devices 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 11.

We will spend the night in the very comfortable bunkhouse at the WMA. You will need a sleeping bag or blankets to spread on a bunk bed and any toiletry items. Showers are available. Dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning are provided, but you will need 2 lunches. A cooler will be provided to store Sunday’s lunch. Items you will need include:

Clip board

Field book

Water bottle

Day pack

GPS receiver/Tablet computer

Pencil(s), eraser, etc.

Rain coat

Hat

Sturdy shoes or boots

Brunton Compass (one will be provided)

2 lunches

Beverages will not be provided – you may bring a small cooler with beverages of your choice.