GIS 107 - Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 22
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Introduction to Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Focusing on its uses in environmental and agricultural applications, including data management, GPS data integration with mapping software and displaying data with Google Earth and ArcGIS Pro. Emerging GPS data collection methods (i.e. web and mobile apps) with smart devices explored.

Prerequisite: None.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Explain how GPS technology works and its applications in geospatial mapping.
Collect, post-process, and analyze GPS data.
Build web apps to collect and report geospatial data.
Apply GPS technologies to natural resources management problems.
Discuss equity mapping techniques, focusing on indigenous peoples and environmental justice.

Course Contents

Global positioning systems (GPS) capabilities.
How does GPS work? Orienteering.
Computer download and filtering of data using Excel.
Integration of GPS data with GIS software, including Google Earth and ArcGIS Pro.
GPS field data collection using GPS receiver and smart devices.
Data processing and analyses in Google Earth and ArcGIS Pro.
Current wildlife tracking technologies.
Creating Geoapps to display GPS data.

Instructional Units: 5.5