Integrating Global Positioning System Technology within the Geography and Environmental Studies Program

该项目以Wikle和Lambert(1996)提出的将全球定位系统纳入大学课程的教育模式为基础，综合了统计和空间分析技术的使用。在地理和环境研究课程中采用全球定位系统(GPS)技术为学生提供了各种跨学科技能，帮助他们：1)构建研究假设，2)发展研究方法，3)收集数据，4)分析，5)准备演示文稿。该项目认识到，大多数环境数据本质上是空间数据，需要了解位置，并使用全球定位系统技术提供确定位置的有效技术和记录环境空间特征的方法。学生们在论坛上接触到GPS理论和应用，从入门课程和实验室到初级和高级课程中更复杂的GPS应用。在入门级，这种方法向广泛的跨学科受众介绍GPS技术、其科学基础以及它在社会中日益增长的重要性。在高级阶段，这一举措使地理和环境研究专业的学生接触到使用全球定位系统的高级测绘技术以及这些数据在地理信息系统中的整合。

This project, structured upon the educational model presented by Wikle and Lambert (1996) for integrating GPS into college curricula, integrates the use of statistical and spatial analytical techniques. Adapting Global Positioning System (GPS) technology within the Geography and Environmental Studies Programs provides students with a variety of interdisciplinary skills that have aided them in: 1) constructing research hypotheses, 2) developing research methodologies, 3) collecting data, 4) analyzing, and 5) preparing presentations. This project recognizes that most environmental data are spatial in nature and require an understanding of location and use GPS technology to provide an effective technique for determining location and a method of recording the spatial characteristics of the environment. Students are exposed to GPS theory and application in forums ranging from introductory lectures and labs to more sophisticated GPS applications in junior- and senior-level classes. At the introductory level, this approach introduces a wide, interdisciplinary audience to GPS technology, its scientific foundations, and its growing importance in society. At the advanced level, this initiative exposes geography and environmental studies students to advanced mapping techniques using GPS and the integration of these data within GIS.