GPS Instrumentation for Improved Instruction in GIS and Field Geology Courses, Using Expertise of Geology and Geography Departments

本项目涉及购买双肩包和手持式全球定位系统（GPS）接收机及相关设备。这些单元提升了地质科学系和地理系课程中基于实地的部分的技术含量。迫切需要培养学生使用GPS接收器进行数据采集和导航，使用微型计算机进行GPS数据的差分后校正，以及地理信息系统（GIS）程序的GPS数据采集。这一需求源于用数字设备而不是纸笔收集科学现场数据的转变，以及雇主要求潜在的地球科学申请人精通这项技术。这两个系已联合提出这个建议：(1)增加使用新设备的学生人数；(2)提供使用过不同用途GPS设备的指导员；(3)为大学将来将GPS单元扩展到生物科学和工程课程的实地教学提供基础。这种新设备可以用于至少八项练习，以及四门影响地理、地质科学和土木工程专业大多数大三和大四学生的课程。学生训练使用不同类型的GPS接收器来确定位置和导航。他们期望确定这些不同工具的有效性，作为映射规模、易用性和准确性的函数。本课程训练学生使用微型计算机进行微分校正后计算，以演示更先进的GPS接收器在定位和导航方面的精度提高。还向学生展示了GPS数据在定位和导航问题之外的用途。例如，他们将数据输入到GIS程序中，用图形数据库构建地质图，并将数据输入到基于位图的绘图程序中，以纠正航空摄影的失真。＊

This project involves the purchase of backpack and hand-held Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receivers and related equipment. These units upgrade the technology content of the field-based components in courses from the Departments of Geological Sciences and Geography. A strong need exists to train students in data acquisition and navigation with GPS receivers, differential post-correction of GPS data with microcomputers, and GPS data acquisition for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs. The need derives from the shift to gathering scientific field data with digital equipment rather than pencil and paper, and from employers requiring that potential geoscience applicants be well versed in this technology. The two departments have joined in this proposal to (1) increase the number of students using the new equipment; (2) provide instructors who have used GPS equipment for different purposes; and (3) provide the university with a future basis for expanding field instruction with GPS units into courses in the biosciences and engineering. The new equipment can be used in at least eight exercises, and in four courses that affect most juniors and seniors majoring in Geography, Geological Sciences, and Civil Engineering. The students train in the use of different types of GPS receivers for determining position and navigating. They are expected to determine the effectiveness of these different tools as a function of scale of mapping, ease of use, and accuracy. Students are trained in differential post-correction calculations with microcomputers to demonstrate the improved accuracy in positioning and navigation with more advanced GPS receivers. Students are also shown the uses of GPS data beyond just issues of position and navigation. For example, they input data into GIS programs to construct geological maps with graphical databases, and input data into bitmap-based drawing programs to correct aerial photographic distortions. *