Satellite-based GPS technology is a highly useful and increasingly popular tool for environmental monitoring and mapping. Many people are intrigued, yet daunted by this new technology. This series of hands-on workshops provides a basic introduction to using handheld GPS units for ecological fieldwork and other pursuits, including navigation and basic digital map-making. You can register for just one workshop, the entire series, or something in between, depending on your interests (….though please note that you must have taken GPS I: Navigation in order to take GPS II: Pictures and Points or GPS III: Routes.) Participants are encouraged to use GPS units provided by course instructors, although they are welcome to work side-by-side with their own handheld GPS. Space is limited, and the summer workshops are FILLING FAST, so register soon to ensure your spot!

Introduction to GPS I: Navigation. This workshop provides a basic introduction to using handheld GPS units for navigation and marking points of interest. Designed for people with minimal to no prior GPS experience. Cost: $32.

Introduction to GPS II: Pictures and Points. Participants in this workshop learn how to link digital photographs with corresponding GPS points for use in digital mapping. Pre-requisite: Introduction to GPS I. Cost: $45.

Introduction to GPS III: Routes. Participants in this workshop learn how to track their travel routes using handheld GPS units and to upload waypoints and routes into Google Earth. Pre-requisite: Introduction to GPS I. Cost: $32.

Introduction to GIS. This workshop answers the question: what digital mapping software is available for free, and what can it do? Designed for people with minimal to no prior GIS experience. Cost: $35.

The summer 2008 workshop dates are as follows:

GPS I: Navigation. Thursday, July 31, 5 - 8 pm.
GPS II: Pictures & Points. Saturday, August 2, 9 am - 1 pm.
GPS III: Routes. Thursday, August 7, 5 - 8 pm.
GIS. Thursday, August 14, 5 - 8 pm.

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“Knew nothing before; know a lot more now!”
– Norm Spicher (Intro to GPS I: Navigation, October 2007)

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For more information, contact AVEO at brett@aveo.org or (603) 358-2065. To register, contact KSC Continuing Education at (603) 358-2290.

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For information on more in-depth GPS and GIS trainings, click here to visit the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension’s Geospatial Technologies Training Center.