NRS 524 – Advanced Spatial Analysis: Using GPS in Support of Resource Management.

Class Schedule, Spring 2018

Thursdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.CIK 026, Kingston Campus

Class Website: http://www.edc.uri.edu/nrs/classes/nrs524/

Dennis Skidds: (401) 874-4305 (office), dennis_skidds@nps.govOffice Hours: CIK 016, generally available 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, M-F

Nigel Shaw: (617) 223-5065 (office), (617) 797-4569 (cell), nigel_shaw@nps.gov

January 25: GPS Theory & Uses

February 1: Mapping near the Coastal Institute Building: PreparationHardware, software, mission planning; Getting to know the TerraSync interface; Field demonstration and practice using GPS with TerraSync w/generic data dictionary

Homework: Check local satellite availability for next week’s class; collect field data w/generic data dictionary. Objective: Become familiar with the TerraSync interface.

February 8: Mapping near the Coastal Institute Building: FieldworkData dictionary creation / transferring to the GPS unit; review of TerraSync field procedures

Homework: Collect field data around the CI Building using TerraSync and the data dictionary developed in class. Objective: increase understanding of TerraSync.

February 15: Mapping on the Campus Quad: Preparation & FieldworkPrepare for independent field mapping exercise, identify features and attributes to map on the Campus Quad and create a common outline for a Campus Quad data dictionary.

Homework: create a new data dictionary in Pathfinder Office using the commonoutline developed in class, transfer it to the GPS unit, and use it to map features on the Campus Quad.

February 22: Mapping on the Campus Quad: Post-processingDownloading data, differential correction, export to ArcGIS, editing &metadata

Homework: download and post-process the Campus Quad field data as far as exporting to ArcGIS and editing. Prepare a brief presentation with best/worst, unanticipated or interesting results, specific problems, possible solutions and useful observations for other SWAT Team members. (3-5 slides preferred, or live demos in Pathfinder Office or ArcGIS). NOTE: completing each of the steps in the process is more important than comprehensive mapping of the Campus Quad.

March 1: Mapping on the Campus Quad: PresentationStudent presentations of Campus Quad data for class discussion (max 10 min each). Homework (Due in 3 weeks, on 3/22): Create and execute a mapping exercise for an area of your choosing. Prepare a short presentation with interesting results/lessons learned (5-8 slides, due March 29). NOTE: completing each of the steps in the process is more important than comprehensive mapping of your chosen site. Objective: Share lessons learned while independently completing the entire process, start to finish.

March 8: Mapping at a National Park: Preparation 1Discuss trip objectives, logistics, mission planning, and metadata requirements. Create a draft data dictionary.

Homework: Field test new data dictionary and note any bugs, suggestions for improvements.

March 15: Spring Break: No Class

March 22: Personal Choice Mapping PresentationsPresent personal choice mapping exercises for class discussion (10 min each). Discussion on what works/doesn’t work, issues in preparation, field or post-processing.

March 29: Mapping at a National Park: Preparation 2Final changes to data dictionary, trip logistics and expectations

Homework: Test final data dictionary for field use.

April 5: Last minute questions, trip preparation.

April 6-8: Mapping at a National Park: Fieldwork Week-end trip to a National Park unit: Friday early afternoon through Sunday evening. Individual projects assigned.

April 12: Mapping at a National Park: Post-processingClass projects assignments finalized. Begin post-processing and exchange field trip data as necessary.

Homework (Due in 2 weeks, on 4/26): Edit/export/document data, and prepare 5-8 slide presentation.

April 19: Real-time Differential GPS (DGPS) & Recent DevelopmentsHomework : none

April 26: Mapping at a National Park: Presentations Final class presentations and review of park data.

May 3: Final Data for Park Due