NRS 524 – Advanced Spatial Analysis:
Using GPS in Support of Resource Management.
Class Schedule, Spring 2016
Tuesdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
CBLS 252, Kingston Campus
Class Website: http://www.edc.uri.edu/nrs/classes/nrs524/
Nigel Shaw: (617) 223-5065 (office), (617) 797-4569 (cell), nigel_shaw@nps.gov
Dennis Skidds: (401) 874-4305 (office), dennis_skidds@nps.gov
Office Hours: CIK 020, generally available 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, M-F
January 26:
GPS Theory & Uses
February 2:
Mapping near the Coastal Institute Building: Preparation
Hardware, 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 9:
Mapping near the Coastal Institute Building: Fieldwork
Data 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 16: Mapping on the Campus Quad: Preparation & Fieldwork
Prepare 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 common
outline developed in class, transfer it to the GPS unit, and use it to map
features on the Campus Quad.
February 23: Mapping on the Campus Quad: Post-processing
Downloading 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:
No Class
March 8:
Mapping on the Campus Quad: Presentation
Student presentations of Campus Quad data for class discussion (max 10 min
each).
Homework (Due in 3 weeks, on 3/29): 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 15:
Mapping at a National Park: Preparation 1
Discuss 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 22:
Spring Break
March 29:
Personal Choice Mapping Presentations
Present personal choice mapping exercises for class discussion (10 min each).
Discussion on what works/doesn’t work, issues in preparation, field or postprocessing.
April 5:
Mapping at a National Park: Preparation 2
Final changes to data dictionary, trip logistics and expectations
Homework: Test final data dictionary for field use.
April 8-10:
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-processing
Class projects assignments finalized. Begin post-processing and exchange field
trip data as necessary.
Homework (Due in 3 weeks, on 4/26): Edit/export/document data, and prepare 5-8
slide presentation.
April 19:
Real-time Differential GPS (DGPS) & Recent Developments
Homework: none
April 26:
Mapping at a National Park: Presentations
Final class presentations and review of park data.
May 6:
Final Data for Park Due