GPS / Mapping
(1) Introduction & Practice
- Read the chapter in the Sourcebook for Teaching Science on mapping (Chapter 21) and the online GPS resources.
- Read the GPS manual and lessons on using Google Earth. Familiarize yourself with all of the functions on your GPS device.
- Input GPS tracking and waypoint data, and anlyze with TraiRunner and Google Earth.
(2) Locate POI (Points of Interest) for your discipline
- Review selected points of interest
- Chose your own points of interest related to a topic you teach. Enter at least five points here.
- Review the results of class input here.
(3) Collect Data
- Check out a GPS device.
- Take a "hike" around CSUN, your school, or a field trip site
- Record the GPS coordinates for 8 or more waypoints.
- Note - GPS coordinates may be given degrees, minutes and seconds, or in decimal units. To convert to one, use the following converter.
The following measurements are the same, but the format used by GPS devices is (34 14.473859, -118 31.84554. latitude, longitude)
34.241231,-118.530759
34 14.473859, -118 31.84554
+34° 14' 28.43", -118° 31' 50.73"
- Note - GPS coordinates may be given degrees, minutes and seconds, or in decimal units. To convert to one, use the following converter.
- Take digital photos of each of these locations. Sample photos for class.
- Upload your photographs to your Picasa web album.
(4) KML/KMZ file - Google Earth
- Label and plot these waypoints using Google Earth.
- Post your kmz Google Earth file on your website. Examples.
- Plot the route and calculate the total distance traveled. Include a picture of your route in your website.
(5) Plotting your route - Google Maps
- Review the MyMaps instructions.
- Practice photos for making MyMaps.
- Integrate the photos you posted on Picasa and your route with Google Maps. (examples)
(6) Make a contribution
- Make a contribution to Panoramio or one of the other layers in Google Earth. Document your contribution
(7) Discussion
- Summarize the scientific and mathematics principles used in GPS.
- Give a description of how you could use GPS in your class.