Geography 121 Project Two: Locating Geographic Coordinates using GPS Jeffrey Hayden Kristen Muscat Jamie Pfitzenmeyer William Steudler

A review of GPS… GPS otherwise known as Global Positioning System is a navigational tool based off the concept of trilateration. GPS was developed by the US Department of National Defense.

There are 3 components of GPS: There are 3 components of GPS: [ User Segment ] [ Space – Satellite ] [ Control Segment ]

The GPS Space Segment The GPS space segment consists of 24 satellites located in space which orbit the earth. These 24 satellites follow the path of 6 distinct orbits circulating every 12 hours. The 24 satellites continually send messages to receivers which are located on Earth’s surface.

The GPS Control Segment The control segment consists of monitor control stations located across the globe. The control station calculates satellite’s orbit and clock information every 15 minutes. The control station also sends updated navigation information to satellites a few times a day.

The GPS User Segment The user segment of the GPS system continually listens for signals broadcasted by the satellites. The user segment then receives the information from the various satellites and calculates the distance information. The user segment then uses distance data and trilateration to determine the location. *The user segment can be hand-held or can also be used to track animals and navigate airplanes.

Inaccuracies with GPS Atmospheric Delay- when the satellite's signal is delayed because it bounces through the atmosphere Multipath- when the signal bounces off or is delayed by an object (trees or people) before it reaches the user segment. Obstruction- when an large object (a building) between the satellite signal and the user segment completely blocks connection.

How to do PROJECT 2: There are 2 parts to this project, with a group of 3-4 people you will… A. Locate 2 unidentified points using the handheld GPS. Also, you will locate your own 4 points using the GPS. B. Then you will plot these points using computer software on a map of Penn State.

For this project you will need the following: - GPS and cord (these you can sign out with Missy) - Pencil/Pen - Worksheet - Computer - Patience, this project takes time.

Before searching for your points: - Make sure there is sufficient battery levels on the GPS, it might even be a good idea to bring 4 extra AA batteries along with you in case you have problems. - Print out the worksheet for this project here: sheet.doc sheet.doc - Now you are ready to get to work!

To Avoid MUCH Confusion: -The GPS system records coordinates as degrees, minutes and seconds. VERY IMPORTANT!!-- These measurements DO NOT directly translate into decimals! -Convert the decimal (mystery) coordinates you were given on your worksheet to degrees, minutes, and seconds (in order to find them using the GPS). You may wish to use this website:

Getting Started After you determine your converted coordinates, it is now time to turn on GPS. Do this by holding red light bulb button. (if you are inside, you probably will not get a signal) After you determine your converted coordinates, it is now time to turn on GPS. Do this by holding red light bulb button. (if you are inside, you probably will not get a signal) Press the Page button until the Main Menu page appears Press the Page button until the Main Menu page appears Next, highlight Waypoint List using the arrows and press enter Next, highlight Waypoint List using the arrows and press enter If previous waypoints exist, using the arrow- highlight Delete Waypoints and press enter. If previous waypoints exist, using the arrow- highlight Delete Waypoints and press enter.

Locate a Waypoint Press the “GOTO” button (top left.) Press the “GOTO” button (top left.) Type in the unidentified Type in the unidentified coordinates that you were given on the worksheet. The GPS will then lead you to The GPS will then lead you to these mystery points. these mystery points. Remember, you should be looking for the converted coordinates (decimal to degrees, minutes, and seconds)

Important Information When choosing your four locations, make sure that they fall somewhere in West-Central portion of campus (between Walker Building and the HUB) When choosing your four locations, make sure that they fall somewhere in West-Central portion of campus (between Walker Building and the HUB) Note, these locations must be far enough apart to be distinguishable on a map Note, these locations must be far enough apart to be distinguishable on a map

Marking Your Four Waypoints Press Page to refresh until you get to the Position Page Press Page to refresh until you get to the Position Page This page displays elapsed time, position, time, and a compass This page displays elapsed time, position, time, and a compass As you move the position coordinates will indicate movement (through the changing numbers) As you move the position coordinates will indicate movement (through the changing numbers) Once you reach a destination, press Mark. This will save your waypoint Once you reach a destination, press Mark. This will save your waypoint Repeat this step three more times at different locations Repeat this step three more times at different locations

When you’ve completed marking your points: Before returning to lab, make sure you have correctly SAVED ALL your waypoints. (check this by pressing page to main menu-waypoint list) Before returning to lab, make sure you have correctly SAVED ALL your waypoints. (check this by pressing page to main menu-waypoint list) Return to the Walker Building lab and enter data into the computer Return to the Walker Building lab and enter data into the computer

To input data into the computer: Use the GPS cord to connect to the computer. (the port is in the back of the computer) Use the GPS cord to connect to the computer. (the port is in the back of the computer) 1. Open “Waypoint +v1.8.03” from the Start Menu (you may have to run a search for it) 1. Open “Waypoint +v1.8.03” from the Start Menu (you may have to run a search for it) 2. Click on: GPS- then- 2. Click on: GPS- then- Download from GPS- then- Waypoint Waypoint

More Instructions 3. Choose File- then- Configuration Make sure Decimal Degrees, and Statute Miles are bulleted.

Almost done configuring… 4. Choose File –then- Datum 4. Choose File –then- Datum a. scroll down to find WGS84 b. click to highlight and press “ok” c. Congratulations, you’re configured, Save the GPS data as a text file (.txt:) in your W drive File -then- Save -then- Waypoint

Next, open Microsoft Excel Open the text file you just saved on Waypoint+. It should look something like this: Erase the text in row 1. On this graphic it appears as Datum, WGS84, etc. Label Column C as Waypoint. Label Column D as latitude and E as longitude. Looking at this graphic, delete all columns excluding columns C, D and E. The information remaining will be your waypoint, latitude and longitude.

^ Your edited Excel file should now look like this ^ Save this updated file. Now exit out of Microsoft excel so you can use the data in ArcView. Open the program ArcView 8.x this may also be called ArcMap (This can be found on the Start Menu under Programs.) Next, unzip the file “Project 2b: Campus Map Data" which can be found on the Geog 121 page on Angel. You will use this file when making your map.

ArcView will transpose your coordinates onto a map of the Penn State Campus. To do so correctly the settings must be on NAD83. To view this screen press View. Click Coordinate System Then click make sure it is NAD 1983 that is highlighted. Click Apply. Then OK.

Next, click Layers. Click all the boxes, and your map should look like the this graphic. You may want to check the box clp_mask first (that’s the bottom layer). Then you can add buildings and roads. At this time you have in front of you a map of campus. The final thing you will need to do is to load your data points onto this map.

Now, to add your points, Click Tools. Click Add XY Data. In the first file drop, where is says Choose a table…you will use the document of coordinates you saved in Excel. Make sure it is your file name that appears in this box. Then make sure the X field is Latitude, and the Y field is Longitude. Click OK.

Guess What!? You’re done! -If the steps were followed correctly, your points should be plotted on the correct buildings on campus. -You will then use Microsoft FrontPage to complete your project. -You will then use Microsoft FrontPage to complete your project. -Directions for your website’s layout are here: 1/projects/proj2b_example.html 1/projects/proj2b_example.html 1/projects/proj2b_example.html

WARNING -You may run into problems with this project, it can be very complicated. Trust us, we know from experience. -DO NOT wait until the day before it is due. Get your coordinates as soon as possible. Make sure you leave enough time to attend office hours or ask questions. You’ve been warned. Good luck!

References: Dana, Peter H. (2000) Global Positioning System Overview. Accessed 5 October DiBiase, David. Understanding Geographic Data. Module 2 ESRI Virtual Campus Accessed 5 October Degrees, Minutes, Seconds and Decimal Degrees Latitude/Longitude Conversions. Federal Communications Commission. Accessed 5 October GEOG 121 Project 2:Locating Geographic Coordinates with GPS. Parts 2a and 2b.