GIS Training – GPS Technology in the Field – Instruction with Alan Ford

Date/Time
Sunday, March 29, 2015
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Categories No Categories

Space is limited and RSVP is required through Eventbrite at https://20150329.eventbrite.com.

Registration is required due to limited space. Details and where to meet will be sent to registered participants. 

This program will be repeated if demand warrants.

VNPS programs are free and open to the public; however, there is an Admission fee of $5 to Meadowlark Gardens

Geospatial information is more important and easier to get than ever. Driving directions in your car and up-to-date weather forecasts rely on free and ubiquitous spatial information. GPS devices are now standard in smart phones and satellite imagery is readily available for download.

GPS technology for field surveys is now standard and easily usable by the non-professional for recording tracks, locating points of interest and measuring growth areas of species. The Fairfax County Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Program, recognizing the value of this technology, outfitted the Team Leaders with GPS units from the start.

This class is intended to introduce some basic concepts of spatial technology, use of GPS and field practice. It is intended for all levels of experience and will rely on question-and-answer and problem-solving methodology. Participants should bring their own device, either handheld GPS, smartphone or GPS-enabled tablet. Downloading a free GPS App is helpful. Participants will be contacted prior to the session to confirm preparations. Primarily an inside class, some field work is anticipated.

Alan Ford is an Instructor in Computer Science at American University where he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Geographic Information Systems for over a decade. He is Potowmack Chapter President of the Virginia Native Plant Society. He is also a volunteer with the Fairfax County IMA and Early Detection / Rapid Response Program.