U of I offering local GPS class

April 3, 2013

A Global Positioning System or “GPS” receiver is becoming as common to work and play in forests as a compass. Yet many who own a GPS unit feel they are only using a small portion of its capabilities.

This spring, a half-day University of Idaho Extension program titled “Using Your GPS” will introduce participants to the science underlying GPS and the wide range of tasks that can be accomplished with GPS and their accompanying technologies, such as mapping programs, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and internet data sources.

Topics to be discussed indoors include: “Maps and Coordinate Systems;" “How do Global Positioning Systems Work;" “Entering Waypoints to a GPS;" “Forestry Applications for GPS;" “Shopping for a GPS Receiver;" and “The Future of GPS and Allied Technologies."

In the last half of the program, participants will practice field exercises with a GPS receiver. Activities will include assessing satellites and accuracy; setting and locating waypoints, marking trails; streams, etc.; and estimating acreages.

The program will be held Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to noon at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Boundary County, 6447 Kootenai Street, behind the courthouse, in Bonners Ferry.

Those wishing to participate should pre-register by Friday, May 3, at the Extension office. A $20 registration fee covers resource materials and refreshments.

The program is eligible for 3.5 Society of American Foresters CFE credits and 4 Idaho Pro-Logger credits.

For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office at (208) 267-3235. For program questions, contact Chris Schnepf at (208) 446-1460.

The program is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, the Idaho Department of Lands, and the USDA Forest Service.

Registration forms can also be downloaded at http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry.