GPS

The global positioning system (GPS) can locate anyone or anything with a receiver. The complete global positioning system consists of 29 satellites (only 24 are necessary) and a GPS receiver to decode signals from the satellites. Each GPS satellite transmits radio waves with an accurate atomic clock and the GPS receiver uses that time stamp to measure the time it takes for the signal to travel to the receiver on Earth, less than a tenth of a second. Then it multiplies that time by the speed of a radio wave (186,000 miles per second) to calculate the location of the receiver (D=VT). A minimum of three satellites is needed for precision (triangulation) and the margin of error is approximately 16-30 feet. This calculation determines the location of the receiver as well as its direction and speed of travel.

RCPS has a GPS set of 20 Garmin eTrex / Legend units available for teachers to check out for classroom use. Contents of the GPS lab include:

http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/Resources/TechLabs/LabCheckOut-Images/gpslab.jpg
view
  • large blue rolling cart
  • 25 Garmin Legend handhelds (15 blue Legend & 10 yellow etrex H) with lanyards, protective cases, and AA rechargeable batteries (50 total, 2 in each handheld)
  • electric battery charger (15 minute) for 4 rechargeable batteries at a time with extra rechargeable batteries
  • 3 computer link cables with 3 serial usb adapters
  • ESRI Mapping Software Application (Mac)
  • Garmin Topographic Mapping Software Application (Windows)
  • 5 Garmin Legend manuals
  • 5 Garmin Legend Quick Reference cards
  • 1 Garmin eTrex manual
  • 1 Garmin eTrex Quick Reference card
  • 4 cache boxes and 6 film canister cache boxes
  • 10 hardboard clipboards

As with all technology equipment we provide, we ask that you return everything in the condition in which you received it, including having batteries charged and installed in the handhelds ready for use by the next teacher. To schedule the GPS set, please contact a member of the RCPS Tech Staff.

GIS

RCPS has ESRI GIS Solutions for Education software for Mac which is also a free download on the web. Feel free to use this software at home or at school as you wish. RCPS has a single copy of Garmin Topo U.S. for Windows which can be installed on a single computer for use with the GPS lab and then must be uninstalled following use of the lab. It is licensed for only one computer. Additional GIS information will be provided here soon. If you have questions about GPS/GIS, please contact Lynne Pike.

Links

How-To Resources