GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 GPS BASICS Fire Suppression Repair March, 2010.

GPS BASICSAdam Wyman; CDF, 2005

GPS BASICS

Fire Suppression Repair March, 2010


GPS receivers detect, decode, and process GPS satellite signals into position, velocity, and time estimates.GPS receivers must be locked onto 4 satellites to get a 3D reading: Latitude, Longitude & Altitude or X,Y,Z coordinates.GPS receivers must be locked onto 3 satellites to get a 2D reading: Latitude & Longitude or X, Y Coordinates.GPS compares the time a signal was sent by a satellite to the time it was received.

GPS – What It Does


GPS Accuracy

Earth’s Atmosphere

Solid Structures

Electro-magnetic Fields

Airplanes

SIGNAL SIGNAL INTERFERENCEINTERFERENCE


GPS AccuracySources of Error or Signal Problems Along Your Path:

- Canopy Cover

- Large Rocks

- Terrain/Topography


Multipath – Satellite signals are reflected off large nearby objects (buildings, cars, trees, rocks/boulders, canyons) causing an erroneous signal to be received by the GPS antenna

GPS Accuracy


GPS AccuracySources of Errors You Cannot

Control

Satellite geometry. Reflections from objects – multipath

errors Antenna quality of your GPS model Atmospheric interference System errors (time and orbit)


Our GARMIN receivers are accurate to +/-30’ Average. WAAS enabled GPS can improve accuracy to +/-9’

• Accessory antennas plug into the GPS receiver, increasing accuracy

GPS Accuracy


GPS Units: RecommendationsKnow Your Limits!

Garmin Models

Waypoints

Track Points

Battery Life

Memory Interface Cost

Garmin V 500 3,000 25 hrs 19 MB Serial Port

$260

E-Trex 500 10,000 20 hrs 24 MB Serial Port

$400

60CSx 1,000 10,000 30 hrs 56 MB USB $500

76CSx 1,000 10,000 20 hrs 115MB USB $550

Garmin V

E-Trex Vista

60CSx 76CS


Set up your GPS prior to goingout on the fireline!

GPS Set-up


DMS – Degree, Minutes, Seconds Garmin Set-up Menu : hdddmm’ss.s’’ Example Readout : 3947’59.9’’ -

12134’59.8’’ • DDM – Degree, Decimal, Minutes

Garmin Set-up Menu: hdddmm.mmm’ Example Readout: 3947.999’ -12134.997’

• DD – Decimal Degrees Garmin Set-up Menu: hddd.ddddd Example Readout: 39.79998 -121.58325

LATITUDE / LONGITUDELATITUDE / LONGITUDE

GPS Set-up - Format


DDM – Degree, Decimal, Minutes Garmin Set-Up Menu: hdddmm.mmm’

Example Readout: 3947.999’ - 12134.997’

LATITUDE / LONGITUDELATITUDE / LONGITUDEGPS Set-up - Format

DDegrees, egrees, DDecimal, ecimal, MMinutes is inutes is the the FormatFormat all aircraft use all aircraft use


GPS Set-up Map Datums

Datums - A datum is the set of equations used to plot the latitude and longitude on the surface of the earth. Datums are based on a particular spheroid. NAD 27 CONUS, WGS 84, etc.

In Set-up, choose the map datum you want to use. WGS 84 is suggested.

• Our GPS receivers can collect lat and long coordinates in any map datum you set-up in your GPS. If you change the map datum in the Set-up menu (example: from NAD 27 CONUS to WGS 84), the lat and long coordinate in question will be plotted in a different location on the ground because the difference between the NAD 27 and WGS 84 map datums is approximately 300 feet on the ground.


Map Datums

NAD 27 CONUS

(Mapped on-the-ground)

WGS 84 (Helicopt

er Mapped)

This shows the difference how NAD 27 CONUS and WGS 84 would plot on a map without any

correction by computer software

program


GPS Concepts To Understand

The data you collect will be either points or lines (Waypoints or Tracks)

Waypoints will always be a single location.

Tracks are Track Logs, the Active Log & Routes (What’s the diff?)


The Active Log is the trail of breadcrumbs you see automatically on the GPS (provided tracking is “ON”).

A Track Log is set-up and saved by you to record specific data.

You can set-up a Track Log, or save an Active Log as a Track Log file. You’ll get specific data: I.e. Distance, acres, profile. The Active Log is only a trail of breadcrumbs until it is saved.

Routes – are a command set by user using the GOTO feature, which computes a Route for the user to follow or navigate to, such as a Waypoint, city, address, point of interest, etc.




Think of the Active Log, Waypoints, Track Logs as separate layers of data.

Reason: Usually when you

download this data to your

computer, the Waypoints and

Tracks Logs are downloaded

separately.



The Compass feature, GOTO Feature or Route, the GPS works better when you are moving, especially on older models. Stops cause poor readings because the GPS doesn’t know what direction you are moving. You might see a ? on your screen instead of the arrow pointing the direction of your destination.

Driving a “Route”


TIPSTIPS

Data Collection on Incidents

Always take your GPS download cable to incidents

Spare batteries. (You won’t lose any data if batteries go dead, or when you turn off GPS)

External antenna is good for vehicle use, when you need to “bury” GPS in pocket, & for helicopter work

Require your GPS users to take Field notes while collecting data

Helpful if you lose satellite reception Take a map and compass, the GPS does not replace

these! Record the GPS time when you start and stop

recording track data Take pictures when doing damage assessment and

repair


TRACK LOG TIPSTRACK LOG TIPS

Data Collection

Always clear the Active Log before you start recording data! Remember, you only have a limited number of Track Points until the receiver is either full, or you begin to “wrap” over existing data.

When setting up Track Logs, it’s preferable to set the Record Mode to Fill, the Interval to Distance and the Distance Value to 0.01 miles

Don’t turn GPS off to stop recording a track segment SAVE IT! (Know your GPS and do what’s best to save your Track Logs)

Know how many Track Points your Active Log is capable of storing, i.e. how far can you go?.


Give good, clear instructions! Assign data collectors to specific areas, don’t overlap areas if possible.Establish a Waypoint naming system; I.e. Div. A waypoint #1 = A1, and have written field notes for A1Div. X waypoint #1 = X1, and have written field notes for X1

Have your FOBS verify the GPS is set-up consistently (Datum, Lat/Long format). Coordinate this with your GIS shop if necessary.Make your assignment reasonable for the ground to be covered.

Data Collection – Assigning Staff


Helicopter GPS

Turn on GPS and acquire 3D position before taking off.

Ask pilot if they have done GPS flights before

(Discuss)

Review flight with pilot prior to take off Review terminology to be used while in flight Flying low and slow is best Advise pilot to stop and hover over any sites

you wish.


Debriefing with GPS

Do you need the data?How reliable is the data? Verify data is in a compatible map datum.Transfer data to a computer ASAP.Turn in a copy of the field notes including who and when the data was taken ASAP.Incomplete data is better than no data at all.


When in doubt, talk to the people who will be using

the data!

Debriefing with GPS


Real-Time Tracking

GPS Transmits Location onto

USGS Topo Map Software

(Terrain Navigator)

My (Old) GPS Receiver Connected to my (Old) Laptop

Adding Functionality


GarminGPSMAP60CSx

DataCollection


Objective

- Collect:

- Waypoints

- Track Logs

In the field!In the field!


Summary of Topics

Mark Waypoints

Delete Waypoints

Collect Track Log

View Active Track Area

Collecting Track Segments

X


The Garmin 60CSx

Mark Current Location

Mark Current Location

Page Zoom InPage Zoom In

Page Zoom OutPage Zoom Out

Rocker for scrolling/moving cursor

Rocker for scrolling/moving cursor

Find MenuFind Menu

Cancel Data Entry or Exit a Page

Cancel Data Entry or Exit a Page

Press Twice to View Main Menu

Press Twice to View Main Menu

Press PAGE button to Cycle Through Main

Pages. Press and Hold to Turn

Compass On/Off

Press PAGE button to Cycle Through Main

Pages. Press and Hold to Turn

Compass On/Off

Press ENTER to savePress ENTER to save


Your Garmin 60CSx

Your GPS has six main pages:• Satellite Page• Trip Computer Page• Map Page• Compass Page• Altimeter Page• Main Menu

Your GPS has six main pages:• Satellite Page• Trip Computer Page• Map Page• Compass Page• Altimeter Page• Main Menu

Each page has an Options Menu. To view the Options Menu for a page, press MENU key once on the page

Each page has an Options Menu. To view the Options Menu for a page, press MENU key once on the page


Reminder – When you Turn on GPS, Check Satellite Page

Check number of satellites highlighted in blue–minimum 3 satellites required

Check number of satellites highlighted in blue–minimum 3 satellites required

Check accuracy of signal, the lower the number the better

Check accuracy of signal, the lower the number the better Bar graph at bottom

of window shows strength of signals from each satellite

Bar graph at bottom of window shows strength of signals from each satellite


Mark Waypoint

PressPress and and hold Markhold Mark

-All values frozen-No values stored yet

-All values frozen-No values stored yet


Modify Mark Waypoint Page

Waypoint Symbol

Waypoint Symbol

DO NOT EDIT – needed for ArcView/ArcGIS

DO NOT EDIT – needed for ArcView/ArcGIS

Waypoint Name, max 14 characters

Waypoint Name, max 14 characters

Current Position

Current Position

Current Elevation

Current Elevation

Show Waypoint on Map PageShow Waypoint on Map Page


Save WaypointTo accept the waypoint as is, highlight OK with the rocker and press ENTER.

To accept the waypoint as is, highlight OK with the rocker and press ENTER.

To change any information on the Mark Waypoint Page, move the rocker to the appropriate field and press ENTER. After making changes, highlight OK and press ENTER. You can edit waypoints as you create them or at a later date.

To change any information on the Mark Waypoint Page, move the rocker to the appropriate field and press ENTER. After making changes, highlight OK and press ENTER. You can edit waypoints as you create them or at a later date.


Deleting Waypoints

Press the FIND button and highlight the

Waypoints option.

Press the FIND button and highlight the

Waypoints option.


Deleting Waypoints

Use the rocker to select the waypoint you want to

delete and press ENTER.

Use the rocker to select the waypoint you want to

delete and press ENTER.

Highlight the Delete button and press

ENTER.

Highlight the Delete button and press

ENTER.

Deleted waypoints can’t be recovered!

Deleted waypoints can’t be recovered!


Collect Track in Active Track Log

Press ENTER when Tracks is selected to open the Track Log

Press ENTER when Tracks is selected to open the Track Log

Press MENU twice to access the Track Log page on your GPS.

Press MENU twice to access the Track Log page on your GPS.


Track Log Setup

Be sure the Track Log is turned on. Move the rocker to highlight On

an press ENTER

Be sure the Track Log is turned on. Move the rocker to highlight On

an press ENTER

Once Track Log is turned On, highlight

Setup and press ENTER

Once Track Log is turned On, highlight

Setup and press ENTER


Track Log Setup

Select a color for your track log. Press ENTER to see color options

Select a color for your track log. Press ENTER to see color options

Deselect the Wrap When Full Option to ensure that no track log data gets erased. Press ENTER to uncheck

Deselect the Wrap When Full Option to ensure that no track log data gets erased. Press ENTER to uncheck

Records Track Log based on distance, time, or auto. Press ENTER to open

Records Track Log based on distance, time, or auto. Press ENTER to open

Will change based upon the selection made in Record Method. .01 miles is suggested

Will change based upon the selection made in Record Method. .01 miles is suggested


View Active Track Log

To view your current Track Log, select the TracBack option by pressing ENTER

To view your current Track Log, select the TracBack option by pressing ENTER


Save Track Log

If you wish to save your current Track Log, scroll up to Save and press ENTER. Select Yes or No and press ENTER again

If you wish to save your current Track Log, scroll up to Save and press ENTER. Select Yes or No and press ENTER again

To review saved Track Logs, highlight the log in the Saved Tracks menu and press ENTER. You can edit, map or delete your Track Log from this frame. When finished, highlight OK and press ENTER

To review saved Track Logs, highlight the log in the Saved Tracks menu and press ENTER. You can edit, map or delete your Track Log from this frame. When finished, highlight OK and press ENTER

View total area of Track LogView total area of Track Log


Press MENU twice to access the Main Menu. Select Tracks icon and press ENTER. Highlight the Save button and press ENTER.

Press MENU twice to access the Main Menu. Select Tracks icon and press ENTER. Highlight the Save button and press ENTER.

Saving a Portion of Current Track Log


Select No and press ENTER when this message appears.

Select No and press ENTER when this message appears.

Use the Rocker to move the pointer to the place on the track line that you want to be the beginning point, press ENTER.

Use the Rocker to move the pointer to the place on the track line that you want to be the beginning point, press ENTER.



Move the Rocker to where you want your end point to be and press ENTER

Move the Rocker to where you want your end point to be and press ENTER

A “Saving Track” message will appear followed by the Saved Track Page

A “Saving Track” message will appear followed by the Saved Track Page

With OK highlighted, press ENTER. A new track will be created in the Track Log main page

With OK highlighted, press ENTER. A new track will be created in the Track Log main page


Support- GARMIN’s website offers the software that runs the GPS hand-held units for free. Go to the website and update your GPS software to get the latest software. http://www.garmin/support/download.jsp.

You should not assume that you will use your GPS “out of the box” indefinitely. Periodically visit the website and update your GPS’ software.

Owner’s Manual – read the manual! You can go to GARMIN’s website and download a copy of your model’s manual for free.

Download Updates

GARMIN Support/Software Updating


Use GPS With PC Software…..



Real-Time Tracking

GPS Transmits Location onto

USGS Topo Map

My GPS Receiver Connected to Laptop



…..And Make Maps!

3-D

Topo

Air Photo

Note: All the Maps Shown Were e-mailed as .jpg Files to ECC, BC & IC the day of

the incident

Terrain Navigator


3-D Perspectives

Terrain Navigator

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 GPS BASICS Fire Suppression Repair March, 2010.

Documents

Transcript of GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 GPS BASICS Fire Suppression Repair March, 2010.