Css 465 Global Positioning System

Description

This course is an introduction to navigation-grade Global Positioning System (GPS) instruments used in agriculture and environmental science. Emphasis is placed on instrument familiarization, field data collection and processing, real-time and post-differential correction, and GPS-GIS integration. The course is designed to be a very practical, hands-on experience with GPS instruments used for field-based survey and mapping of plots, fields, boundary conditions, and other bio-physical features.

Course Objectives

Familiarization of GPS instruments in a field setting
Collection of position data and feature boundary definition
Correction of position data using various methods
Transfer of data from a GPS environment to a GIS environment
Estimation of area and perimeter of delineated feature(s)
Production of maps depicting spatial location and extent of delineated feature(s)

Instructor

Dr. William Stiteler
Lecturer
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
1001 Bradfield Hall
wms56@cornell.edu
Office Hours: TBA

Course Web site: http://www.css.cornell.edu/courses/465/css465.html

Expectations and Responsibilities

Students are expected to have basic mathematical skills and some experience with computers and word processing and spreadsheet programs. Students should be able to communicate to instructors using electronic mail, and to access and search the Internet for data and information relevant to the course. The goal of the instructors is to promote an active learning environment in the course which requires instructors and students to be motivated, participatory, and communicative. Assignments, projects, and exams are designed to be conducted independently. Instructors and students are expected to adhere to Cornell University 's code of academic integrity.

Recommended Reading

NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Surveying. US Army Corps of Engineers. EM 1110-1-1003

Hurn, J. 1993. GPS: A guide to the next utility. Trimble Navigation Ltd. Sunnyvale , California . 76 p. Hurn, J. 1995. Differential GPS explained. Trimble Navigation Ltd. Sunnyvale , California . 55p. Kennedy, M. 1996. The Global Positioning System and GIS. Ann Arbor Press, Inc. Chelsea, Michigan. 268p.

Assignments and Grading

Class participation	30%
Assignments	70%

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are encouraged to see the instructor in order that course materials may be updated appropriately to better foster the teaching and learning experience.

Schedule

Weather permitting, the course will consist of two 7.5-hour long sessions on March 29 and April 5. The class will be held in Bradfield 108 and outside on the Cornell campus. Dress appropriately.

Computing Resources

All laboratory sections will be held in the Bradfield Computer Classroom, Room 108 Bradfield Hall. The classroom is accessible to students enrolled in the course on scheduled lab days, or as posted in the course schedule. Bradfield Hall is a secured building after 8p. Students are not expected to work in the laboratory during evenings, weekends, or holidays. Assignments are designed to be completed during the normal laboratory period and during open lab periods as posted in the course schedule. Students who need extra time in the laboratory must submit a request to one of the instructors so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Other Resources

Kennedy, M. 1996. The Global Positioning System and GIS. Ann Arbor Press, Inc. Chelsea, Michigan. 268 p.