GPS Training

Instructional Videos

Basic Training for Using Handheld GPS

Introduction
Training described, overview of topics to be covered.

Topic 1: Setting-up your GPS
Simulation mode; Coordinate Systems, Numeric Format and Datums.

Topic 2: Signal Acquisition
View of the GPS satellite constellation, signal strength, sat lock, and differential augmentation.

Topic 3: Accuracy
GPS Satellite Geometry and Environmental Sources of Error

Topic 4: Field Exercise 1
Marking Waypoints to Create a Simple Map

Topic 5: Routes
Defined, Open-water navigation example, and comparison to tracks.

Topic 6: Tracks
Breadcrumb trail analogy and settings.

Other GPS Training Resources

Field Training Course for Learning to Use GPS

If you are responsible for training your organization, consider developing a outdoor training exercise, like an orienteering course.

A good book for helping you setup an orienteering course is A Comprehensive Guide to Land Navigation with GPS by Noel J. Hotchkiss. This book is a great training resource in general because of the wealth of information it provides, including coordinate systems and the United States National Grid (USNG).

Other good orienteering resources include the Boy Scout Orienteering Merit Badge Handbook and the US Orienteering Federation Web Site

Training Video at the Garmin/Support site:

http://www8.garmin.com/learningcenter/training/index.html

Personal Location Beacon Systems

UPDATE March 2008: In addition to traditional Emergency PLB systems there is now an Emergency/Messaging System.

TERRAFIX 406 GPS PLB from ACR Electronics -

For safety and security in remote locations, Emergency Personal Locator Beacons (EPLB) are available. Newer units with built-in GPS can be pinpointed to within 200 feet as compared to the older units without GPS which can only be located within a 3 mile radius. The ACR TerraFix 406 with built-in GPS was introduced at the list price of $650 (click here for current pricing at AdventureStation). No subscription is necessary but before using an EPLB, it must be registered with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In the United States, EPLB alerts are routed to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. The Air Force then notifies the state rescue agency, or state police in the area where the EPLB was activated. Outside the United States, the beacon's alert will be picked up anywhere on earth, but unless the traveler is located in a region friendly to United States interests, there is some question as to who would do the rescuing.

SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker -

More often there are situations when you would like someone to know where you are without necessarily initiating a Search and Rescue response. The SPOT Emergency/Messaging System provides three message options: I'm OK/just checking in, It's not an emergency but I could use some help, and It is an emergency/ rescue me. Like traditional EPLB, SPOT sends messages via a satellite network, providing global coverage over most of the worlds landmass and coastal regions (see coverage map). The SPOT device is hundreds of dollars less expensive than TerraFix, but an annual subscription for service is required (click here for more information at to check prices at AdventureStation). Basic service includes unlimited emergency and non-emergency messaging. A service upgrade is available for tracking.

Position Reporting and Asset Tracking

Keeping track of personnel and equipment during search and rescue, recovery operations is critical to successful and efficient missions. Distress calls, assets in the field, equipment and personnel, can be located on maps at base stations, mobile command posts, and handheld devices, using GPS integrated with various means of communications. Position reporting and tracking improves situational awareness and therefore, better emergency management.

Automatic Position Reporting Systems - APRS

There are various ways of connecting GPS to handheld a VHF radio and transmitting location data to others. One solution is the Byonics TinyTrak with Kenwood TH-D7AG radio (license required for operating on HAM frequencies). For an excellent introduction to APRS read the UK ARPS White Paper

Marine radio Digital Selective Calling - DSC

Several new models of marine radios are capable of integrating with GPS for sending position and receiving position of other vessels. These radios also have the capability of sending "digital MAYDAY" signal. The Coast Guard will soon have national coverage for DSC reception and will be able to better respond with information on the distress vessel current position, time/day and a FCC assigned vessel identification. The Standard Horizon brand Spectrum+ is an example of one radio with DSC and position reporting.

Cellular

Although cellular telephone service may not be available during large-scale disasters, the use of cellular telephones with position reporting is attractive for limited use in populated areas.

General Mobile / Family Radio Service - GMRS/FRS

This solution is especially attractive for Community Emergency Response Teams operating in a small areas with limited resources. Many team members may already have two-way radios that operate on these public frequencies. The Garmin Rino radio with integrated GPS allows you to "beam" your exact location to another Rino user.

General Information on GPS

All About GPS
The trimble web site has a tutorial "designed to give you a good basic understanding of the principles behind GPS without loading you down with too much technical detail"

How Stuff Works

More links related to use of GPS in responding to emergencies

DeLorme Assists NASA in Space Shuttle Recovery
"The new XMap product from probably the most popular consumer GIS company, DeLorme, has full USNG support and is an excellent tool with great capabilities otherwise, especially considering the $200 price." - from an employee of the US Department of Homeland Security

Maptech Terrain Navigator at Work in the Fire Service
"I've found Terrain Navigator to be a useful tool. Here are some key functions that will help you do your job, and some ideas to try in training operations:" - Charles Chalk NH Fire Department

Firefighters Pioneer Pocket-Sized GIS Collection
April–June 2001 issue of ESRI News

Maps of the California Wildfires (2003)
http://www.esri.com/news/pressroom/firemaps.html

CSAR Yahoo! Group - A discussion forum for the tactical use of GPS and mapping technology in Search and Rescue operations.

Garmin Adventures in GPS eTrex® to the rescue during medical emergency in the Outback eTrex Vista - Just Add Water for Remote Desert Rescue

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