Posted Fall 2007
Provided by Kevin Lawton, Technology Specialist, College of Natural Resources – UW-Stevens Point.

NOTE: If you are willing to share your GIS/GPS suggestions, lessons, and recommendations with other educators please email them to sbuchhol@uwsp.edu and they will be posted to this web page.

GIS INFORMATION

What is GIS? http://www.gis.com/whatisgis/index.html

GIS Resources for K-12 Schools: http://www.esri.com/industries/k-12/index.html

GIS Software for Educators: A free GIS viewer and simple spatial analysis product that ESRI (ESRI is the leading developer of GIS techology) currently recommends for schools is the ArcExplorer Java Education Edition v 2.3 (AEJEE). It can be downloaded from: www.esri.com/software/arcexplorer/download.html. There is a Windows and MAC version. The Windows version is strongly suggested for use if possible.  

ArcView and ArcGIS are professional grade GIS software packages available from ESRI. They have greater functionality than ArcExplorer but cost $500.00 + per copy. 

GIS Lesson Plans: http://www.esri.com/arclessons
Many ready to use GIS lessons are available from ESRI developers and fellow educators. When looking at the lessons consider what software they were designed to be used with and ensure it is the product you are using. 

GPS INFORMATION 

What is GPS? http://scign.jpl.nasa.gov/learn/gps1.htm

GPS Basics: PowerPoint by environmental science teacher Chad Janowski, Shawano School District

GPS Guide for beginners from Garmin web site: http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/manual.html 
GPS tutorial from Trimble: http://www.trimble.com/gps/index.shtml

GPS Equipment: There are many GPS units that can be purchased. A good site for purchasing and reviewing options is GPS City: http://www.gpscity.com/ (use the "Handheld GPS" link on the left). 

Garmin Information:
Suggested models include:

• Garmin eTrex - $93 (the little yellow one, simple, easy to use)
• Garmin eTrex Legend - $125 (has built-in WAAS differential correction to improve accuracy, a nice plus)
• Garmin eTrex Vista - $166 (has built in WAAS plus a built-in electronic compass and altimeter) 

If you are on a budget and want a good unit, the eTrex Legend is a good option.

Note: The difference between having a built-in electronic compass (Vista) and not having one (Legend) affects navigation (i.e., geocaching, etc.). Without an electronic compass you have to be moving for the compass to work (distance, bearing). If you have a built-in electronic compass, you can be standing still. Not really a big issue but something to consider. 

Garmin web site: http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us 

If you use Garmin units you can take advantage of the Minnesota DNR utility that can be used to download points off of the Garmin units and directly create a GIS file (shapefile) that can be used in AEJEE and other GIS software. The free download can be obtained at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/tools/arcview/extensions/
DNRGarmin/DNRGarmin.html.  

Instructions for use: www.uwsp.edu/cnr/acl/onlinedocs/DNRGarmin_Instructions.pdf  (PDF)

Magellan Information:
Magellan's are fine units also. My personal preference and experience is with the Garmin units so I do not have specific recommendations for the Magellan units.  

Magellan web site: http://www.magellangps.com/

GEOCACHING INFORMATION 

What is Geocaching? http://www.factsfacts.com/geocacher.htm  

The official global GPS cache hunt site: http://www.geocaching.com/  

Introduction to Geocaching from the Garmin web site: http://www8.garmin.com/outdoor/geocaching/manual.html