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

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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 BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 GPS Accuracy Earth’s Atmosphere Solid Structures Electro-magnetic Fields Airplanes SIGNAL INTERFERENCE

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 GPS Accuracy Sources of Error or Signal Problems Along Your Path: - Canopy Cover - Large Rocks - Terrain/Topography

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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 BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 GPS Accuracy Sources 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)

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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 BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 GPS Units: Recommendations Know Your Limits! Garmin Models Waypoints Track Points Battery Life MemoryInterfaceCost Garmin V 5003,00025 hrs19 MBSerial Port$260 E-Trex50010,00020 hrs24 MBSerial Port$400 60CSx1,00010,00030 hrs56 MBUSB$500 76CSx1,00010,00020 hrs115MBUSB$550 Garmin V E-Trex Vista60CSx 76CS

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Set up your GPS prior to going out on the fireline! GPS Set-up

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 DMS – Degree, Minutes, Seconds Garmin Set-up Menu : hddd  mm’ss.s’’ Example Readout : 39  47’59.9’’ -121  34’59.8’’ DDM – Degree, Decimal, Minutes Garmin Set-up Menu: hddd  mm.mmm’ Example Readout: 39  ’ -121  ’ DD – Decimal Degrees Garmin Set-up Menu: hddd.ddddd  Example Readout:   LATITUDE / LONGITUDE GPS Set-up - Format

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 DDM – Degree, Decimal, Minutes Garmin Set-Up Menu: hddd  mm.mmm’ Example Readout: 39  ’  ’ LATITUDE / LONGITUDE GPS Set-up - Format Degrees, Decimal, Minutes is the Format all aircraft use Degrees, Decimal, Minutes is the Format all aircraft use

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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.

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Map Datums NAD 27 CONUS (Mapped on- the-ground) WGS 84 (Helicopter 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 BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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?)

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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. GPS Concepts To Understand

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 GPS Concepts To Understand 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.

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 GPS Concepts To Understand 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”

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005TIPS 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

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 TRACK 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?.

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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 A1 Div. 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

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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.

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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.

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 When in doubt, talk to the people who will be using the data! Debriefing with GPS

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Real-Time Tracking GPS Transmits Location onto USGS Topo Map Software (Terrain Navigator) My (Old) GPS Receiver Connected to my (Old) Laptop Adding Functionality

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Data Collection

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Objective - Collect: - Waypoints - Track Logs In the field!

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Summary of Topics Mark Waypoints Delete Waypoints Collect Track Log View Active Track Area Collecting Track Segments X

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 The Garmin 60CSx Mark Current Location Page Zoom In Page Zoom Out Rocker for scrolling/moving cursor Find Menu Cancel Data Entry or Exit a Page Press Twice to View Main Menu Press PAGE button to Cycle Through Main Pages. Press and Hold to Turn Compass On/Off Press ENTER to save

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Reminder – When you Turn on GPS, Check Satellite Page Check number of satellites highlighted in blue–minimum 3 satellites required Check accuracy of signal, the lower the number the better Bar graph at bottom of window shows strength of signals from each satellite

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Mark Waypoint Press and hold Mark -All values frozen -No values stored yet -All values frozen -No values stored yet

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Modify Mark Waypoint Page Waypoint Symbol DO NOT EDIT – needed for ArcView/ArcGIS Waypoint Name, max 14 characters Current Position Current Elevation Show Waypoint on Map Page

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Save Waypoint 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.

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Deleting Waypoints Press the FIND button and highlight the Waypoints option.

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Deleting Waypoints Use the rocker to select the waypoint you want to delete and press ENTER. Highlight the Delete button and press ENTER. Deleted waypoints can’t be recovered!

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Collect Track in Active 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.

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Track Log Setup 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

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Track Log Setup 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 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

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 View Active Track Log To view your current Track Log, select the TracBack option by pressing ENTER

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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 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 Log

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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. Use the Rocker to move the pointer to the place on the track line that you want to be the beginning point, press ENTER.

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Saving a Portion of Current Track Log 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 With OK highlighted, press ENTER. A new track will be created in the Track Log main page

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 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. 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

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Use GPS With PC Software….. Adding Functionality

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 Real-Time Tracking GPS Transmits Location onto USGS Topo Map My GPS Receiver Connected to Laptop Adding Functionality

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005 …..And Make Maps! 3-D Topo Air Photo Note: All the Maps Shown Were ed as.jpg Files to ECC, BC & IC the day of the incident Terrain Navigator

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, D Perspectives Terrain Navigator

GPS BASICS Adam Wyman; CDF, 2005