**Great Basin National Park**

**Global Positioning System -- GeoExplorer 3**

# Training Manual/Protocol

Computer: Heister

File Location: \\\\c:\\joe\\gisdata\\gps\\grba_gps

Created: 05202002

Created By: Kristina M. Heister

Modified:

####### TABLE OF CONTENTS

###### Required Reading

####### II. Scheduling Field Days

A.  Access and Review Current Almanac

###### Pre-Trip Planning: Before Going Out In The Field

A.  Plan Walk

B.  Open Project and Prepare Data Dictionary

C.  Transfer Data Dictionary to GPS Unit

D.  Field Materials and Equipment

E.  Equipment Check and GPS Configuration

###### In The Field

A.  Data Capture: Creating a New File

B.  Data Capture: Pause and Resume Logging

C.  Data Capture: Creating a Waypoint

D.  Data Capture: Closing a File

E.  Navigation

###### When You Return From The Field

A.  Data Transfer From The GPS Unit To The Computer

B.  Differentially Correcting Field Data

C.  Exporting Data to ArcView GIS

D.  Complete the GRBA GPS Log Sheet

###### Appendices

A.  Terminology

B.  GRBA GPS Log Sheet

C.  Advanced Functions

> Nesting Feature
>
> Segmenting
>
> Offsets

####### 

####### I. REQUIRED READING

1.  Introduction in the [GeoExplorer 3 Data Collection System Reference
    Manual]{.underline} (3-ring binder). Available through your
    supervisor.

####### II. SCHEDULING FIELD DAYS

For your GPS unit to function properly and collect accurate geographic
locations there must be at least 4 satellites and preferably more. In
addition, PDOP (the measurement of "noise") must be less than 6.
Schedule your field work at a date and time when the PDOP is \<6 and the
number of available satellites is [\>]{.underline} 4. In order to
facilitate your data collection; ask the GIS Coordinator if the most
current almanac is available. The almanac is a set of data that is used
to predict satellite orbits over approximately a month long period. If
the almanac is not current you may go to the following website to
download a current almanac:
[www.trimble.com/gpsdataresources/](http://www.trimble.com/gpsdataresources/)

Select *Current Ephemeris Data* and then save the file to [c:/program
files/common files/trimble/almanacs]{.underline}

**A. [Access and Review Current Almanac:]{.underline}**

1\. Open **[Pathfinder Office]{.smallcaps}** by double clicking on the
icon on the desktop -- the *Select Project* window will appear. Unless
you have been directed otherwise, choose *default* and then close the
window and continue.

2\. Go into -\> click on *Utilities* and choose *Quick Plan* from the
drop down menu.

3\. Select Date by choosing *Today*, *Tomorrow*, or *Day after Tomorrow*

a - Click on *Prev Month* or *Next Month* if the wrong month is
displayed

b - If necessary, enter the *Julian* date (see Appendix for definition)
in the lower left corner and the *calendar* date in the lower right
corner.

C -Press **ok** to close the dialog box.

4\. The *Edit Point* window defines the latitude and longitude location
where observations are taken. You can change the default location by
clicking on *Cities* and selecting Ely, NV if it did not appear as the
default location -\> click **ok** to accept changes. Close *Edit Point*
by pressing **ok.**

5\. *Status* window opens summarizing the information discussed in
number's 2 and 3. Confirm the information and *close the window*.

6.  You will now be in the *Plan: session \#* window. Once you close the
    Status window above Pathfinder Office may automatically generate a
    graph of satellites and PDOP. If it doesn't click on *Graphs* and
    choose *Number of SV's and PDOP* (this may appear automatically) to
    get a graphical image of the number of visible satellites and the
    PDOP for the specified day and time. You are looking for times of
    day when the PDOP is less than 6 and you have at least 4 satellites.
    Schedule your field work accordingly.

## III. PRE-TRIP PLANNING: BEFORE GOING INTO THE FIELD

######### A. [Plan walk]{.underline}

If the primary purpose of your work is to collect spatial information,
it is essential to plan your route. When you are recording data, having
knowledge of the area may allow you to maximize your time by allowing
you to work on several features on the same trip. In addition, the
topography of the area where you are collecting data may require changes
in the Data Logger's configuration.

Knowing where features are located will help you prepare the Data Logger
for recording information in the field. Pathfinder Office allows you to
create a form for data collection in the Data Logger. This is
accomplished by preparing Data Dictionaries in Pathfinder
Office[.]{.smallcaps} They are then transferred to the Data Logger for
your field work. When you return from the field, the information you
recorded with the Data Logger is downloaded to the computer. Files/
information may then be exported directly into Arcview as a table. The
data is stored as a .dbf file and also may be opened in MS Excel.

**B.** [**Open Project and** **Prepare Data Dictionary**]{.underline}

See Appendix A with definitions for terms with which you are unfamiliar.

1\. Open *Pathfinder Office*. The *Select Project* box will appear.
Enter a project name or select an existing project. Click *OK*. The name
of the last project will show up as the default Project Name. Entering a
project name will help with managing data. The project is a folder that
will contain subdirectories named "base," "export," and "backup".

2\. The *Project Folders* dialog appears. In the fields for "backup
folder", "export folder", and "base file folder," simply *enter
"backup," "export," and "base,"* respectively. Click *OK*.

3\. Click on *Utilities* to open the *Data Dictionary Editor*

4\. Enter a data dictionary name. This will be the name that will be
exported to your gps unit and Arcview. If you don't name it, your data
will be named a 'default' point, line, or polygon.

5\. Click on *New Feature* and first name it, then designate it a point,
line, or polygon. Click on D*efault Settings* and designate the desired
logging interval. (Points and lines = 1s; polygon = 3s); To change the
name or designation of a feature, click on *Edit Feature*

6\. To define attributes you wish to record in the field, click on *New
Attribute*. The *New*

*Attribute* *Type* window appears -- select the appropriate attribute
type (see explanations below). **[Mandatory]{.underline}** attributes
are *project* *name, i.d. \# , and comment*

> • Menu -- letters, numbers, or other characters. Can select only one
> value (use for the comment field and possibly the name field if you
> know all the possible names)
>
> • Numeric -- numbers only, with decimal point (use for the i.d. #)
>
> • Text - letters, numbers, or other characters. Can enter any value --
> use for the name field if you don't use a menu
>
> • Date -- collects a date value
>
> • Time -- collects a time value
>
> • File Name -- collects a file name
>
> • Separator -- are added to break up the list of attributes and
> increase readability, but are [not]{.underline} attributes and do not
> contain attribute values.

7\. The *New Menu Attribute* window appears. Type in the attribute name
and click on *New.* Type in the attribute value(s) and click *Add.*
These could be the names of attributes or measurements associated with
attributes. Designate whether the field entry of an attribute is
optional (normal), required, or not permitted. Continue until all
attributes have been entered.

8\. Click on *Select File* then *Save As*. The Save As dialog box
appears. By default the name of the data dictionary is automatically
used to generate the file name (change it if appropriate). Save data
dictionaries to the following directory: c:/Pfdata/datadictionary/ Click
*Save*.

**C. [Transfer Data Dictionary to GPS unit]{.underline}**

1.  Place the data logger into the GeoExplorer 3 Support Module. Make
    sure the support module is connected to the computer. NOTE: You do
    not have to turn the data logger on to transfer data.

2.  In Pathfinder Office, click on *Utilities* and choose *Data
    Transfer*. A message will appear -- connecting to data logger. This
    connection will either happen quickly or it will not work due to
    problems in the set up. If this occurs, check cabling and your
    sequence of events.

3.  Once the connection is made the Data Transfer dialog box appears. Be
    sure that the Source Directory is correct
    (c:/Pfdata/datadictionary/).

4.  In the *data type* field select Data Dictionary. Click your mouse to
    highlight the file(s) you wish to send to the gps unit and then
    click *Add* to move it to the *Selected Files list*. To choose more
    than one file, hold the shift key while highlighting.

5.  Click on *Transfer*.

6.  Close *Data Transfer* window and close Pathfinder Office.

#######  [Field Materials and Equipment]{.underline}. The following represent minimum requirements:

1.  gps field book and pencil

2.  GRBA GPS Protocols (this document)

3.  GRBA GPS Log Sheet (Appendix B)

4.  watch

5.  water

6.  compass

7.  radio or cell phone

> Information to be recorded in the gps field book for each gps session
> includes: date, names of personnel, start time, end time (start and
> end time will be needed later to differentially correct files!), rover
> file name(s), description of what is being gps'd, changes to critical
> settings (gps slider bar) during field activities, waypoint file names
> and descriptions, notes.

###  Equipment Check and GPS Configuration

Review available equipment and be sure you have what you need and that
parts are free of dirt and dust. Assemble the gps unit outside.

1.  Turn on the gps unit and press the *Sys* button until the *Status*
    tab is active. Review the *Hardware*. Check how much memory is
    available (higher the gauge the less available memory), how much
    power (internal batteries) is available (gauge and %), and whether
    there are still files present that have not been transferred to a
    computer. Take action as appropriate (charge batteries,
    transfer/delete files). Review the *Accessories and external
    connections*. Real time panel should say *None*. Be sure the antenna
    setting appropriately reflects whether you will be using an external
    antenna or the built-in internal antenna. The transfer panel should
    say *Idle*. The power panel should accurately reflect the type of
    power source being used.

2.  Press the *Sys* button until the *Setup* tab is active. The *Select*
    screen appears. Scroll to *Configurations* and press *Enter*. The
    next screen will be labeled *Default*. Use the arrow keys to select
    *GPS*, press *Enter*, and the GPS slider bar appears. Press the
    appropriate arrow to move the slider bar to setting 9 (on far right)
    -- High. At (slider bar) setting 9, the PDOP mask is set to 4, the
    SNR mask is set to 6, the elevation mask is set to 15 and the
    minimum number of satellites is 4. Positions that do not meet the
    specified level of quality will not be used. This will be the
    default setting for all projects unless environmental conditions
    prevent collection of data. Press *Close* to close the GPS slider
    bar. **Record in the field changes to the GPS slider bar in your gps
    field book as this will be important in reporting accuracy.**

3.  Use the arrow keys to highlight *Data* on the *Default* screen,
    press *Enter*, and view the pop-up list. Do not change default
    values (Off, No, No, 1.00m, Yes, Always warn, R) except to *specify
    the antenna height* (in meters*)*. It is very important to have an
    accurate estimate of antenna height to ensure data quality. Press
    *Close* to close the *Data* form.

4.  Use the arrow keys to highlight *Coordinates* on the *Default*
    screen and view pop-up list. The parameters should be set to the
    following, unless otherwise specified:

> System: Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
>
> Zone: 11 North
>
> Datum: NAD 1983 (Conus)
>
> Altitude ref: MSL Press *Close* to close the *Coordinates*
>
> Geoid: DMA 10x10 (global) form.
>
> Coordinate units: Meters (m)
>
> Altitude units: Meters (m)

5\. Use the arrows to highlight *Formats* on the *Default* screen, press
*Enter*. Enter the appropriate format for date (YYYY/MM/DD) and time (24
Hour). Enter the date and time for *Time Zone* leave all others at
default setting, unless otherwise instructed. Press *Close* to close the
*Formats* form.

6\. Check but ***Do Not Change*** default settings under *Real Time,
Units, COMMS,* or *Other* on the Edit configuration window. NOTE: notice
that under Units the North reference default is true north. This means
that for waypoints, etc. bearings are displayed relative to true north
NOT magnetic north. REMEMBER TO SET THE DECLINATION ON YOUR COMPASS!

##### Units Defaults: COMMS Defaults Real Time

Distance: meters Data transfer: Support Module doesn't matter

Area: square meters RTCM input: OFF we're not

Velocity: degrees NMEA output: OFF using this!

North reference: True All others: N/A

Declination: Auto

Then press *Close* to close out of Configurations.

7\. Select the *Data Dictionary* screen from the *Setup tab* and press
*Enter*. The *Select data dictionary list* appears. Highlight the data
dictionary you want to use and the press *Close*. If you have not
created a data dictionary then select *Generic*. Data dictionaries are
listed in the order created with the most recent addition at the bottom
of the list. NOTE: Although you can edit and create data dictionaries
using the data logger, it is recommended that this function be performed
in Pathfinder Office.

8\. If you are not already outside -- go outside. Press the *Sys* button
until the *GPS tab* is active. Check and make sure that the gps unit is
able to calculate a *Current GPS position*.

**[You Are Ready To Go!]{.underline}**

####### IV. IN THE FIELD

### A. Data Capture: Creating a New File {#a.-data-capture-creating-a-new-file .unnumbered}

1\. Press the *Data* button on the data logger. The *File tab* appears
with the *Collect new data* screen. Look at the bottom of the screen. A
name will automatically be entered in the File field. Record this name
in your gps field book. The default naming convention is as follows:

> File naming convention: RMMDDHHx
>
> File Prefix = R (for Rover)
>
> Default Naming Formula: R (rover)
>
> MM (month)
>
> DD (day)
>
> HH (hour)
>
> "x" = "a" for first file in that hour, "b" for the second file in that
> hour, etc.

Example: May 25 at 10:00am = R052510a

Also check that the data dictionary you selected earlier appears under
the file name.

2\. Use the arrow keys to highlight *Create New File* and press *Enter*.
At this point you may also open a file you worked on previously by
choosing *Open selected file* instead of Create new file.

3\. The *New Feature list* appears. Press the up and down arrows to
highlight the desired feature in the list. The *New feature list*
contains all the features in the data dictionary that you created
previously. If you have not loaded a data dictionary the *New feature
list* will prompt you to select a generic point, generic line, or
generic polygon. Select the appropriate feature type. **NOTE: Minimum
number of positions to be collected for points is 180** (@ 1 per
second)**. For features that do not require high levels of accuracy
minimum number of points to be collected is 60.**

4\. Press the side arrows to highlight the *Now* button (indicating you
want the unit to start logging gps positions for that feature). Press
*Enter* and a form appears for you to enter attribute data about the
feature. The feature name appears at the top of this form.

5\. Enter attribute values using the arrow keys and *Enter*. When you
have entered data for an attribute, press *Close* to take you back to
the main attribute entry form. You may accept *default values* by simply
using the down arrow key to move to the next attribute item. If you wish
to change the attribute, hit the *Enter* key while the attribute is
highlighted. You'll be able to *edit*, using the arrow keys. *When text
must be entered, use the arrow keys to select letters, and press Enter
to set the letter in the attribute field.* If you are using the generic
data dictionary you will still be able to enter a simple descriptive
attribute (ie. project name).

6\. When you have entered attribute data and collected positions for the
feature, press *Close*. The feature is stored and the *New feature list*
re-appears. NOTE: Do not press *Close* until you are finished BOTH
entering attibute data AND collecting positions. If you accidentally
press close before you are finished select '*No*' at the prompt. After
pressing *Close*, a message is displayed briefly in the message bar, at
the bottom of the New feature list indicating the feature was stored
successfully.

### Data Capture: Pause and Resume Logging

Use the pause function to stop briefly or if you are collecting a line
or area feature and have to travel around some obstacle before picking
up the line/area perimeter again.

1\. Press the *Log* button at the bottom of the data logger to pause
logging. When the gps is logging positions, the logging icon appears in
the Status bar. While paused, the pause icon flashes over the logging
icon in the status bar.

2\. To resume logging positions, press the *Log* button again. Each time
you resume logging while collecting a line or area feature, the gps unit
logs a position.

**C.** **[Data Capture: Creating a Waypoint]{.underline}**

A waypoint is a single position created in the field or in the office
prior to going into the field. Use it to record a geographic point of
interest that is not part of your data file. For example, your heading
to a mine to do bat work and see a FROG! Collect the frog location as a
waypoint so the amphibian inventory folks can get back to it.

A waypoint is different from a feature. No attribute information is
recorded for a waypoint and the gps position is not liked to a data
file. Waypoints are primarily used for navigation, and can be
transferred to Pathfinder Office as a separate waypoint file. A waypoint
has a number, name, latitude, longitude, and altitude. Use the Option
list to create and edit waypoints. The GeoExplorer 3 can store up to
1000 waypoints.

1\. Press the *NAV* button on the data logger and then press *Option*.
The *Option list* appears.

2\. Select *New waypoint*.

3\. GeoExplorer 3 automatically names the new waypoint and the name
field is already highlighted. Press *Enter* to change the name. Use the
text entry field to clear the assigned name and enter the new waypoint
name. **NOTE: Provide as descriptive a name as possible. Record the
waypoint file name and give a brief written description in your gps
field book.**

4\. The GeoExplorer 3 automatically assigns your current gps position as
the position of the waypoint. Press *Close*. To abandon this process
press the *Function* key and *Close*.

5\. To edit a waypoint after it has been collected press the *Option*
key and select *the Edit waypoints* option from the list. Scroll down to
select the waypoint to be edited and press *Enter*. Press *Option* key
to display the *Here option*. Use the *Here option* to automatically
update the Lat, Lon, and Altitude fields with the current gps position.
Press *Close* to save any changes.

6\. To delete a waypoint, press the *Option* key and select the *Delete
waypoints* option from the list. Scroll down to select the waypoint you
want to delete -- Press *Enter*. Select *Yes* to delete the waypoint
indicated. Select *No* to go back to the Delete waypoints list.

### Data Capture: Closing a File

1\. To close the data file you are using and start a new file, press
*Close* until the *File tab* appears.

2\. When the data collection session is completed, turn off the
GeoExplorer 3. This automatically closes the data file.

#### Navigation

The GeoExplorer 3 offers two methods of navigation using roads or
compass. Instructions are provided only for using the Compass tab. Note
that the data logger internal compass may need to be calibrated (See
Calibration Below). Bearings are calculated by and internal compass and
GPS information. The GeoExplorer 3 automatically switches between these
to provide an accurate heading at all times.

1\. To display the Compass tab, press *Nav* until the *Compass tab* is
active. When the compass tab appears take note of your current heading,
current position, target name, and the information window across the
bottom.

2\. Press *Enter*. Select either *New* to enter information for a new
waypoint or select a waypoint from the drop down menu under the *List*
option. Use the information displayed in the Info window to navigate to
the target.

> **[Calibration:]{.underline}** Local changes in magnetic fields can
> effect the accuracy of the GeoExplorer 3 compass. In order to take
> account of local conditions you must calibrate the internal compass.
> Highlight *Calibration* in the *Compass options list* and press
> *Enter*. Follow the instructions and make sure that the antenna
> (located at the top of the unit under the Trimble logo) is level.
> Press *Enter*, and as the countdown takes place, rotate smoothly
> through a full circle.

####### WHEN YOU RETURN FROM THE FIELD

Please plan your field day such that you leave at least 1 hour at the
end of each day to return to the office, download, differentially
correct, and export your gps files. This should be done on a **[DAILY
BASIS]{.underline}**. **Knowing where to transfer/export files is
critically important. Please check with your supervisor!**

### A. Data transfer from the GPS unit to the computer {#a.-data-transfer-from-the-gps-unit-to-the-computer .unnumbered}

1\. Place the data logger into the GeoExplorer 3 Support Module.

2\. Open Pathfinder Office and Select *Utilities* then *Data Transfer*.

3\. In the data type field select *Data*.

4\. Select one or more files to be transferred in the *Available files
field*. Use the up and down arrows to highlight the file name and click
*Add* to move them to the *Selected Files list*.

5\. Designate the appropriate *Destination Directory*.

6\. Click on *Transfer*.

7\. Click on *Close* to close the Data Transfer dialog box.

Follow the same process to transfer waypoint or almanac files, except in
step 3 select the appropriate data type.

**B. [Differentially Correcting Field Data]{.underline}**

**1. Transfer Base Station Files to Disk[:]{.smallcaps}**

a.  Go to Base Station Computer and open GPS Data folder

b.  Select all of the files for that day or the files within the time
    frame you were in the field. The file formats are as follows:

## Letter Year Month Day Hour. ssf

> B 0 00 00 00

c.  *Right click* and select 'send to...D:/ (Zip disk)

d.  **DO NOT cut and paste from the base station files!** **Copy only
    please!**

e.  Go to GIS computer and copy from D:/ to your project folder -- the
    one named 'base'.

f.  Erase files from the zip disk and **[return it to the base
    station!]{.underline}**.

**2. Correct Your Data:**

a.  Go back into Pathfinder Office. Go to \<*Utilities*\> and then
    \<*Differential Corrections*\>.

b.  Go to \<*Browse*\> under Rover files and highlight GPS files you
    want to correct. Go to \<*Browse*\> under Base Station files and
    highlight all of the base files for the time that the field data was
    collected.

c.  A screen should appear showing that the data has full coverage. Hit
    \<*OK*\>. Watch the computer process the data.

**3. To See/Manipulate Your Map:**

3.  a.  To view the data just processed to \<*view*\> and then
        \<*map*\>.

    b.  To average a point, go \<*utilities*\> and then \<*grouping*\>.
        Be sure the *Create Feature Type* is set to \<*Position Only*\>.
        Press \<*OK*\>. To view the averaged position, go to \<*data*\>
        and then \<*Position Properties*\>. Press \<*First*\>.

    c.  To add lines to data for trails, go \<*utilities*\> and then
        \<*grouping*\>. Be sure the *Create Feature Type* is set to
        \<*Lines*\>. Press \<*Ok*\>. To view the new data with lines. Go
        to \<*File*\> and then \<*open*\>. Select *group.ssf*. The map
        should changed to include lines.

**C. [Exporting Data to ArcView GIS]{.underline}**

The Export Utility in Pathfinder Office converts .ssf format files into
a format that can be read by a GIS or CAD system. It lets you export
point, line, and area features, their attributes, raw gps positions, and
velocity records to a variety of other formats.

1\. Open Pathfinder Office and select *Utilities* then *Export*.

1.  By default, the last file(s) differentially corrected appear in the
    *Selected Files* field. If they do not appear select *Browse* and go
    to the folder you specified previously during transfer.

2.  Select the output folder or folder you want your exported GIS
    file(s) to end up in. Use the *Browse* button if necessary.

3.  Under *Choose an Export Setup* make sure *Sample ArcView Shapefile
    Setup* is displayed. Format should indicate an ArcView Shapefile;
    System should indicate that coordinates are UTM, datum is NAD83
    (conus), and zone is 11 North.

4.  Click OK to export the selected file(s) to the specified GIS format.

5.  The *Export Completed dialog* details the results of the export.
    Click *Close* to close this dialog.

6.  You can now open this file in your GIS

**D. [Complete the GRBA GPS Log Sheet]{.underline}**

1\. Complete the GRBA GPS Log Sheet. The following fields should be
recorded:

> Dates of survey, GPS unit name, GPS data collected by, Project name,
> Rover filenames, Data downloaded by, Date downloaded, Data corrected
> by, Date corrected, Export format, Data exported by, Data exported,
> Location and name of exported files, comments.

2\. Place the completed GRBA GPS Log Sheet in the 3-ring binder labelled
'GPS Log Sheet' located next to the GIS computer.

####### APPENDIX A: TERMINOLOGY

[Elevation Mask:]{.underline} Sets cut-off elevation for satellites (the
unit will not gather positions from satellites lower than the degree
set). Should be a minimum of 1 degree above the Base Station Mask with
15 degrees recommended. . This is most important during the planning
stages. If you are working in locations with obstructions you can set
the mask higher so that only those satellites higher in the sky will be
used for data collection. You can also allow for these situations by
checking the azimuthal position of satellites in [Quick
Plan]{.underline}

[SNR Mask:]{.underline} Signal strength or Signal to Noise Ratio. If
it\'s too high you won\'t get good data. The range is 0-99. If you raise
the SNR mask you can receive more satellites but the data isn\'t as
good. The default is 6.

[PDOP Mask:]{.underline} Position Dilution of Precision. It is an
indication of the accuracy of the calculated position based on the
location of the satellites in the constellation. If satellite positions
do not allow the use of coordinate geometry, then accurate ground
locations can not be triangulated from them.

> Less than 4 = very good; 5 to 8 = adequate; more than 8 stay home.

[Julian Date]{.underline}: Day of the year between the range of 1 and
365. For example, the Julian Date for February 2 is #33. February 2 is
the calendar date.

[Feature]{.underline} - the thing about which you wish to collect data.
Examples include buildings, woodlots, roads, trails,etc.

[Attributes]{.underline} - descriptive characteristics of features

[Points, Lines and Polygons]{.underline} -- geographic terms related to
scale that describe how features are drawn. Points are single
dimensional, lines have length, and polygons have area.

> Example 1 -- A building on a map of the entire park would be
> designated as a point. However, to have greater detail available for
> fire safety they would be drawn as polygons.
>
> Example 2 -- A map of Pennsylvania would show the Schuylkill River as
> a line feature. However, maps at VAFO show it as a polygon.

####### APPENDIX B: GRBA GPS Log Sheet

######## GRBA GPS Log Sheet

####### Data Collection

Project Name:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Date(s) Collected: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

GPS Unit Number/Name: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Data
Collected By: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

####### Data Topics

Topic Pathfinder Office Project Name

  ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------
  *Example:* Reptile       *Example:* c:\\pfdata\\reptinv
  Inventory                

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           
  ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------

Name of Rover File(s):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

####### Post Processing

Data Downloaded By:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Data Corrected By:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Exported By:
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Comments

**APPENDIX C: SELECT ADVANCE FUNCTIONS**

####### Nesting Features

You are walking along gpsing a road and see a mine adit that you want to
collect as a point. Simply end the road feature, collect the point
(mine) feature, and then use the Continue option to continue collecting
the road feature. A nested point is different from a waypoint in that
you collect both a position and attribute information for the point
feature.

1\. Press *Close* to close the line/area feature you are collecting. The
*New feature list* appears.

2\. Select the point feature that you want to collect. The attribute
entry form appears and logging starts.

3\. When you have recorded the attribute information and positions for
the point feature press *Close* to store the point feature..

4\. The *New feature list* appears again. Press *Option*. From the
option list, select *Continue\<line/area feature name\>*. You will
return to the attribute entry form for the line/area feature that you
were collecting originally.

5\. Press *Close* when you are done collecting your line/area to store
the feature.

####### Segmenting Line Features

When collecting line features, it is often convenient to divide a line
into a number of segments. Segmenting line features allows you to
specify different attribute values for parts of the same physical line.
You can also end one line feature and immediately start another of the
same type, while still moving.

1.  Start collecting your line feature.

2\. From the attribute entry form, press *Option* and select *Segment*.

The current line feature is stored and another line feature of the same
type is immediately started with the same attribute values as the
previous one. The last GPS position of the first feature is identical to
the first GPS position of the second feature, so that adjacent segments
join end-to-end in the GIS.

NOTE: When you select Segment, the gps unit validates the attributes of
the first line feature. Always complete attribute entry before selecting
Segment to store one feature and start another.

If you select Segment and no current GPS position is available (ie. poor
geometry), the gps unit does not start with the last GPS position of the
previous line feature. Instead, the new line feature starts from the
first GPS position that becomes available. In this case, a gap occurs
between the segments.

####### Offsets

If you cannot travel over the top of, or right next to, a feature, you
can enter an offset and record it at the specified distance. For
example, when collecting a tree feature, it is easier to stand some
distance (ie 10 paces north) from the tree and record its attributes.
This ensures good GPS reception and lets you see the tree clearly to
assess its condition. In this case you would specify an offset to the
tree of 10 meters South. This ensures that the tree is positioned
correctly in the GIS.

1.  Select the feature you want to gps. The attribute entry form for the
    feature will open. Press *Option* and select *Offset*.

> The fields that appear in the Offset form depend on the tyupe of
> feature you are collecting (point/line/area).

2.  *Enter a value for each field*. Select the field by pressing *Enter*
    and use the data entry field to enter the value.

3.  When the Offset form is complete press *Close*. The attribute entry
    form reappears. When you have recorded your attribute data and
    logged your positions press *Close* to store the feature. The New
    feature list appears.

NOTE: To remove an offset press *Option* and select *Reset*.