GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. A GPS is a portable device which records coordinate information for real world features. For example, one can record the latitude and longitude of a municipal fire hydrant, hiking trail, or wetland. Additionally, the device has the capability to record non-spatial data for each recorded spatial feature. For example, the GPS can record the location of historic structures and offers the option to record its name, street address, and current owner. All non-spatial attributes can be collected simultaneously with the capture of feature coordinates.

CMRPC owns a Trimble GeoExplorer II handheld GPS device. This unit is an integrated high-performance 6 channel GPS receiver and antenna capable of 2-5 meter accuracy after differential correction. The unit can track up to eight satellites at once and is capable of recording points (e.g., location of catch basins), lines (e.g., bicycle paths), and areas (e.g., old growth forest stands). Additionally, we have an antenna for automobile collection applications.

The GIS Center can assist local officials to record the true location of facilities or natural features that may be required by state or federal programs. Typical work tasks include the establishment of a data dictionary (required for data collection), feature coordinate capture, value added collection, data transfer from the GPS unit to the computer, differential correction, post-processing, export to a GIS format for use with other spatial data, and a hardcopy map showing the collected GPS data.

Sample GPS Applications

Urban:

• Transportation Infrastructure - pavement sidelines, road condition, stop signs, curb ramps, stream culverts, etc.
• Utility Infrastructure - location of utility poles, substations, valves, etc
• Electrical, Telephone, Water, Gas, Sewer
• Storm Water Catch basins - location, condition, type, etc
• Manholes - location, etc
• Municipally Owned Trees - location, wood type, condition, etc
• Zoning Boundaries
• Factories - location, name, address, type, etc
• Bus Stops - location, route assigned, etc
• Rights of Way - location, abutting parcels, condition, etc
• Walking/Hiking Paths - location, condition, width, length, etc
• Community Playgrounds and Parks - location, activity type, handicapped facilities, etc
• Underground Storage Tanks - location, size, fuel, etc
• Boat Ramps and Canoe Portage - location, condition, etc

Natural and Cultural Resources:

• Forest Stands - location, age, health, type of timber, etc
• Wildlife Habitats - location, animal counts, vegetation types, etc
• Wells - location, size, condition, etc (public and private)
• Wetlands - location, type, etc
• Water Sampling Locations
• Storm Water Outfalls
• Historic Sites and Museums
• Significant Vistas and Landmarks

Public Service:

• Fires - location, date, time, damage, etc
• Fire Hydrants - location, etc
• Police - crime scene, date, time, etc
• Traffic Accidents - location, date, time, number of occupants, age, etc
• Traffic Count Locations

Agriculture:

• Soil - location, type, type
• Crops - location, health, condition, etc