The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites continuously orbiting the earth. The U.S. Department of Defense developed the system for military applications, but made it generally available for civilian use in the 1980s. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. GPS can pinpoint the geographic location of a person or object to an amazing degree of precision, up to within several meters! A very useful summary of GPS and its many application can be found at the website of the Garmin corporation.
You can study and collect ants, and even map them, without the benefit of a GPS device. You can find your location on a handheld paper map, or on a computerized version (try http://www.topozone.com/). But GPS units can capture your geographical location anywhere, and to a higher precision. Coordinates obtained this way are also easily entered into specialized map software, called Geographical Information Systems (ESRI is one developer of this software).You can obtain and use GPS with your school ant study program by contacting AntWatch or registering at our registration site.
Instructions for Use of the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Unit
If you are with a participating institution, and have the Garmin Etrex units at your disposal, you should have the operating manual for any detailed instructions on how to use the unit. You can also download instructions from the Garmin website. Below, please find some very basic instructions for mapping your location with AntWatch. This ought to get you started!
After turning the unit on, wait until the unit is "ready to navigate" and the precision is below 30-40 feet. If this seems to take a long time, remember what the unit is tracking. What actions might improve the reception?
Press the page button until you reach the menu screen (below). With the "mark" option highlighted (use up or down keys to place cursor), press enter. This will give your geographic coordinates and elevation. For fun, you might try marking other locations and finding them all on a map. Be sure to enter your GPS coordinates on the data sheet, and use only the ones from your ant collecting location! You can see a list of your marked locations, or "waypoints" through the second menu item.
