GPS Tips
GPS systems are wonderful inventions. There is probably no better application of this
technology than the collection of samples for geochemical surveys. The relatively old
Garmin 12XL (Garmin has discontinued the 12XL, the Garmin Etek Legend is a good
replacement that does more and costs less.) that I have seems almost designed
specifically for sample collection. After the government stopped degrading the accuracy
of these tools there is no better way to do sample collection. A inexperienced person, with
just a minimum of training, using a properly programmed GPS system can flawlessly
collect even a complicated detailed survey. The tests I have run on the accuracy of a
programed collection point and the marked sample point is between 1 and 5 meters or 3
to 15 feet.
technology than the collection of samples for geochemical surveys. The relatively old
Garmin 12XL (Garmin has discontinued the 12XL, the Garmin Etek Legend is a good
replacement that does more and costs less.) that I have seems almost designed
specifically for sample collection. After the government stopped degrading the accuracy
of these tools there is no better way to do sample collection. A inexperienced person, with
just a minimum of training, using a properly programmed GPS system can flawlessly
collect even a complicated detailed survey. The tests I have run on the accuracy of a
programed collection point and the marked sample point is between 1 and 5 meters or 3
to 15 feet.
Computers and GPS
Most USGS map programs will
upload and download from a
variety of GPS systems. The
Maptech program, which I use,
provides all of the USGS maps for
an entire state for $100 per state. It
can be used to digitize collection
points that can be downloaded to
your GPS. In the field the collector
simply walks or drives to the
marked point, collects a sample in
a numbered bag and "marks" the
point of collection with the same
number as the sample bag.
upload and download from a
variety of GPS systems. The
Maptech program, which I use,
provides all of the USGS maps for
an entire state for $100 per state. It
can be used to digitize collection
points that can be downloaded to
your GPS. In the field the collector
simply walks or drives to the
marked point, collects a sample in
a numbered bag and "marks" the
point of collection with the same
number as the sample bag.
Maptech Terrain Navigator - Locate your area of interest.
Using the
"Marker Tool"
select each
point on the
map you
would like to
collect a
sample. In
this example
samples are
being
collected
along the
available
roads using
1/10th mile
spacing.
"Marker Tool"
select each
point on the
map you
would like to
collect a
sample. In
this example
samples are
being
collected
along the
available
roads using
1/10th mile
spacing.
GPS downloads
After all points have been marked,
select the "GPS" menu and then
"Send Markers", the program will
download your collection points to
your GPS.
select the "GPS" menu and then
"Send Markers", the program will
download your collection points to
your GPS.
GPS in the Field
In the field, each collection point will appear on the map page of your GPS. You will simply drive or walk until
your "current position" mark overlaps your selected collection point and take the sample. It is always good
to "mark" the collection point with your GPS inputing the bag number used for that sample.
your "current position" mark overlaps your selected collection point and take the sample. It is always good
to "mark" the collection point with your GPS inputing the bag number used for that sample.
| General Info Price list FAQ Lab Information Survey Design Collection Sample Bags GPS Tips Interpretation Statistics Links |
Exploration Labs, Inc.
Exploration Labs, Inc.
Exploration Labs, Inc.
GrayStone
GrayStone
GrayStone
GrayStone
Exploration GeoChemistry
Exploration GeoChemistry
Exploration GeoChemistry