Garmin GPS Capabilities Short Course

Handheld Garmin GPS devices provide additional capabilities aside from the ability to capture points and create tracks.

This one-day course will familiarize geologists and field personnel with useful utilities that provide the ability to manage maps for your GPS unit and transfer custom maps (including Google Earth KMZ, free Open Street Maps, Topo Maps and Geologic Maps), BirdsEye Imagery, waypoints, tracks, and routes between your computer and Garmin device. The course consists of instructor-led lecture, “hands-on” software experience, and data collection exercises in the field.

• Review current Garmin GPS receiver capabilities, focusing on professional handheld data collection devices.
• Examine different software utility programs that integrate with the Garmin GPS.
• Install Garmin Basecamp mapping application on laptop.
• Connect GPS unit to computer and utility programs.
• Upload .gpx points and linework to BaseCamp and GPS device. Discuss different utility programs that create .gpx files.
• Review Garmin outdoor maps including BirdsEye Imagery.