During a recent flight, included with my carry on luggage was a copy of “Fun With GPS”, a relatively new publication from ESRI press by Don Cooke. The author is the founder of GDT, recently acquired by Tele Atlas, and has an extensive resume, including having played a key role in the creation of TIGER.
Jumping right in, the book provides the reader with an introduction to GPS along with a useful primer on mapping and the proper use of a GPS. The “meat” of the book is really from Chapters 3 onward. This is where Cooke provides numerous informative, educational, and interesting examples of real-life uses and applications of GPS. Even better, each example explains (in detail) a fun use, detailed instructions, photos/images, useful web links, and interesting commentary.
Particularly useful (and educational) small sections devoted to mapping, GIS, accuracy, and GPS concepts & terminology are included. After all, simply capturing and storing GPS coordinates is hardly of use, particularly to the layman. It’s the understanding of the data, along with integration of maps and/or GIS that really makes GPS fun! A particularly interesting and “bang on” quote from the book that really struck a cord with me… “GIS really does put the fun into GPS”. My take… indeed it does!
So who should buy or read Fun With GPS? If you happen to be one of millions of users of a GPS or a GPS-enabled mobile device then you’ll no doubt find this book to be a valuable addition to your library. Can the book provide specific examples that apply to your lifestyle? Likely so since numerous specific examples and applications of GPS uses have been provided. These include: Geocaching Degree confluence chasing GIS/mapping Ice skating Hockey Skiing Racing (auto) Hiking Sailing Polo Camping Golf Rowing Sky diving
If you happen to have a hobby included above then Don has provided a detailed example application of how you will find GPS to be useful and fun.
Finally, the heart of the book comes in chapters 2 and 8. Chapter 2 offers an awesome primer on mapping. Cooke uses the free ArcExplorer GIS data viewer from ESRI and the complimentary (and free) DNR Garmin program from the Minnesota DNR as the focus of a tutorial on using your GPS data with a GIS without spending a dime. Both programs are totally free and detailed instructions for use have been provided to get you up and running and help get your GPS data off the device and used within a real application.
Chapter 8 is devoted to the use of GPS in schools and in the community. Interesting sample uses focus on the use of GPS by a museum to track visitors, mapping of a restored cemetery by grade school students, and even how to write your name with a GPS track log. Students attempting any of these sample projects will no doubt get a great introductory education to mapping and geospatial concepts, but will still have some addictive fun with their GPS as well… they may also even solve a community problem or address a local conservation issue.
Fun with GPS is truly a fun read. I admit, I have a dusty, 2 year old Garmin somewhere on my desk, however, it wasn’t until I read this book that I had much interest in turning it on! I plan on locating a geocache in the near future and I also plan on capturing a degree confluence or two!
