Learn to use a GPS in the Adirondacks

GPS (Global Positioning System) Workshop Information

Our Learn to Use a GPS Workshops are ideal for those considering a GPS purchase in the future, as well as those interested in learning how to use a GPS that they currently own. We provide Garmin eTrex GPS units for our workshops. The deadline to confirm a workshop is two weeks prior to the course date. A workshop session is confirmed with 5 registrants. Full payment is required for registration. The workshop descriptions are below. Contact us regarding availability, more information, registration and payment information. To speak with someone directly, please call 518-359-7536.

Saturday, June 7, 2008 (APA Visitors Interpretive Center - Newcomb, NY) 10:00 AM
Learn To Use A GPS Workshop
Cost: $55/person

Saturday, October 25, 2008 (APA Visitors Interpretive Center - Newcomb, NY) 10:00 AM
Learn To Use A GPS Workshop
Cost: $55/person

Saturday, November 22, 2008 (APA Visitors Interpretive Center - Newcomb, NY) 10:00 AM
Learn To Use A GPS Workshop
Cost: $55/person

Saturday, December 6, 2008 (APA Visitors Interpretive Center - Newcomb, NY) 10:00 AM
Learn To Use A GPS Workshop
Cost: $55/person

Private Sessions upon Request (November - mid June)
Contact us to arrange for a private session for yourself or your group. The workshop costs below are for workshops at our home-base location in Tupper Lake for groups of 1-4 people. Workshops requiring us to travel are more. The additional amount depends on our travel expense as well as the amount of set-up required to meet the needs of your group. We encourage organizations to contact us to discuss possibilities for their group. Maximum group size for the Intro GPS course is 12 participants; 6 for a Mapping Software session. Group rates are available.

Learn To Use A GPS Workshop (private session)
Cost: $90/person

GPS & Mapping Software Workshop (private session)
Cost: $90/person

Workshops are conducted throughout the year (excluding July, August, September & part of October).
We provide each participant with a Garmin eTrex GPS unit for use during a workshop.
Private sessions can be arranged for Garmin GPS owners who would like to learn how to use their GPS.
For sessions where participants are allowed to bring their own GPS units, they must also bring the GPS user's manual.
Group rates are available for organizations.

Contact us for more information, to schedule an individual session or to register for a scheduled workshop.

Workshop Descriptions:

Learn To Use A GPS Workshop

This is a beginning level GPS course for those who would like to learn how to use a GPS receiver. A visual presentation is used to help you become familiar with the various features, functions and terms associated with GPS operation. The workshop begins with an explanation of the Global Positioning System - what it is and how it works. Next we show you how to set up a GPS unit to be used for land navigation. Coordinate grid systems (UTM, latitude & longitude), datum and other information obtained from topographical maps are discussed. Through "hands on" application you will learn how to operate a GPS, develop a better understanding of waypoints and reinforce basic navigational skills throughout the day. This is a practical course for those considering a future GPS purchase as well as those who have a GPS and would like to learn how to use it.

Garmin eTrex GPS units are provided for use during this workshop. Bring a lunch, snacks & beverages for the day. Come prepared for time indoors and outdoors. Snowshoes are provided during the winter months when necessary.

This workshop is limited to 12 participants and generally runs 5-6 hours. It is comprised of an indoor classroom session followed by an outdoor practical session. We break briefly for lunch. Individual assistance is often available at the end of the workshop. Contact us for more information.

GPS Mapping Software Workshop

This workshop is for those who have attended an Introductory GPS Workshop or who have prior GPS experience and would like to learn more about using a GPS with topographical software map programs. Software programs we are familiar with include Garmin MapSource TOPO US 2008, Garmin MapSource US TOPO 24K National Parks East, DeLorme Topo USA 7.0, DeLorme Topo 3-D Quads & National Geographic TOPO!.

We will teach you how to transfer data (waypoints, routes, tracks) from the GPS to a software program, work with it to create maps and save data for future reference. We will also show you how to upload topographical maps, waypoints, routes and tracks from mapping software to a hand-held GPS receiver.

We provide Garmin eTrex GPS units for use during this workshop for those who do not have a GPS. Though we provide a couple of laptops for participants to use during this workshop, we recommend that workshop participants bring a laptop with them. Prepare to spend time indoors and outdoors. This workshop must be set up as a private session and is best for 1-6 people. Sessions generally run 4-5 hours depending on the group size, number of laptops available and the desired software to be covered during the workshop. Contact us for more information.