Learn to use a GPS in the Adirondacks

GPS (Global Positioning System) Workshop Information

Our GPS 101 Workshop (GPS for Beginners) is ideal for those considering a GPS purchase in the future, as well as those interested in learning how to use a handheld GPS that they currently own, in their recreational pursuits. We provide Garmin eTrex GPS units for each participant in our workshops. Any of the group workshop sessions listed below can be confirmed with a minumum of 3 registrants. The deadline for confirming a scheduled group workshop date is 14 days prior to the class date. Private sessions can be arranged for 1-6 people. Full payment is required at time of registration. In the event the class minimum is not met for a scheduled group session, registrants will have the option to register for a class at another time OR request a private session for the private session price OR request a refund. Descriptions for the workshops we offer are below. NAV 201 is a new multi-session course we will begin offering in 2012. A description of this program will be available soon. Contact us regarding availability, more information, registration and payment information. To speak with someone directly, please call 518-359-7536.

Tentative Dates for Upcoming Group Workshops:

Saturday, March 3, 2012 (Tupper Lake) 10:00 AM
GPS 101 - GPS for Beginners

Friday-Sunday, March 16-18, 2012 (Tupper Lake) 9:30 AM
NAV 201 - Navigation with GPS, Map & Compass NEW!

Saturday, April 14, 2012 (Tupper Lake) 10:00 AM
GPS 101 - GPS for Beginners

Sunday, April 15, 2011 (Tupper Lake) 10:00 AM
GPS 102 - Using a GPS with a Computer & Digital Maps

Friday-Sunday, June 1-3, 2012 (Tupper Lake) 9:30 AM
NAV 201 - Navigation with GPS, Map & Compass NEW!

Private Sessions upon Request (November - mid June)
Contact us to arrange for a private session for yourself or your group. Tell us what it is you would like to learn and we will create a program to meet your needs. Private sessions are recommended for folks who have their own GPS and would like to learn how to operate such. The cost for a private Introductory Workshop begins at $160 for 1-2 people for a 3 to 4 hour session at our home-base location in Tupper Lake.

For those who would like to learn more about using digital maps with a GPS, we offer combination sessions in which we show you how to use a GPS and also include instruction and practice using the Garmin MapSource mapping program. The cost for a combination learning experience begin at $200 for 1-2 people for a 4 to 5 hour session at our home-base location in Tupper Lake.

Once a workshop date is determined, we send along driving directions along with the information necessary to help you prepare for your workshop.

We also conduct private sessions for organizations upon request. We are able to accommodate and provide GPS units for up to 10 people per session. Contact us for more information.

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We are most available for workshops and private GPS instruction November through June.
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.

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

Workshop Descriptions:

GPS 101 - GPS for Beginners

This is a beginning level GPS course for those who would like to learn how to use a handheld outdoor 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 4 participants at our Tupper Lake home-base and 10 participants elsewhere. Plan 4 to 5 hours for this class. It is comprised of indoor classroom instruction and outdoor practical application sessions. We break briefly for lunch. Individual assistance is often available at the end of the workshop as time allows. Contact us for more information.

GPS 102 - Using a GPS with a Computer & Digital maps

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, Terrain Navigator, DeLorme Topo USA 7.0, DeLorme Topo 3-D Quads & National Geographic TOPO!. The programs we use for this course require a Windows operating system.

We will check for understanding and review as necessary. You will learn 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 with the particular software they are interested in using installed. The latest version of Garmin MapSource TOPO US software is recommended for Garmin GPS users as a beginning mapping program. Prepare to spend time indoors and outdoors. This is a "hands on" experience. It is recommended that this workshop be set up as a private session and is best for 1-6 people. Sessions generally run 4 to 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.

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