GARNA (the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) is pleased to sponsor a USGS (US Geological Survey) Map Reading and GPS (Global Positioning System) workshop on Friday, July 9. This course is ideal for anyone involved in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, biking, four-wheeling, backcountry skiing, etc. It will be led by Steve Reiter, an expert in map and GPS use from the USGS Earth Science Information Center in Lakewood. The workshop will be held on Friday, July 9, 2010 at the Masonic Lodge at 3rd and G Streets in Salida and will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m., with an hour break for lunch.
The morning focus will be on Map Reading and Compass use. Participants will learn how to read a topographic map, how to take a compass bearing and adjust for magnetic declination, how to triangulate position on a map using compass bearings, and several other useful skills. In the afternoon, the class will cover how to use a GPS with a topographic map. In the classroom, we’ll discuss waypoints, datums, plot coordinates on a map, and show how to set up your GPS. Then we’ll head outside and put your new GPS navigational skills to work.
Note: This class will NOT address loading digital maps into a GPS receiver or using a GPS for automobile navigation or as an exercise companion. The focus will be on using a GPS with a published map for outdoor activities.
The cost of the class is $45 for GARNA members or $55 for non-association members.
Compasses and GPSs will be available for those who do not have them. If you do bring your own GPS be sure you are familiar with your device’s basic operation.
The class is limited to 30, so early enrollment is encouraged. Please visit www.garna.org/seminars.htm to register or call GARNA at 539-5106 for more information.
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