This one-day training introduces participants to GPS and GIS. It will teach them how a GPS works, different GIS software options, and how to collect and map their own spatial data. The program includes an introduction to GIS concepts, setting up a GPS, collecting points, lines and areas with the GPS, downloading the data, and mapping it in ArcGIS, QGIS or Google Earth. Participants will then discuss their work and the differences between software. The goal is for participants to understand GPS and be able to set one up, collect their own spatial data, and map it in a GIS program suited to their needs.

1. GPS one day training
A quick and dirty introduction to GIS and
spatial data collection
Dr. Catherine Pfeifer

2. Objective of the day
You will know
● How a GPS works
● About diversity of GIS software to map your own data
● The advantages and disadvantages of different GIS software
You will be able
● to set a GPS right
● To collect data point and track your path with a GPS (to calculate
area)
● To map your own data in a GIS software
● To choose the GIS software that suits your situation and needs

3. Program of the day
● Playing a game to know each other
● Theoretical introduction to GIS
● Setting a GPS right
● How to collect points, lines (tracks), areas
● Downloading your data
● GIS software (Arc, QGIS, google earth)
● Map your data in your favorite GIS software
● Discuss your work and the difference between the
softwares

4. Program of the day
● Playing a game to know each other
● Theoretical introduction to GIS
● Setting a GPS right
● How to collect points, lines (tracks), areas
● Downloading your data
● GIS software (Arc, QGIS, google earth)
● Map your data in your favorite GIS software
● Discuss your work and the difference between the
softwares

5. Program of the day
● Playing a game to know each other
● Theoretical introduction to GIS
● Setting a GPS right
● How to collect points, lines (tracks), areas
● Downloading your data
● GIS software (Arc, QGIS, google earth)
● Map your data in your favorite GIS software
● Discuss your work and the difference between the
softwares

6. A theoretical introduction to GIS
● What is GIS and spatial data?
● What is a coordinate system and why is it
important?
● How to collect data? How does a GPS work?
● How to represent spatial data? An overview of GIS
softwares

7. What is GIS ?

8. Spatial data as representation of the real
world
● Spatial layer represents
one information that
can be overlaid for
analysis
● Two types of data
– Vectors (points,
lines, polygons)
– Grids

9. A theoretical introduction to GIS
● What is GIS and spatial data?
● What is a coordinate system and why is it
important?
● How to collect data? How does a GPS work?
● How to represent spatial data? An overview of GIS
softwares

10. Coordinate systems
What is a coordinate system?
A coordinate system is a reference system
used to represent the locations of geographic
features, imagery, and observations such as GPS
locations within a common geographic framework.
Coordinate system types :
• Geographic coordinate system
(global/spherical)
• Projected system (“making the world flat”)

11. Map projection

12. UTM projection
‘pseudocylindrical’ conformal projection (it preserves shape)

13. Concepts linked to coordinate system
● Datum : assumed shape of the earth
● Projection : none = geographic coordinate system
otherwise method applied for “flattening the world”
(example Mercator UTM)
● Coordinate format
– Degree minutes seconds, degree minutes, decimal
degrees (geographic coordinates)
– Meters, kilometers (projected coordinates)

14. Internationally used settings
Each country has national standards, but the international
standard is often default in many software.
● Datum :WGS 84
● Projection
– None for geographic
– UTM (use sheet 37 N for Ethiopia)
– (the national projection for Ethiopia is Adindan but we
recommend to use international standards)
● Coordinate format
– Decimal degrees (geographic)
– Meter (projected)

15. What to keep in mind
● GPS work generally with unprojected data
● If you are not sure what you are doing use
international standards
● Always write down what settings you used
● Ask a GIS specialist before doing “strange things”
like re-project or assign projection
A SMALL MISTAKE MAY LEAD TO DAYS OF
WORK FOR A GIS SPECIALIST AND IN THE
WORST CASE YOUR DATA IS USELESS

16. A theoretical introduction to GIS
● What is GIS and spatial data?
● What is a coordinate system and why is it
important?
● How to collect data? How does a GPS work?
● How to represent spatial data? An overview of GIS
softwares

17. Geographical Positioning System
● Uses satellites
to locate the
receiver
● With
smartphone
hybrid systems
(mobile and
wiki network)

18. What data can you collect with a GPS?
● Points (farmer's homestead)
● Tracks (lines, path traveled)
● Areas (farmer's field) works only on expensive
Garmin GPS

19. Settings in your GPS
● Must match with the settings you are going to use in
the GIS software
● Advice use WGS84 unprojected, coordinate in
decimal degrees
– All google geo-application use these settings
– It is also default in QGIS

20. Downloading your GPS data
● With a GPS software (DNR Garmin/mytracks)
● With a plug-in module in an existing GIS software
(google earth/QGIS)
● Manually (in an excel sheet, then read into a GIS
software)

21. A theoretical introduction to GIS
● What is GIS and spatial data?
● What is a coordinate system and why is it
important?
● How to collect data? How does a GPS work?
● How to represent spatial data? An overview of
GIS softwares

22. GIS software
● Full GIS solution
– ArcGIS (can be enhanced with DNR garmin)
– QGIS (with GPS plug-in)
– Google earth (with GPS feature on windows)
● GPS data download software
– DNR garmin (can be linked with GPS)
– Many others
● Others
– Drivers for gps
– Android tracking program (mytracks)

23. Program of the day
● Playing a game to know each other
● Theoretical introduction to GIS
● Setting a GPS right
● How to collect points, lines (tracks), areas
● Downloading your data
● GIS software (Arc, QGIS, google earth)
● Map your data in your favorite GIS software
● Discuss your work and the difference between the
softwares