GPS_Manual_2016.pdf

Field Survey using
Handheld GPS Receiver
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
FOREST MANAGEMENT BUREAU
Field Survey using
Handheld GPS Receiver
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
This Field Survey Using Handheld GPS Receivers manual was created with reference
to Garmin Montana 650 GPS receivers. Hence, the features and interface may vary
from other GPS receivers. BaseCampTM is also the recommended file transfer software
for Garmin GPS receivers.
It is with pride that I present to you this manual on Field Survey
using Handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver for
conducting area survey and shapefile rectification of tenurial
instruments as well as other forestry programs and projects.
The issuance of tenurial instruments to individuals and entities aims to
ensure the proper allocation of forestlands for responsible and effective management.
Through time, the delineation of these areas has seen major improvement - from the
use of analog maps to spatial data in various digital formats.
This manual shall provide guidance to the field personnel involved in the area
survey and shapefile rectification of proposed and existing tenurial instruments. We are
hoping that through the use of this manual, duplicates and overlaps of these areas shall
be eliminated and corrected.
Ricardo L. Calderon, CESO III
Director
Message

Table of Contents
Chapter Topic Page
Chapter I Introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS) 1
I.A Origin and Definition 2
I.B How Does the GPS Works 3
I.C The .GPX Format 10
Chapter II The GPS Receiver 12
II.A Parts and Hardware 13
II.B Interface 17
II.C Taking Care of Your GPS Receiver 23
Table of Contents
Chapter Topic Page
Chapter III Introduction to BaseCampTM 26
Chapter IV Preparatory Activities 35
IV.A GPS Calibration and Customization 36
IV.B Uploading Data using BaseCampTM 44
Chapter V Field Survey 50
V.A Field Surveyof aNew Project 53
V.B Field Surveyof anExisting Project 67
Chapter VI Post Field Survey
1
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION TO
GLOBAL POSITIONING
SYSTEM (GPS)
2
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a
navigation system consisting of 24
satellites, placed into orbit by the U.S.
Department of Defense. Originally
intended for military applications, it
was made available for civilian use
in the 1980s. It is free of charge,
works 24/7, anywhere in the world,
in any weather condition
Source: http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/index.html
A. ORIGIN AND DEFINITION
FieldSurveyUsingHandheldGPSReceiver

3
B. HOW DOES THE GPS WORK?
• GPS satellites circle the Earth twice a day
in a very precise orbit, then transmit signal
information to the Earth.
• GPS receivers take this information and
use trilateration to calculate the user's exact
location.
• 3 satellites are needed to calculate a 2-D
position and track movement
Source: http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/index.html
I.IntroductiontotheGlobalPositioningSystem (GPS)
4
How accurate is the GPS?
 The accuracy of the system depends on many
factors including the following:
 Type of receiver - i.e. recreational/
commercial, mapping/differential, and
survey grade
 Sources of errors - i.e. atmospheric effects
and obstructions
Source: Understanding the Global Positioning System (GPS); Cooksey, D. Department of
Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Montana State University-Bozeman
5
Types of GPS Receivers:
 Recreational/Commercial grade
- These receivers are available from
commercial retailers and are designed
for general navigation and simple
waypoint marking. The accuracy of
this type of unit is usually greater than
or equal to 3 meters.
Source: http://water.usgs.gov/osw/gps/
6
 Mapping/differential grade
- Mapping grade receivers incorporate
higher quality antennas and
implement corrections that
improves the accuracy of the
location. Its maximum accuracy
can range up to less than one
meter.
Source: http://water.usgs.gov/osw/gps/

7
• Survey grade
- Survey grade receivers are the most accurate
and expensive. These are often used by
professional surveyors and excel in high
accuracy measurements of fixed positions.
The accuracy is within centimeters.
Source: https://articles.extension.org/pages/40145/what-is-the-difference-between
-a-recreational-grade-gps-a-mapping-grade-gps-and-a-survey-grade-gps
8
Sources of Errors:
• Atmospheric effects
- Layers of the atmosphere
refract GPS signals. This
causes the speed of the
transmitted signal to be
different from the speed of
the GPS signal in space.
Source: http://www.montana.edu/gps/understd.html
9
• Obstructions
- Any object in the path of the GPS
signal can cause interference with
the reception. These objects
include buildings, large trees and
terrain features.
Source: http://www.cmtinc.com/gpsbook/#chap2
Sources of Errors:
10
C. THE .GPX FILE FORMAT
• GPX (the GPS exchange Format) is a data format
for exchanging GPS data between programs, and
for sharing GPS data with other users.
• It allows you to exchange data with a growing list
of programs for Windows, MacOS, Linux etc.
• It can be transformed into other file formats using
a simple webpage or converter program.
Source: http://www.topografix.com/gpx_for_users.asp

11
• Data recorded in the GPS receiver
(waypoints, tracks etc.) are saved, by
default, in .GPX file format.
• Before uploading any data in your GPS
receiver, be sure to convert it first
to .GPX format.
12
CHAPTER II
THE GPS RECEIVER
13
A. PARTS AND HARDWARE
 Camera lens
 Power
II.TheGPSReceiver
14
 MicroSD™ card slot (under
battery door)
 Auto mount power connector
 Stereo headphone jack

15
 Mini-USB port (under
weather cap)
 Battery cover D-ring
II.TheGPSReceiver
 MCX Port for external GPS
antenna (under weather cap)
16
 Lithium Battery
 AA Battery
Sources: http://gpsinformation.info/penrod/Montana/Montana.html
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/08/garmin-montana-600-review.html
17
B. INTERFACE
Main Menu page
Home Screen
Tip: You can save commonly used applications in the Home
Screen so you don’t have to re-select the Main Menu Page.
II.TheGPSReceiver
18
 Status bar
Found at the upper part of the screen which shows the status of
the satellite signal strength, battery and your current location/
geographic coordinates.
 Current time and date
 Application Drawer
Shows other applications that are not
saved in the home screen.

19
 Profile Change
Collection of settings that optimizes your device
based on how you are using it.
 Mark Waypoint
Used to record your current geographic coordinates/
location.
 Where To?/Go To
Used to find a destination you navigate to.
II.TheGPSReceiver
20
 Waypoint Manager
Used to access stored waypoints.
 Track Manager
Used to view and edit tracks stored on your device.
 Camera
Used to take photos embedded with geographic
coordinates.
21
 Satellite
Shows your current location, GPS accuracy,
satellite location and signal strength.
 Map
Shows your current location, elevation, saved
waypoints, tracks, roads, rivers and other
pertinent geographical information.
 Compass
Used to navigate to your destination.
II.TheGPSReceiver
22
 Trip Computer
Displays your current speed average speed, maximum
speed, trip odometer, and other helpful statistics.
 Elevation Plot
Displays the elevation for an elapsed time.
Sources: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/handheld/previous_models_handhelds/
montana-650/prod75227.html; http://www.tramsoft.ch/gps/garmin_montana600_en.html;
 Setup
Customizes the GPS settings based on your
preferences

23
Before Operation:
 Make sure that all sides of the battery
compartment cover are locked in place to
prevent any foreign matter/water from
entering the unit.
 The battery cover lock must be turned to
“locked” position.
 To avoid accidental drops,
secure the unit by putting the
strap in the slot. The strap
can be placed in the user’s
neck or wrist.
C. TAKING CARE OF YOUR GPS RECEIVER
II.TheGPSReceiver
24
During Operation:
 Each type of receiver has its own tolerance
to rain or liquids. Make sure to check the
manual before exposing it to rain. DO
NOT SOAK the unit in any liquid.
 Take extra caution not to let the unit hit
hard objects such as rocks
25
After Operation:
GPS Receiver Unit
 Clean the unit with a cloth moistened with mild
detergent solution.
 If necessary, use a soft brush to gently clean the
vent holes on the back of the unit.
 Thoroughly dry the device.
GPS Receiver Screen
 Clean the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth with
water, isopropyl alcohol or eyeglass lens cleaner.
 Thoroughly dry the screen.
 Store the device in a cool, dry place, away from
extreme temperatures.
II.TheGPSReceiver
26
CHAPTER III
INTRODUCTION TO
GARMIN BASECAMPTM

27
BaseCampTM is a software designed for Garmin
devices and mapping products. The software
allows users to plan and manage trips, routes,
tracks, and waypoints between the computer
and compatible devices.
Introduction to Garmin BaseCampTM
Source:: http://static.garmincdn.com/BaseCamp/4_2/en/
III.IntroductiontoGarminBaseCampTM
28
Unique Features of Garmin BaseCampTM
 Supports geotagged photos
 Organizes data in folder
 Allows users to view their data in Google Earth
 Converts files from .gpx format to .kml, .tct, .csv and .txt file
format or vice versa
 Allows users to create waypoints, tracks and routes and save it
as .kml or .gpx files
29
Source:: http://static.garmincdn.com/BaseCamp/4_2/en/Default.html
GARMIN BaseCampTM Interface (Version 4.6.2)
1 Menu
2 Toolbars
3 Find Result
4
Library and
Devices
5
North Indicator/
Map Controller
6 Map
7 Overview Map
8 Information Area
9 Status Bar
10 Search and Filter
30
Menus
Allow users to access various tasks such as create, import/
export data, save file to various formats (.gpx or .kml), send data
to other devices such as the GPS, measure distances and view
data in Google EarthTM.
Toolbars
Provide users quick access to various essential tools. The number
of toolbars in the interface can be customized depending on the
user’s preference.
Source: http://static.garmincdn.com/BaseCamp/4_2/en/Default.htm

31
Find Results
The feature displays results on queries in Find menu such as point
of interest, addresses, internal storage and Garmin Adventures.
Library and Devices Area
It help users to manage and organize their
data. This feature has two panes: the upper
pane displays list of collection in My library
and connected devices; the lower pane
displays the data on each list showed in the
upper pane.
32
North Indicator/Map Controller
This shows the orientation of the map
view. Users can change the orientation
and zoom in and out of the map using
the Map Controller. Map Controller
North
Indicator
Map
Displays the users map product and
shows the created or imported data
(waypoints or tracks). Through the
menu views, user can change the map
view into 2D or 3D depending on the
available map data.
2D view 3D view
33
Map Overview
The view shows a geographical context
of the main map by displaying broader
and less detailed map.
Information Area
This contains details/information of the
data found in the library and connected
devices. To access its dialog box, double
click on the waypoint or tracks that you
want to review.
34
Status bar
The status bar shows the number of
selected items in Library. It also
shows the coordinates of your mouse
cursor and distance measurement
while using measure tool.
Search Filter
Allows users to search and filter
saved data.
No. of tracks or waypoints
Distance
Coordinates
1 Search tool
2 Filter tool

35
CHAPTER IV
PREPARATORY ACTIVITIES
36
A. GPS CALIBRATION AND CUSTOMIZATION
It is important to calibrate/customize the GPS
receiver settings before starting the field survey. It
is recommended that the following settings are
customized:
 Display
 Map
 Tracks
 Units
 Position Format
 Heading
You can select Reset to restore the default
settings and delete saved waypoints and tracks in
your GPS receiver.
37
1. Tap Setup
menu
2. Tap Display
Display settings
3. Tap Calibrate
Screen to adjust
the touch screen
Interface of the
GPS
Tip: to save more battery power adjust your Backlight
Timeout to 30 seconds and also click Battery Save On.
4. Follow the
instructions
shown on the
GPS screen.
IV.PreparatoryActivities
38
1.On the Setup
menu select
Map
2.Select
Orientation
Map settings
3. Select North Up
or Track Up
Note: Map orientation
depends on the user
preference. The advantage
of “North Up” is that
the user can compare
between the GPS maps
and their analog maps.

39
Tracks settings (Track log)
1.On the Setup menu
select Tracks
2. Select
Track Log
3. Select Track
Recording Preference
40
1.On the Setup menu
select Tracks
2. Select Interval
Tracks settings (Track Interval)
Note: Choosing “less
and least often” will
make the track point
interval less detail , while
using “most and more
often” gives you a de-
tailed track point however,
it will have a bigger file
size .
41
Units settings
1.On the Setup menu
select Units
2. Select Distance/Speed,
Elevation etc. for
preferred units
Note:
The Philippine
Government adopted
the metric system for
unit of measurement
as stated in Batas
Pambansa Bilang 8
(1972) and Chapter
8 of Executive
Order 292 (1987)
42
1.On the Setup menu
click Position
Format
2. Select Degrees, Minutes, Seconds for
Position Format and WGS 84 as Map
Datum
Position Format
Note:
Google EarthTM is set to
WGS 84 map datum

43
Heading (Compass) settings
1. On the Setup menu
select Heading
2. Select Calibrate Compass
then Start. Follow the
succeeding instructions.
44
B. UPLOADING DATA FROM GARMIN BASECAMPTM
TO GPS RECEIVER
1. Connect Garmin GPS
device to computer
using compatible
cable. In the Devices
pane, users can view
the available devices
(i.e. GPS receivers)
connected to the
computer.
Uploading Tracks and Waypoints
45
2. Under the Library > My
Collection folder, select
and right click on the data
that you want to upload
and select Send To...
3. Under the Devices tab,
select your GPS receiver
(ex. Montana 650 (Unit
ID)) then click OK. The
data can now be viewed in
your GPS receiver.
46
Uploading KML or GPX Data to GPS Receiver
1. Import .gpx or .kml
file from the your
computer to My
C o l l e c t i o n o f
Garmin BaseCampTM
a) Click File menu
b) Click Import into
‘My Collection’...
Note: Make sure the GPS receiver is connected to
your computer through a compatible cable .

47
2. Browse the desired
data (should be
in .kml or .gpx file
format). Select and
click “Open”. The
imported data will
now be visible under
the My Collection
pane.
48
3. Select the imported data,
right click and select
Send To... The Select
Destination dialog box
will appear.
4. Under the Devices tab,
select your GPS receiver
(ex. Montana 650 (Unit
ID)) then click OK. The
data can now be viewed
in your GPS receiver.
49
Viewing uploaded files from the GPS Receiver
1) Go to Track Manager
2) Select the uploaded track
from the file list
3) Tap Show on Map.
Once data are uploaded,
users can directly view the
waypoint or track data in
the map page of the GPS
by following these steps:
50
CHAPTER V
FIELD SURVEY

51
GPS-based field survey is the collection of primary data
(waypoints, tracks, photos) at the field level using handheld
GPS receivers. It is further classified into surveys of new
projects and surveys of existing projects.
Kinds of Information Recorded by the GPS Receiver
 Location/Waypoints: The
geographical coordinates of
a single location or point
(the current coordinates of
where you are standing).
V.FieldSurvey
52
 Tracks: A series of geographical locations or points that
show the path traversed. It is useful for mapping objects that
are represented by lines or shapes, such as the course of a
road and river or the shape of a field.
 Geotagged Photos: Photo embedded with geographical
coordinates that indicate the position/location where the
photo was taken. It is useful for validation and
reconnaissance survey.
Source: http://learnosm.org/en/mobile-mapping/using-gps/
53
A. FIELD SURVEY OF A NEW PROJECT
1) GPS receivers determine geographic
coordinates by receiving signals
from satellites. To ensure accuracy
of the recorded coordinates, go to a
place that has a clear view of the sky
before you open on the GPS
receiver.
2) Press and hold the Power button on
the right side of your GPS receiver.
Opening the GPS Receiver
V.FieldSurvey
54
The Home Screen page is similar
to the screenshot shown. The
receiver will search for satellite
signals for a few seconds or minutes
depending on your location. Your
current location will be displayed on
the top portion of the screen once
GPS signal is established.
Tip: The five bars on the left shows signal
strength. Five green bars indicate very
strong signal while orange bars indicate the
device is still searching for signal.

55
 In the main menu of your
GPS receiver, browse and tap
the Mark Waypoint icon
( ).
2) There are two options in
saving: Save and Edit. If you
do not want to save the
waypoint, tap the Close icon
( ).
Reminder: In marking a waypoint make sure that the
accuracy of the GPS is stable (equal or less than to 10 m).
Marking Waypoints
V.FieldSurvey
56
a) Select Save if you want to
save your current location
without any changes. The
default name and waypoint
information will be saved.
b) Select Edit if you still want
to change or add some
information in the waypoint.
In the Edit Properties, you
can view the Name, Notes,
Location, Elevation and
Depth of the waypoint. Waypoint Edit Properties
57
Tap the Waypoint Name and
Note Box. Use the alphanumeric
keyboard (similar to cellular phones)
to change or add information. Other
information such as Location,
Elevation, Depth are automatically
detected by the GPS receiver and
cannot be changed. When finished,
tap Save.
Waypoint Name
Other Options
Close
Tip: Additional notes will help you identify each
waypoint at the end of the survey. This is very
useful when you have saved too many waypoints.
V.FieldSurvey
58
1) In the main menu, browse
and tap the Waypoint
Manager icon ( ). It
contains a list of saved
waypoints uniquely identified
by its name.
2) Browse for the waypoint you
want to verify. Tap the
waypoint name to view its
properties. Reminder: Bring a field note with you
and write down all the necessary things.
Verifying the Location/Waypoints

59
3) Select View Map to view its location in the map layout.
4) Select Go if you want see the direction from your current
location to that that waypoint. Otherwise tap the Back
icon ( ).
Waypoint Edit Properties
Map Page
V.FieldSurvey
60
1) In the Main Menu, browse and tap the
Setup icon ( ).
2) Inside the Setup menu, browse and select
Tracks to view and set the track
recording properties (i.e. Track Log,
Record Method, Interval, Auto Archive,
and Color).
Map Page
Note: Waypoints are
represented by pins while
tracks are represented by
lines.
Recording Tracks
61
3) Select the Track Log option and set it
to Record, Show on Map.
The Track Log sets whether you want to record
your track or not and if it will be shown on the
map page.
 Do Not Record : track is not saved in the
GPS receiver
 Record, Do Not Show : track is saved, but
not shown in the map page
 Record, Show on Map : track is saved and
shown in the map page
4) Tap the Record option and set it to
Auto.
V.FieldSurvey
62
The Record Method sets how your track or path
is recorded.
 Distance : track is recorded for every specified
distance.
 Time : track is recorded for every specified time
 Auto : create a rate of optimum representation
of the tracks. There are five categories that you
can select in recording method. Normal is the
most commonly used.
5) Select the Interval option and set it to
Normal.
The Interval property varies depending on
the record method (could be distance or
time measurement).

63
6) Select the Auto Archive option and
set it to Daily.
7) Tap the Color option and set it to
your preferred color.
Reminder: Don’t stay
too long in one area, it
may result to tracks that
are scattered.
V.FieldSurvey
The Auto Archive sets the saving schedule of
your track.
 When Full : tracks are not saved until
device memory is full.
 Daily : the tracks are automatically saved
everyday.
 Weekly : the tracks are automatically saved
every week
64
1) In your main menu, browse
and tap the Track Manager
icon ( ).
2) Select Current Track.
3) Select Save Track.
4) Use the alphanumeric keypad
to type your preferred name.
5) When finished, select Save
( ) icon.
Saving Tracks
A track that is being recorded is
called Current Track.
65
1) In the main menu, browse and
tap the Camera icon ( ).
2) Tap the shutter icon ( )to
capture photos.
3) You can tap the “+” or “–”
icons to zoom in and out.
Capturing Geotagged Photos
Note : Photos captured using GPS
receivers are automatically embedded
with geographical coordinates.
V.FieldSurvey
66
1) In the main menu, browse and
tap the Photo Viewer icon
( ). The thumbnails of all
the geotagged photos will be
appear.
2) Select the desired photo.
3) Tap the Options icon ( )
4) Tap Delete Photo
Deleting Wrong Photos

67
B. FIELD SURVEY OF AN EXISTING PROJECT
Before going to the field make sure that the Waypoints and
Tracks (line or polygon) are downloaded in your GPS (see
Chapter V.B). Bring all other documents that may help you in
the field survey such as analogue maps or technical descriptions.
1) In the main menu, browse
and tap the Waypoint
Manager icon ( ).
2) Browse and tap the waypoint
you want to locate from the
list of saved waypoints.
V.FieldSurvey
68
If you are having a hard time searching, tap the
“Options” icon ( ) then “Spell Search”. Type the
name of the desired waypoint. Tap “Ok” ( ) when
finished.
3) Tap the desired waypoint to view its properties.
69
 Tap “View Map” to view its location in the map layout.
The chosen waypoint is symbolized by the blue pushpin
while your current location is symbolized by the blue arrow.
5) Tap “Go” to view the direction from your current location
to that waypoint. You wan tap “+” or “-” icons to zoom in
and out.
V.FieldSurvey
70
6) To guide you in the direction of your
waypoint, go back to the main menu and
browse and tap the Compass icon ( ). A
pointed arrow will help and guide you navi-
gate the location of your waypoint.
For a more detailed description, choose the small dash-
board and change its properties to the following:
 Distance to Next : Indicate the distance between
the GPS and waypoint.
 Elevation : Indicate the meter above sea level of
elevation.
 Bearing : Pointed at what direction the waypoint is.
 GPS Accuracy : Indicate the accuracy of the GPS
(+-)

71
7) Once you have relocated the
corner, mark it with a new
waypoint and name it as an actual
mark (ex. Corner 1A).
8) Mark all the new corners of the
project to update the existing cor-
ners.
Reminder: At the end of your field survey make it
sure to download all the data in your laptop or computer.
V.FieldSurvey
72
CHAPTER VI
POST FIELD SURVEY
73
Data captured in a GPS receiver must first be transferred to
a computer before it can be used by a mapping or program.
There are different kinds software available for transferring
data. For this module, we are recommending the use of
Garmin BaseCampTM to transfer data to your computer.
Source: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmapmakers/resources/3eb.pdf
VI.PostFieldSurvey
74
1) Download and install BaseCampTM in your computer (Link:
http://www.garmin.com/en-US/shop/downloads/basecamp).
2) Open BaseCampTM in your computer.
3) Connect the GPS receiver to your computer (using GPS axial
cord).
4) Click the Receive from Device icon ( )
Downloading Data from GPS Receivers to BaseCampTM

75
4) In the ‘Select Device’ window, select the device name (ex.
Montana 650 Unit) then click ‘OK’
5) The data such as photos, tracks and waypoints will now appear
in BaseCampTM.
VI.PostFieldSurvey
76
Saving Downloaded GPS Data to the Computer
1) In the Devices pane, click the folder named 'Internal
Storage' containing waypoints, tracks, and photos that was
imported from your GPS.
77
2) Select the Waypoints, Tracks, and Photos that you want to save.
3) Right click and select ‘Send To’.
4) Select ‘My Collection’. Click ‘OK’.
VI.PostFieldSurvey
78
5) To rename the file, select the file you just created under
the ‘My Collection’ folder. Right click and select ‘Rename’.
You can now rename the file to your preference (ex: DUM).

79
Your waypoints, tracks and geotagged photos are now saved in
your computer. You can now use this data for further GIS
analysis or use in another GPS devices.
VI.PostFieldSurvey
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Visayas Avenue, Diliman, 1100 Quezon City, Philippines
Tel. No.: (632) 927-47-88 / Fax No. (632) 920-03-74
E-mail: fmbdenr@mozcom.com / fmb@denr.gov.ph

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