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Dr. Russell Shapiro and two of his daughters logging fossil locations with a Recon on the beach in Northern California.

Field Computers for Educators

The most common question we hear is, "How can I integrate a field computer into my curriculum?" This is particularly important for instructors at smaller institutions where the students have limited access to expensive laboratory analytical equipment so a field computer becomes a relatively cheap alternative to introduce technology. There is also in increase in the utilization of field computers in field courses, such as geology field camp, field ecology, geophysical field surveys, and archaeological digs to name a few. In addition, rugged computers are widespread in the private sector. Below are some suggestions based largely on our experiences as geology field instructors and from exercises shared by other professionals.

To start, ruggedized field computers can perform the same tasks as a regular laptop or desktop PC. So any program you run on your own computer will also work in the field. In this regard, we work on problems in which it is useful to manipulate data in the field using spreadsheets like Excel or database programs like FileMaker Pro. Examples include entering clast compositions in a field sedimentology course or cataloguing species along a gradient in an ecology course.

Another valuable use of a field computer is using a database for identification and correlation in the field. This involves either commercially produced guides or building your own database. We have used this for both fossil cataloguing and rock textures using FileMaker Pro. By building your own catalogue in the field, you can enter additional information such as location or sample number. This allows for quick comparison or complex correlations.

Perhaps the most widely cited reason for use of a rugged field computer is in the mapping or graphical software. There are many options on the market and we can help you identify the program to best suit your need. Our own personal model runs Manifold GIS, ArcGIS, Canvas GIS, RockWare, and FileMaker Pro. For topographic mapping, we prefer National Geographic TOPO! 7.5" seamless quadrangles. We are currently analyzing other brands. Most mapping programs allow for active tracking with commercial and home-constructed Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

RECENT PROJECTS

April, 2008. Three colleges converged in the remote mountains of Nevada for a four day fossil expedition. In addition to collecting fossils and recording rock types, the students engaged in a inventory and biostratigraphy study. Using Arc Pad on Nomad computers and SX Blue sub-meter GPS receivers, the students recorded in situ trilobite locations along with taxonomic information and age of the beds. In this way, they could predict where more fossils would be likely to occur and address the thickness of individual biozones.  For pictures, check out Russell's blog, Rugged Bits.

WEB LINKS

Use of field computers in courses
http://geopad.org/
The GeoPad project out of the University of Michigan. One of the most comprehensive sites we have seen.

http://web.mit.edu/dtfg/www/index.html
Although a few years out of date, another resource showing how others have incorporated the technology into their courses.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
http://gps.faa.gov/
Straight answers about GPS from the Federal Aviation Authority.

http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/gpscurr.html
The site maintained by the US Navy to provide information on the status and position of the satellite network.

http://gge.unb.ca/Resources/HowDoesGPSWork.html
Nice and data-rich tutorial (updated March, 2003) by Dr. Richard Langely, University of New Brunswick.

http://www.gpsworld.com
Home page for GPS World magazine with many good articles on GPS technology.

http://www.pocketgps.co.uk/index.php
Home page for Pocket GPS World with lots of information on GPS units.

http://healthweb.ofs.gov.za/othersites/hwm/Medical Waste Management/Differential GPS_files/dgpsexp.htm
Tutorial on how differential GPS (DGPS) works from Starlink Incorporated.

http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/manual.html
Downloadable guides from Garmin.

http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/glossary.html
Nice glossary of GPS terms from Garmin.

http://flash.lakeheadu.ca/~bmwelmer/GIS/bigpgsproj.htm
Interesting case study by Bernard Welmers at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario.