SO503 Honors Modern Methods
Spring 2013
Lab 3: GIS Does Lab 1
The data files you need are called norm_gps_1.txt and norm_gps_2.txt. These are the same files we used in Excel and Matlab. These files were actually created in the GIS program, which added the Mercator coordinates and the stretching factor which enabled you to calculate the speed and heading.
We will use the MICRODEM program, which you can download in your room from http://www.usna.edu/Users/oceano/pguth/website/microdem/microdemdown.htm . If you download there, or use the version in your room, you must:
Update the program to insure you are running at least version 2013.1.28 (Menu choice File, Tools, Close program and update, but the latest security fixes will probably nix this). You will probably have to download from http://www.usna.edu/Users/oceano/pguth/website/microdem/microdemdown.htm paying attention to peculiarities by browser (Firefox will probably be best).
Update the help file (Menu Help, Update help file)
Open MICRODEM, and open its help file. In the contents, under Tutorials and Labs, GPS, you want Manipulate GPS tracks. While you can print this, the paper copy will not give you the benefit of all the hyperlinks.
Download three data files.
Due Tues 6 Feb at 1330 hours in the Blackboard dropbox:
Create a half dozen graphics that allow you to describe what the subject did during the time interval recorded by the eastern of the the two GPS files. Write that discussion in a clear, direct fashion, referring to the figures.
Discuss what you see as any advantages/disadvantages in using the GIS compared to Excel or Matlab, and what you see as the role of GIS for the earth sciences and the military.