This is the first in a series of posts in which I’ll try to show how it is possible to make use of a hand-held GPS in the classroom.
In order to follow the example, you’ll need a hand-held GPS. I use a Garmin, mainly because of the outstanding compatibility across various software packages. In addition, the freeware GPS data manager GPS Utility or Easy GPS is required.
Scenario: Kids have been out with a hand-held GPS marking the location of traditional signposts for a simple mapping project. The method is starightforward, at each signpost discovery, simply record a waypoint in the GPS. Connect the unit up to a computer and download the waypoints to a GPS data manager such as Easy GPS and save them as a .GPX file. (The waypoints can equally be saved as a .KML file for viewing in Google Earth)
Now visit GPS Visualizer and upload your .GPX file into the Google Maps form. Then prepare to be very happy as your waypoints appear on the map! Here is an example using actual data:
Click to enlarge:
magnalox.net converts a single dataset into a
- animated HTML file
- animated Google Maps file
- 3D Google Earth file
It could make the difference between 2D and 3D pretty obvious.
It also shows the 4th dimension, time, pretty clear.
Just a thought
Volker
This is just what i have been looking for!!! Cant blive it! I will try it. I have a garmin e trex and need to send my waypoint to my PC, then review them with google. No clue yet how to. I ll try after reeding your experience.
Many thanks from Argentina!!!!
Tomás