Introduction
to GPS units, GIS and the internet, Google Earth and ArcGIS Teaching Box
Prepared by Sylvio Mannel, Oglala Lakota College
This teaching box is a collection of tutorials designed to introduce students to GPS
(Global Positioning System), GIS (Geographic Information System) applications on the internet, Google
Earth, ArcGIS, and ArcGlobe. Students will need computers with internet access to download data such
as aerial photos. For the ArcGIS tutorial, students will need access to a computer that has ArcGIS
software loaded. Students will need Arc 3-D extension to complete the ArcGlobe tutorial
If you have questions concerning these activities, contact Sylvio Mannel,
(ph: 605-455-6137, email: sylvio@mannel.com)
Goals of the teaching box:
Learn to use a GPS device.
Develop familiarity with GIS applications on the internet.
Create a virtual flyover using Google Earth.
Use ArcGIS to create a map incorporating aerial photos and GPS coordinates.
Create a 3D flight using ArcGlobe
Teaching Box Activities:
How to Use a Handheld GPS Devise
Students will be introduced to handheld GPS units and their use. A
completion exercise is included to familiarize students with their GPS unit.
GIS on the Internet
Students will explore different GIS applications on the
internet including locating local wildfires, exploring public lands, planning a trip,
finding an address, and geocaching.
Introduction to Google Earth
Students will install the free software called Google Earth and create a virtual flyover.
GIS, GPS and Data Download
A tutorial on using ArcGIS to create a map. Students will
be guided on how to download an aerial photo, create a map, and overlay GPS points.
This tutorial is a little more advanced than the other three, partly, because it
combines several aspects of GIS. GIS allows the user to make maps on
the computer and to analyze them. The majority of GIS users work with ArcGIS mapping
software by ESRI. GPS points are locations that are often
displayed on maps.
Creating a 3D Flight Using ArcGlobe
In this tutorial students will download Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and create a 3D image based on
elevation and aerial photos. The will then create a virtual flight movie. ArcGlobe and ArcScene
can be used to create 3D flyovers. ArcGlobe seems to be more stable.