Gathering Data on Field: GPS Module
From Wikiagro.com
| This exercise is included in the tutorial: Using GeoAgro GIS |
| Note: | This is one of the few exercises for which sample data is not provided, as you need a GPS device connected to the computer in order to work on the exercise. The same step-by-step method with sample data will be used to present the exercise, but in order to work on it you will need to connect your GPS and unload personal data that you have already gathered. |
Contents |
Exercises
Where to Do the Exercises
The first step to complete the exercises in this tutorial is to set up the computer you will be working on. You may either:
- Work on your own computer: If you completed our Getting Started Course, your system and datasets are ready to go through this learning guide. You will be able to use our GeoAgro GIS trial version for 2 months. From now on, you are ready to begin with any learning guide you wish.
- Work on a virtual computer provided by GeoAgro: This does not require any previous installation. See Prepare a GGS Tutorial on a virtual computer
The following instructions apply to either method, unless otherwise specified.
Exercise 1 – From GIS to GPS
To transfer the points to the GPS browser first you need to import the points to the GPS Module. Select the GPS tab and activate the Waypoints layer, as you are going to import points.
If you see points or polygons from previous exercises, press the “Delete all objects" tool. 
Select the “Import from GIS Module” tool in the Tool Bar located to the right.
A dialog box will open displaying a list of all the existing layers for the current project in the GIS Module. Select the “Sampling" layer and click 'Accept'.
Data
In the next box you will be able to make associations between the structure of the origin layer and the data that is stored in the device’s memory, in order to keep the names (numbers) assigned to the points.
Click on the “SamplingN” field in the Origin box (the right column) and then click on the "Identifier" field in the Destiny box to link both data charts. Then click “Accept”.
On the GPS Module Map Window, you will see the points with their corresponding numbers.
Loading Data
To load the points to the GPS device you must plug the device to your computer and click on the Connection to the GPS device button 
.
Once the GPS is connected, click on the “Send objects to GPS device" button 
.
The georeferenced points will be stored in the GPS unit together with their corresponding identifying numbers.
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Exercise 2 – From GPS to GIS
To do the practice, you must first take some GPS points. Next, these points will be downloaded in the GPS Module so that the gathered information can be then added to a GIS layer.
Connection
Click on the 'Connect to the GPS device' to automatically set the communication between the GPS Module and the portable GPS navigation device that is plugged to the computer (no previous configuration required).
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| Note: | If connection fails, a message will appear indicating the possible causes. Conflicts generated by the adapter cable that connects the portable GPS to the laptop's USB port are very common. See Connecting the GPS to the PC. |
Import
Activate the Waypoints layer. By doing so, you will indicate to the system that you want to download only the points stored in the GPS unit (not the tracks or the routes).
Click on the 'Download objects from the GPS device' 
tool GeoAgro GIS will search all the Waypoints (points) stored in the GPS device.
A message box will pop up displaying the progress for the operation.
When this is finished, the objects will have been downloaded and will be displayed in the map window of the GPS Module.
GPS Module Map, showing imported points
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