TEACHING ADVANCED FIELD MAPPING ON HAND-HELD COMPUTERS (IPAQ’S)

This year we integrated computer-based mapping into an advanced field mapping class. We found significant benefits to using the small Compaq iPaq handheld computers with TeleType CF GPS cards and ArcPad GIS by ESRI, although setting up a system required considerable time and effort. The main pedagogical advantages were: better accuracy for field locations, improvements in students learning skills such as terrain reading and map location, easily variable scales of mapping, standardized and more complete data sets, and high student enthusiasm. Base maps were created using contoured USGS DEMs, and ArcPad data input forms were created for data collection at outcrops using ArcPad Studio. These forms served as a “virtual teaching assistant.”, reminding students what data needed to be collected at outcrops for various geologic features. All standard geologic features were recorded on within ArcPad – no paper maps were used. We attempted to keep the post-field trip processing of the maps to a minimum, but some processing in ArcView was required to produce final maps. The time required was less than students typically spend coloring and hand-drafting maps, even though none of the students had previously used ArcView. The biggest problem encountered was the lack of a font set that correctly plots azimuth data, and we created a preliminary font set to overcome this problem. Overall, the problems were outweighed by the advantages and we plan to continue to use handheld computers in our advanced mapping course.