North Fondy Physical Education

• GPS stands for:– Global Positioning System

• Satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit around the Earth by the U.S. Department of Defense

– Satellites are 12,000 miles from earth’s surface

• The GPS receivers connect with the satellites to give us our position on Earth’s surface

– Position based on latitude and longitude– Latitude = the angular distance, in degrees, minutes, and

seconds of a point north or south of the Equator. (Horizontal lines)

– Longitude = the angular distance, in degrees, minutes, and seconds, of a point east or west of the Prime Meridian. (Vertical lines)

• GPS works in any weather conditions,

anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.

What is GPS?

ACCURACY• Today’s GPS receivers we can get as close as three

meters (9 feet) of accuracy.

• The GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received.

• The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. With distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map.

SIGNAL ERROR• You want to have a clear view for your GPS to receive

and transmit signal• Buildings, rock formations, trees, etc can all have an

effect on the accuracy of your GPS reading

How accurate is a GPS receiver?

• GPS was originally intended for military applications, but later became available for civilian use

• Ways in which GPS is used?

– Military

– Airplanes

– Boaters / Fishing

– Vehicle navigation

– Tracking stolen vehicles

– Locating cell phones in lost/injured person

– Surveying land

– Agriculture

– Hunting, fishing, canoeing, biking, camping

– GEOCACHING

How is GPS used?

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching– An outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the

participants use a GPS receiver to hide-and-seek containers called caches

Cache – A typical cache is a small waterproof container

(usually a tupperware or ammo box) containing a logbook and/or “treasure”

Microcache – A small container (film canister) containing only a

logbook

Geocaching.com– Website devoted to geocaching, providing information

on all the caches around the world

Waypoint – Locations where a cache is hidden, identified by

latitude and longitude– Waypoints can be saved, stored, and found utilizing

your GPS unit

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching: From the Web to the Woods

Geocaching & Physical Activity go Hand-in-Hand– An outdoor adventure-based activity that can involve

various forms of physical movement, including:• Walking• Running• Biking• Canoeing• Kayaking• Hiking• Rock climbing

Geocaching & Physical Activity

• Safety First! During searches around Horace Mann, microcaches have been placed in areas that should be easy to access. Keep your eyes open for trees, puddles, uneven ground and other hazards.

• PLAY FAIR! Teams are not allowed to sabotage other teams by moving caches, stealing clues, etc. Good sportsmanship is required!

• ALL MICROCACHES AND CLUES MUST BE PUT BACK IN THE EXACT SPOT IN WHICH THEY WERE FOUND!

• Teams are not allowed to ask other teams or previous classes for help or hints.

• Make sure you have found the correct CACHE. The waypoint # on your GPS should match the cache # written on the top of the lid of the cache.

• When you are done with all of your quests, turn in the appropriate worksheets to Mr. Kolbe.

Geocaching Rules & Guidelines

• There are Nine Geocache locations right here in North Fond du lac!

– Link to Map: Geocache of North Fond du Lac

• We will be attempting to find 3-4 Geocaches locations in town!

– It is important that when we search and find these geocaches, that you do not give away and hints or tips to students in other classes!

• There are Hundreds more just in the Fond du Lac area and thousands more across the state of Wisconsin!

Geocaching in North Fond du Lac

How can I get further involved in Geocaching?– Geocaching.com

Buying a GPS– Garmin (E-Trex)– Magellan– Lowrance

Where to Buy a GPS– Cabelas– Gander Mountain– Scheels– Craigs List

How much will it cost?– Handheld GPS systems can cost anywhere

from about $85 to $500 depending upon the model, functions and capabilities of the unit

Interested further in Geocaching?