Fun with GPS [Paperback]

Donald Cooke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2005

For the millions of GPS owners who love their GPS units but don't know all they can do with them, this fun guide shows that a GPS can do a lot more than just calculate a location. Dozens of illustrated examples show how a GPS can be attached to a multitude of devices, including dogsleds, race cars, hot-air balloons, windsurfers, pet animals, ski racers, hockey players, and sailboats. Each example includes maps and photographs to inspire hobbyists, airline passengers, athletes, animal lovers, drivers, teachers, and students to track and map their activities. How to incorporate GPS mapping technology in the classroom in order to reinforce science, math, and geography curricula, provide the groundwork for project-based learning, and show students that their schoolwork is important and relevant is discussed.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Donald Cooke is the coauthor of The History of Geographic Information Systems. He is the founder of Geographic Data Technology, Inc., a past member of the National Academy of Science mapping science committee, and a member of the steering committee of the National Consortium for Remote Sensing in Transportation. He lives in Lyme, New Hampshire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: ESRI Press (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589480872
• ISBN-13: 978-1589480872
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 10 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,054,536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Geospatial Reading - Fun With GPS hits the mark!, October 28, 2005

By 

Glenn J. Letham "GISdude" (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fun with GPS (Paperback)

During a recent flight, included with my carry on luggage was a copy of "Fun With GPS", a relatively new publication from ESRI press by Don Cooke. The author is the founder of GDT, recently acquired by Tele Atlas, and has an extensive resume, including having played a key role in the creation of TIGER.
Jumping right in, the book provides the reader with an introduction to GPS along with a useful primer on mapping and the proper use of a GPS. The "meat" of the book is really from Chapters 3 onward. This is where Cooke provides numerous informative, educational, and interesting examples of real-life uses and applications of GPS. Even better, each example explains (in detail) a fun use, detailed instructions, photos/images, useful web links, and interesting commentary.

Particularly useful (and educational) small sections devoted to mapping, GIS, accuracy, and GPS concepts & terminology are included. After all, simply capturing and storing GPS coordinates is hardly of use, particularly to the layman. It's the understanding of the data, along with integration of maps and/or GIS that really makes GPS fun! A particularly interesting and "bang on" quote from the book that really struck a cord with me... "GIS really does put the fun into GPS". My take... indeed it does!

So who should buy or read Fun With GPS? If you happen to be one of millions of users of a GPS or a GPS-enabled mobile device then you'll no doubt find this book to be a valuable addition to your library. Can the book provide specific examples that apply to your lifestyle? Likely so since numerous specific examples and applications of GPS uses have been provided. These include:
Geocaching
Degree confluence chasing
GIS/mapping
Ice skating
Hockey
Skiing
Racing (auto)
Hiking
Sailing
Polo
Camping
Golf
Rowing
Sky diving

If you happen to have a hobby included above then Don has provided a detailed example application of how you will find GPS to be useful and fun.

Finally, the heart of the book comes in chapters 2 and 8. Chapter 2 offers an awesome primer on mapping. Cooke uses the free ArcExplorer GIS data viewer from ESRI and the complimentary (and free) DNR Garmin program from the Minnesota DNR as the focus of a tutorial on using your GPS data with a GIS without spending a dime. Both programs are totally free and detailed instructions for use have been provided to get you up and running and help get your GPS data off the device and used within a real application.

Chapter 8 is devoted to the use of GPS in schools and in the community. Interesting sample uses focus on the use of GPS by a museum to track visitors, mapping of a restored cemetery by grade school students, and even how to write your name with a GPS track log. Students attempting any of these sample projects will no doubt get a great introductory education to mapping and geospatial concepts, but will still have some addictive fun with their GPS as well... they may also even solve a community problem or address a local conservation issue.

Fun with GPS is truly a fun read. I admit, I have a dusty, 2 year old Garmin somewhere on my desk, however, it wasn't until I read this book that I had much interest in turning it on! I plan on locating a geocache in the near future and I also plan on capturing a degree confluence or two!

[...]

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars delightful and practical!, November 22, 2005

By 

P. Saffo (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fun with GPS (Paperback)

This is a spectacular book that treats GPS with a light (and fun) touch without any sacrifice of technical substance. Though aimed at beginners, GPS savants will find it equally useful, both for elegant insights as well as ideas on how to teach others about GPS. I teach land navigation and regularly consult this book for inspiration regarding new ways to keep the material fresh in my classes.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Maps and photos come with each outlined project for hobbyists, athletes, drivers, teachers and more, September 5, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fun with GPS (Paperback)

Think 'GPS' and what comes to mind? Usually in-car navigation systems - but there's much more to GPS and ordinary users may find these devices can be attached to about anything to be use for interesting results. Maps and photos come with each outlined project for hobbyists, athletes, drivers, teachers and more. Use GPS devices to track and map activities, or in a treasure hunt, or to GPS a model airplane's abilities: there's a lot a GPS device can accomplish, and Fun With GPS covers it all.