www.wellsreserve.org/news/2004-04-15_mapping.htm

MAPPING AND GIS WORKSHOPS OFFERED AT WELLS RESERVE

WELLS, MAINE - Three courses on using global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) in natural resource planning will be offered in May at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells. The economical courses, taught by experts from the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension and the Wells Reserve, will be especially useful for community decision makers and natural resource professionals.

"Mapping Maine Natural Resources" is an intensive 5-day course, May 10 to 14, covering the basics of ArcView 3.2 mapping software, watershed delineation, on-screen digitizing, wetlands, roadless areas, and conservation lands. Participants will receive step-by-step manuals and data from their Maine community of interest. The course fee is $325.

"GPS for GIS," May 6 from 9:30 am to 4 pm, will show participants how to collect GPS data, correct data using Pathfinder Office software, and combine corrected GPS data with other geographic data using ArcView GIS software. The training allows participants to borrow the university's Trimble Pro XR GPS units. These units are more complicated to use than basic GPS units, but are better suited for collecting a large amount of data at each location. The course fee is $150.

"Handheld GPS," May 18 from 9 am to 4 pm, will demonstrate how to collect locational information with a handheld GPS unit and plot it on a USGS topographic map using Terrain Navigator software. The course fee is $95.

A limited number of scholarships are available for those unable to pay course fees.

For more information, call Sharon Hughes, University of New Hampshire, at (603) 862-1029.

The Wells Reserve, with facilities at historic Laudholm Farm, is committed to investigating coastal environments and increasing understanding of their ecology.

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