Abstract


Applications in Mobile GIS Training
Track: Community Projects and Partnerships
Author(s): F. Baxter

This paper describes mobile applications developed and tested in a three-credit mobile GIS course taught at Pellissippi State Technical Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee. A reconfigured 15-passenger van serves as a platform for the mobile GIS applications. Several levels of communication are used including amateur radio, FRS radio, commercial wireless broadband and WIFI.

Computer workstations on board the van have ArcGIS 9.1 software and are able to communicate wirelessly with laptops, PDAs and GPS data collectors using ArcPad software. Practice of disaster recovery scenarios includes the use of passive RFID technology and development of spatial databases to track individuals and emergency assets.

Students learn to install, maintain and use GIS software and communications gear in simulated exercises conducted in cooperation with the local government, utility districts and local emergency response personnel and volunteers.

F. Baxter
Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Geographic Information Systems
10915 Hardin Valley Rd
Knoxville, TN 37933
US
Phone: 865-539-7133
Fax: 865-694-6426
E-mail: fpbaxter@pstcc.edu