An Evaluation of GPS/GIS Training Modules

Peter H. Murtaugh

Environmental Finance Center

New Mexico Tech

Abstract

A series of Global Positioning System and Geographic Information System on-site training modules were developed and initiated over a 6 month period as an alternative to the typical 1 to 3 day intensive training curriculum. The audience consisted of representatives from 6 New Mexico Pueblos with similar interest in GPS/GIS technology, however with varying degrees of technical ability. Funding for the project was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (Region 6) Tribal Program Section.

The training modules provided an avenue for improved understanding of the location of Tribal infrastructure components, the ability to add attribute information and perform GIS data analysis, maintenance, and graphic output. All location and attribute information was placed into a GIS database for maintenance, analysis and immediate access. All training modules were evaluated on their understandability, relevance towards infrastructure issues, and their applicability in the area of natural resource conservation protection measures.

Introduction

I work for the Environmental Finance Center (EFC). The EFC is part of a university based network of centers around the country addressing difficult "how-to-pay" environmental compliance issues with both public and the private sector. The overriding agenda for the organization is to promote a sustainable environment. The ability for Tribal and local communities to have access to Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) technology assists them with that goal. Core support for the network has been provided by the U.S. EPA's Environmental Finance Program in the Office of the Comptroller.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the Environmental Finance Center, New Mexico Tech University.

Initial Approach

I was assisting the Tribal Utilities Certification program within our office trying to assess the need and value of a GPS/GIS training program for the 19 Pueblos and 2 Tribal Nations in New Mexico. To my gratification, after interviewing several Tribal utility operators, I realized the practical benefit for training. The idea of GPS/GIS training was widely accepted by both Tribal utility workers and EPA's Region 6 Source Water Protection Program. However, there were some financial and programmatic obstacles in setting up the training program.

For my first attempt, I tried to set it up the training within the existing Tribal Utilities Certification Program, at this point, EPA recommended I develop a new contract, write a new scope of work, establish a budget and submit this to them for their funding approval. U. S. EPA Region 6 (Source Water Protection Program) supported this training effort with a $40,000 grant.

Tribal utility departments can be understaffed and overworked. There is a huge responsibility placed upon them and often this job can follow them home. The training was:

•Designed in a modular fashion to fit into the Tribal utility workers schedules with little disruption of their daily workloads.

•Performed on-site with little additional time out from their workday for travel.

•Found to be useful and applicable GPS/GIS skills that could be implemented into their operations over time.

•Offered to six Pueblo's utility departments across the State of New Mexico for the modular training implementation.

Within each utility department there was varying degree of computer hardware, software (Internet connection) components available, and individuals knowledgeable of this technology. In an ideal situation, each utility department would have its own Trimble GPS unit (Geo III) with current software, digital camera, Esri ArcGIS software running on a Windows 2000 compatible computer, and access to a training facility. Currently, this is not the case, some utility departments have several GPS units while others have none. Some have had ArcGIS training, yet others do not have the necessary Windows 2000 computers to run the software. Trimble Navigation Limited donated one Geo III unit with current Pathfinder Software, while Esri suggested using ArcView 3.x software for the training to avoid the expense of 2000 compatible computers. A New Mexico state agency was a possible source for donated computers, however, due to state cutbacks and personnel change these never materialized.

Training

My equipment for the training modules consisted of a laptop computer with Trimble Pathfinder Software and Esri ArcView 3.2 software. I had power point slides on the computer, but used transparencies with an overhead projector to avoid the expense of a computer projection system. I supplied five GPS manuals and two GIS books per utility department with the intent to supply enough training material for each employees who would benefit from the training and would eventually apply this technology. I discussed among each department what specific GIS books and manuals would be appropriate for their level of experience and learning style.

A schedule was developed trying to accommodate each utility department with visits based on a floating weekly schedule. There is approximately 350 miles between the Pueblos involved in the training and a flexible window of time was set up to accommodate traffic or road problems. I would give a call if I could not make the appointed time frame and reschedule for a different date. Generally, 1¹/₂ to 2 hours were spent in the training session at each utility department, however this was extended or shortened depending upon their time constraints.

I developed a three pronged approach to the training modular system. 1) A GPS class room portion, 2) a compact GIS portion, and 3) a GPS field exercise. I would try and start every session with a review of the previous visits lessons, and end each session with a GPS field exercise. The review process would help me evaluate what was understood from past lessons or find out what topics needed more clarification. Field work was performed to reinforce data collection techniques and make the operators more comfortable with the GPS receivers operations. The GPS training was presented to the majority of the operators while the GIS training was limited to specific individuals who had more access to computers and past Esri or other software training. There is a GIS component to the Trimble's Pathfinder software which all users had the opportunity to learn.

For the first session, I would start off by discussing the benefits of using a GPS/GIS system for the Tribal utilities. Highlighting their ability to locate, identify, attribute and map the various components of their systems while creating a database to store, evaluate, analyze, and retrieve system information when needed. This dialogue was intended to generate excitement among the participants and foster a greater sense of purpose to see the training through until the end. Practical use of the products was stressed during the training sessions especially on project applications. In addition, background knowledge and general information was disseminated.

Evaluations

Evaluations were handed out and their comments became an important part of the modular training process. The ability to generate project data with understandable links to known resources like existing maps was stressed in the evaluation process. The importance of a training area that allows the operators to learn and not be distracted was sited. I learned from their comments, to set goals for each training module adhering to structured formats, and evaluate the effectiveness of my training by setting expectations for the students. It was noteworthy to have additional reading and or informational brochures, Esri supplied the "Managing Natural Resources with GIS" by Laura Lang as an example of potential GPS/GIS projects. Finally, It was important to inform the operators about additional training opportunities in GPS and GIS. There was a great interest in increasing their knowledge about these technologies.

Next Step

In the future, if more funds become available, six more Tribal entities would be eligible for the training. To date, there is certain items that would benefit the utility departments in their GPS/GIS training especially in the area of computers and software. Developing a relationship with another organization, or supplier, vendor would be a positive next step.

Peter H. Murtaugh - Environmental Finance Center - (505)272-7365 Fax (505)27207203

pmurtaugh@nmeri.unm.edu