Track: Database Design and Automation
GPS and GIS: The Untold Nightmare
Francis MizellGPS technology is popular due to its shrinking cost and ease of use. The St. Johns River Water Management District has gone to great lengths to train staff in proper GPS/GIS use. Why all the uproar? GPS is too easy to operate. GPS information is perceived to be perfect. GPS information is used in public databases. Data are mishandled and errors occur. GPS errors are brought into GIS. Techniques reducing data error are proper training; certification; apprenticeships; restrictive applications; GPS user visual verification; database managers; data, collection, and processing conventions; and a commitment to quality data.
Francis Mizell
St. Johns River Water Management District
PO Box 1429
Hwy 100 West
Palatka, FL 32178
USA
Telephone: (904) 329-4251
Fax: (904) 329-4125
E-mail: fram@sjrwmd.state.fl.us