Global Positioning System Devices

GPS Equipment Loan

Global System Positioning (GPS) technology allows for mapping locations anywhere in the world with a handheld device.

The CGA maintains GPS mapping devices which can be checked out for free on a first-come first-serve basis by people with a Harvard affiliation. We offer a wide range of devices: accuracy varies from 10-meter to submeter, and features per device vary from simple to complex.

Click here for a list of GPS mapping devices currently in our inventory, individual device details and user manuals.

Click here to make a reservation request for a GPS device.

Not sure which device you need?  Contact us with your questions and we can guide you.

GPS Apps for Mobile Devices

Nearly all smartphones and tablets now contain GPS receivers. For mapping points, lines, or polygons, there are several iPhone and Android apps that can be used.  Contact us to help determine the best smartphone app to use for your GPS mapping needs. 

Some more basics on GPS mapping

Performing mapping using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is an alternative method to map your own data, if the data you are looking for does not exist in GIS format. In fact, it may be the only option if there is no or inadequate basemap data for your area of interest. Fortunately, GPS mapping is possible world-wide, and there are a wide range of handheld GPS devices to choose from.

Recreational GPS units: These devices can perform mapping accurate to +/- 5 to 10 meters, and range from $120 to $500. There is a wide range of recreational GPS devices (including smartphones), with lots of variation in functionality. The CGA can help you determine the best model based on your specific mapping need and conditions. 

Mapping grade GPS units: These devices are capable of mapping at an accuracy up to +/- 1m by using a process called differential correction. Using differential correction is dependant on the mapped area's proximity to GPS base stations. There is base station coverage for most of North America (the entire conterminious U.S.), as well as in many other parts of the world. To find out if there is base station coverage in your research area, check the Contiuously Operating Reference Station network map (mostly U.S. locations, some global), or Trimble's network of base stations (global).

 

See also: Services, GPS