GPS Questions and Answers

Information about how GPS works, datums, and much more. 

Using USGS Topographic Maps and Compasses

Understand more about GPS as you learn about USGS maps, directions, and more.  

True North, Magnetic North, Compasses, and GPS

Some fundamentals of GPS and directions.

GPS Websites

Learn more about GPS. 

GPS in Education

How can GPS be used in Education?

Fun (and Learning) with GPS

How can GPS be used for fun and learning?

Geocaching in Education

Description of geocaching and how it can be used in education.

Sample Geocaching Course

Set up at a city park with an "aliens" theme.

Sample Geocaching Course

Set up at a school with an American Revolutionary War theme.

Sample Geocaching Course and Flyer

Set up along a river with a historical geography and transportation theme.

Sample Geocaching Course and Answer Key

Set up in a downtown with a Civil Rights History theme.

Why is Datum Important?

This graphic shows the same area cast on two different datums--the top in NAD 27, the bottom in WGS 84.

GPS to GIS

Guidelines to help you map your GPS coordinates in a Geographic Information Systems environment.  

UTM Zone Map - USA - PDF

UTM Zone Map - USA - JPG

UTM Zone Map - Alaska - PDF

UTM Zone Map - Alaska - JPG

UTM Zone Map - Hawaii - PDF

UTM Zone Map - Hawaii - JPG

USGS Rockyweb Education 

USGS Education 

  GPS, Map, and Compass 

The table at left represents guidelines and information for using USGS topographic maps with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receivers and compasses. 

For more tools, consult the other resources on the USGS Rockyweb Education Program pages.

For more information about these guidelines, contact Joseph Kerski at the USGS at (303) 202-4315, jjkerski@usgs.gov