TSGS Cruiser Blog

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

NAVIGATING ALONG the RIVER -
Research Tips

Global Positioning System (GPS)

The idea for this blog came from a family working on their 4-H Genealogy Project for the upcoming county fair. The mother of the 4-H member was asking me a few questions on how to cite their documentation for the notebook exhibit. She mentioned that her cousin used GPS to mark locations of ancestors' property once it was found.

I have known a lot of people who have used GPS cooridinates to designate where cemeteries were located (including graves), but really did not think of using this for locations concerning family sites of importance. You can easily identify all of your genealogical locations!

GPS definition from Whatis.com: The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a "constellation" of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the Earth and make it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. The location accuracy is anywhere from 100 to 10 meters for most equipment. Accuracy can be pinpointed to within one (1) meter with special military-approved equipment. GPS equipment is widely used in science and has now become sufficiently low-cost so that almost anyone can own a GPS receiver.

Use this map to look for this house where Gum Street in Evansville, IN stops at College Highway ~ 37 degrees, 58 minutes, 2.18 seconds Latitude & -87 degrees, 32 minutes, 25.14 seconds Longitude. This home is a long time dream house for my wife & I.

- Submitted by Sheila of Tippecanoe County, Indiana

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