FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions About GPS Training)

In general what are the topics covered in a 3-day course?               GPS Fundamentals, Accuracy, Planning your Project, Data Dictionary, Mission Planning, Data Collection, QuickPlan, Equipment Setup, Field Sessions, Data Processing with Pathfinder Office Software, and Data Update or Data Maintenance.  

How many students can be in a class?
In a Certified Trimble course, the limit is 12 students. A minimum of six students is required.  Custom training could be for one or more students.

What student experience level is required?
Other than a working familiarity with computers, no other experience is required.  The course is designed for beginners to fairly skilled GPS operators.  We find the latter many times have not been given complete training and are using only 30% of the system capabilities.

What are the class equipment requirements?
One computer for each two students and one GPS system for each two students.  In most cases, we can supply GPS units.

What about custom training classes?
There are no fixed computer or GPS system requirements.

What does the instructor supply?
Training manuals, electronic projector, and Powerpoint presentations.

What does the organization supply?
A training room, computers, and GPS units.

Are classes for individuals scheduled?
No, Trimble Certified classes are for organizations who have six or more students to be trained.  Custom training could be for one or more students.

What are the step in scheduling a class?
We will provide you with quotation as the the cost and training dates. The client provides a purchase order to RLA Geosystems.  A few days prior to the class training manuals will be shipped.  And if necessary, GPS systems.

Are far in advance should training be scheduled?
We prefer a 45-day advance notice.                           

In a 3-day course, what is the final field exercise?                      Students independently design their own field project from system setup, data dictionary, data collection, and data processing.  The objective is simulate as closely as possible the GPS activities they will be conducting on a regular day-to-day basis.

What is the general approach to instructions?
After the initial GPS introduction, each lecture module has student exercises and/or students following with their own equipment or software the instructors guidance.   It is about 1/3 logic and 2/3 demonstration.

In general what are the topics covered in a 3-day course?               GPS Fundamentals, Accuracy, Planning your Project, Data Dictionary, Mission Planning, Data Collection, QuickPlan, Equipment Setup, Field Sessions, Data Processing with Pathfinder Office Software, and Data Update or Data Maintenance.  

What about follow-on training?
Any organization who hires RLA Geosystem for training, receives free, unlimited telephone training and technical support.