PATC GPS Rangers announced

[Jim Tomlin]

The PATC GPS Rangers group (a subcommittee of the Maps Committee) has been formally announced *TODAY*, upon release of the February PA.  The Rangers will GPS trails on PATC maps for future map and guidebook revisions, critical trail reporting, and perform other high-accuracy surveying projects for PATC.  We will be using state-of-the-surveying-art equipment and software.

The first Rangers class on February 23 already has 3 signups.  I'll be teaching this free course at least once a month for the next 4 months.  This course covers the basics: how GPS works, how to collect GPS data for PATC, safety, and how to survey a trail for purposes of trail reporting.

I have started a Facebook page for the Rangers, although I am the first to admit I am not the right person to manage it.  I will do my best to keep it "current" until a volunteer with more Facebook experience steps forward.

I will be reserving a PATC cabin for an early March weekend, in hopes to get a group together to GPS a set of trails in an area that is undergoing a new PATC map revision...probably in Pennsylvania.  More details soon.

To email the Rangers leadership, send email to ranger...@patc.net

I expect the establishment of this group to be a work in progress for at least 6 months to a year.  Part of the plan is to include outdoor clubs at all the nearby universities.  U. of MD has already expressed a strong interest.

Thanks to all of those who have been instrumental in laying the foundation for this "launch".  I hope that you stay involved throughout the next year and beyond.

Jim Tomlin
PATC GPS Rangers Chair