Teaching Resources
GEodesy Tools for Societal Issues (GETSI)

As part of the GEodesy Tools for Societal Issues (GETSI) project, UNAVCO and community partners have developed curricular resources to aid in teaching field geodetic methods (see three examples below). Resources are appropriate for undergraduate and some graduate field courses.
Available field modules include:
- Analyzing high resolution topography with TLS and SfM
- High precision positioning with static and kinematic GPS
- Prepared data sets and remote field teaching
Introducing Geophysics for Urban and Near-surface Applications (IGUaNA)

The urban and environmental geophysics modules developed by the IGUaNA project are designed with the goal of attracting and engaging students from underrepresented groups to try geophysics, and potentially to pursue a geophysics career. These modules aim to engage students in hands-on/minds-on learning of geophysics content and skills that can be directly related to issues of societal relevance that are important to the students. Resources are appropriate for introductory-level undergraduate field courses.
Available teaching/field modules include:
- Measuring depth to bedrock for an urban renewal project using seismic refraction
- Evaluating the health of an urban wetland using electrical resistivity
- Pipes, tree roots, or unmarked graves? Forensic geophysics using GPR
Instrumentation
Geodetic Equipment
- Teaching kits for GPS/GNSS surveying (typically 1 base, 4 rovers, related survey supplies)
- SfM supplies (ground control points, 4.5-meter telescoping SfM pole, camera)
Geodesy equipment is currently available from the GEodesy Tools for Societal Issues (GETSI) Field project – more info available on the GETSI website.
Seismic Equipment
- Multi-channel seismic systems (geodes, geophones, and takeout cables)
- Field laptops
Seismic equipment is available from the SAGE facility (formerly IRIS) with more info available on the PASSCAL website. If you would like to request instrumentation for an upcoming field class, the first step is to set up your account over on the PASSCAL website. This page has a helpful tutorial that walks you through the instrument request process.
Other Geophysics Equipment
- Ground penetrating radar (GPR) [from PASSCAL, see above instructions]
- Electrical resistivity and gravimeters
- This equipment can be rented from the Near-Surface Geophysics Center at the University of Wyoming.
Costs
All geodetic, seismic, and GPR equipment are available for free to educational users. Shipping costs do apply, but waivers are available.
Electrical resistivity and gravimeter equipment must be rented, and shipping costs also apply.
If you have any questions on educational use of instrumentation please reach out to educationearthscope.org