We've all been there. You painstakingly enter the destination address in your phone or GPS, map out the trip, and then end up yelling at the device that you did take that turn and it must be wrong. Sometimes, naviagtion systems can be as frustrating as they are useful. 

But it doesn't have to be that way.

Up your expertise about Global Position Systems (GPS) and Global Information Systems (GIS) on September 21 from 1pm – 3pm at the Oregon Garden in Silverton. The workshop features talks from Greg Savage of the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services and Beth Maurer, the Oregon Garden volunteer coordinator. Each will explain different uses for GPS/GIS and their practical implementations. The Oregon Garden even has its own mapping project, which Maurer will discuss in greater detail.

After the informational sessions, three local experts on geocaching, a technology-savvy treasure hunt that uses GPS to locate hidden caches around the world, will join students. Among these experts is Chuck Vanlue out of Eugene, who approves submitted caches on geocache.com in his spare time. The experts will help GU students find hidden caches around the Garden, hopefully giving them the skills and enthusiasm to continue caching in the future.

The workshop costs $14, which includes the regular Garden admission fee. Students are welcome to use their own GPS devices, but they will be provided for those who need them.

For more information, visit oregongarden.org.