By STEFANIE HILL

Staff Writer

Global Positioning Systems are going down the drain, at least for this project. Forestry 324: GPS in Natural Resource Management is working with city officials to use GPS to map drainage systems in Ruston.

Dr. Jim Dyer, a professor of forestry, environmental science and wildlife conservation, said GPS uses satellites to determine precise positions of anything on earth.

"Working with the city on this project is a good way to build a bridge between the city and the university," Dyer said.

Lewis Love, director of public works for Ruston, spoke to the Forestry 324 students April 21 to explain the project.

"This is a big project, and these students will help collect the data we need to complete it," Love said.

Love said the public works department will also recruit students during the summer for the project.

Dyer said the project will help students get a better perspective about GPS.

"We're blending what we have learned with the technology we have available in the classroom to do this project," Dyer said. "This will be great field experience for the students."

Rafael Aranaga, a senior geology major, said the experience will give him an advantage when it comes time to look for a job.

"There is not an outdoor profession that does not use the assistance of GPS," Aranaga said.

"Already having the experience of mapping with GPS will improve my chances of getting a job."

John Roger, a senior geology major, agrees that GPS is becoming more popular.

"GPS is a more professional way to improve productivity," Roger said.

"The more we know about what is out there, the more productive we can be and improve profitability in the workplace."