Spatial analysis technologies are increasingly important tools for all aspects of forest resource management. Field work previously accomplished with map, compass, and engineers' scale is now being augmented, or superseded, by the use of GPS and GIS. Professional-grade GPS receivers and commercial GIS software are preferred for their accuracy and comprehensive capabilities. In forest technology education, however, consumer-grade GPS receivers are more than adequate for most lab activities and more accurate than traditional field techniques. Free spatial analysis software is easier to learn with single purpose programs and can be freely used by students on their own machines. A specific tool set including consumer-grade GPS, free spatial analysis software, and data from a local spatial data warehouse has been effectively used in the Penn State Mont Alto forest technology program. A number of field applications are described, such as creating and following a route, mapping hiking trails, mapping a harvesting operation, and developing a forest management plan. (Contains 1 footnote.)