GPS receivers

Open source software

The FreeGIS site http://www.freegis.org/ has the largest collection of freely available GIS/CGPS software. But the collection is not inclusive because policy prohibits them from listing free but protected commercial software.

GISuser has a collection of free tools.

So for example, Trimble's free mission planning program is not available there.

From email: Since 1997, I have implemented sets of Java, Web & Wireless GIS tools. Most of them are free to use. If you are interested, please visit http://www.jshape.com for more information. -- Shiuh-Lin Lee

ERmapper MapWindow GIS JUMP
Thuban
Quantum GIS QGIS

Mobile solutions

Hardware

TDS Ranger Recon Solofield
Trimble

Software

BBBike
ESRI ArcPad
GiMoDig
GPSDrive
Hoko

GPS

Standards: NMEA 0183
TSIP
Earthmate
PLGR

GPS simulators

NMEA data stream
Virtual serial port
Can I make a virtual serial port driver under Linux and fool VMware into using it??? Hmmm...

GPS mission planning software

A GPS mission consists of three phases. planning, execution, and post-processing. Mission planning software packages run on a desktop system at your office and assist with planning and post-processing phases.

The two commercial programs that I know of are tightly integrated with the field software so they are not all that useful unless you buy in to the whole enchilada -- data collector, proprietary data collector software, and "office" software.

The two programs are Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office for use with Trimble data collectors and TDS SoloOffice which works with TDS SoloField.

Planning for a GPS mission should include checking for suitable conditions. This includes knowing that the satellites will be positioned propitiously when you will be in the field.

I use Trimble's free planning program for this. You can download it from [insert Trimbles download site]. The bad part is that it is available only for Windows systems but it's handy enough that I use it anyway.