GPS receivers
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
Garmin
| Model | Accuracy | Channels | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPS 15 | 15m | 12 | bare module | |
| GPS 16 LVS, 16 HVS, 16A 3.3-6V / 6-40V / 8-40 V |
15m / <3m WAAS / 3-5 USCG RTCM | 12 channel | 2 serial ports, deck mount | |
| GPS 17 | $200 | basically the same as a GPS 16 but in a white, pole mount case | ||
| GPS 18 | 15m / 3m WAAS | 12 | $130 | CMOS serial or RS232 or USB hockey puck |
| GPS 25 | 15m / 5m DGPS | ? | bare module | |
| GPS 35 / 36 | 15m / 5m DGPS | ? | 35 = mouse style, 36 = pole mount |
The GPS 17 is designed for marine applications but is often pressed into service in backpack style data collectors.
US Positioning has invented a system for doing DGPS correction using Garmin equipment.
Trimble GPS modules
| Model | Accuracy | Channels | Connectors | Price (est) | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder Pocket | 10m/2m DGPS | 8 | 2 RS232 via one DB9, SMB 3.3v, power | $500 | includes an external antenna. | |
| M-Loc | 10m (no DGPS) | 12 | 3.3v 35mW(68mW)
25 x 25 x 6.9 mm |
$45 | FirstGPS software runs on host processor | |
| Lassen SQ | 6-9m,no DGPS | 8 | 8 pin header, H-FL-R-SMT | 3.3v/100mW(133) 26x26x6 mm, 5.7g |
$45 | Use w/RF transition cable |
| Ace III | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | 5v / 95mA / .47W 82.6 x 46.5 x 11.5 mm |
$80 | |
| Lassen SK-8 | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | $ | Discontinued; use SKII | |
| Lassen SKII | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | 5V / 95mA(120mA)/ .47W(.60W) | $80 | |
| Lassen LP | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 2 serial and power via 8 pin header, MCX/3.3v 12mA | 3.3V / 55mA(67mA)/ .182W(.221W)
66.167 x 31.75 x 12 |
$55 | Low power; can be programmed to power up/down on schedule |
| Style | Gain | Connector | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micropatch | 26dB | 5m cable with MCX | $17 |
| Hardmount micropatch | 26dB | TNC | $ |
| Bullet | 35dB | 22m cable with SMB adapter | $ |
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.
