GPS Tracking Software

This is a good article about GPS Tracking and how free GPS tracking software works. It gives a great examples on how to best use the free GPS tracking software, and in what limitations it puts on the user of this software.

Limitations of Free GPS Tracking Software

I took a look at some of the online offers for free GPS software
and found, like many "free" offers there were often limits and
provisos involved. Often the freeware is a scaled--down version
of purchasable products. Sometimes the free product has
restricted functionality with features disabled, other products
are trial--based and are disabled after a certain time (hours or
days or use).

An example of limited free GPS software can be found at GPS
Utility. The downloadable freeware is limited 100 waypoints and
500 track points. (There are 65,000 of each in the registered
version of their program.) The free program gives you a good
opportunity to try before you buy, and this is the benefit of
most free programs.

Where to Get Free GPS Tracking Software and What You Can Do With It

There are online sites that list various free GPS software and
describe how to use the programs after you download them. Often
individuals who have used the programs themselves develop the
sites. These are great because they give you an unbiased
interpretation of the benefits and disadvantages of the programs
before you use them.

Using free GPS software you can download programs that allow you
to retrieve and display aerial photos, topographical maps, USGS
landmarks. There are programs available that allow you import
scanned images and add latitude and longitude points and other
data.

Free GPS software downloads are available for PDA units that are
capable of communication with GPS receivers. With these
downloads you can have a useful navigation assistant, location
database manager, and GPS data converter.

Programs to manage GPS waypoint and route files are available
for both PC and Mac users. The waypoints and route files can be
saved or converted to various formats used by other mapping
programs.

If you need to transfer information to and from your GPS
receiver and your home computer or laptop there are several free
programs that allow you to do so. There are also programs that
allow Garmin GPS receivers to "talk" to one another. Many of the
programs listed here are directed at the hiking/trekker
community, but there are also free programs available for auto
GPS systems and marine navigational systems. I found a couple of
marine navigation programs that allow you to download nautical
charts and plotters.

There are free GPS software programs that allow you to download
street maps that might not be included in your auto--navigation
system. If you intend downloading in--vehicle software, make
sure that it has audio capacity, an essential safety factor for
motorists. One such program offers data for several countries
with voice guidance in twelve languages.

Free GPS software is also available for downloading to your cell
phone. This is mostly tracking software and can be phone
specific. You might want to check with your carrier before
downloading anything to your cell phone to make sure that it
does not incur extra charges.

As satellites are constantly moving, it is helpful to know the
optimal time for data collection in your area. There is free GPS
software that includes an almanac to let you know the
availability of satellites at any given time.

Some of the free GPS software is brand specific. Programs
designed for a Garmin receiver may not work for a Magellan, so
check out the specifications carefully, especially if you intend
purchasing a registered version after your trial period. Other
software works with most brands.

About the author:
Anne King is a sports and recreation writer in Boise, Idaho. For
a list of free
GPS software, visit Maps GPS Info.com which also provides
practical information on GPS and maps that everyone can use. The
website includes product reviews and a maps/GPS glossary.

Keywords: free GPS Tracking Software, gps tracking