GPS-LINK: A Utility Program for Windows, Connecting GPS to a World of Applications

GPS receivers are but one component to a total application solution. There is an abundance of inexpensive GPS receivers designed for a wide variety of user applications. What is often lacking is an effective link between the GPS receiver data and the user’s desired application. All too often, user’s are directed to purchase manufacturer’s specific or recommended software and hardware configuration for particular application(s). A windows- based software program, “GPS-LINK” was designed to act as this missing link between the user’s GPS receiver and the desired application. GPS-LINK can effectively accept GPS data from a wide variety of GPS formats and allow the user to use the data as required for his/her application. Now for the first time, user’s can choose from almost any commercially available GPS receiver, and use that receiver for navigation, mapping, data collection, field verification, and tracking applications. GPS-LINK can be used as a stand-alone program complete with navigation and data collection functions, or can comect to other Windows- compatible programs in real-time through DDE links, output to files, communications ports, and can poll remote GPS units, all in one powerful software program. The GPS-LINK software has the flexibility to allow users to create custom output messages from available GPS and navigation data such as time, position, velocity, DOP, satellites, waypoints, route information, and many more . The GPS-LINK program also enables the user to log and display data from external data sources such as field instruments, which can then be combined with the GPS position and velocity data for field monitoring applications. With the help of the GPS-LINK program, users can now focus on their particular applications using the GPS data from a wide variety of available GPS receivers, connected to their own applications, existing commercial packages, and future application software. The technical paper will discuss the specific design and features of the GPS-LINK program , and preview some sample configurations and applications including real-time navigation, field data collection, pipeline and routing, and vehicle tracking. The paper will also discuss comecting GPS-LINK to existing commercial mapping and GIS software such as ArcView, MapInfo, and Maptitude.