Intro to GPS Apps
Mapping From GPS Data

Contents

• Software
• See Also...

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Software

There is a wide range of software that can be used to map GPS data. Such software ranges from mass-market consumer products to expensive workstation suites.

Consumer Products

Consumer products are generally priced from $200 or less and have the ability to map your current location based on an attached GPS receiver. The following applications are examples of consumer mapping software:

• Delorme - AAA Map'n'Go
• Delorme - Street Atlas USA
• Microsoft - Automap

Desktop Mapping

Desktop mapping applications are priced around $1,000 and are intended for commercial data analysis and general purpose map production. Such applications may be capable of mapping the output of several GPS receivers or acting as the user output of a fleet navigation system. A development language is usually included so that the base application can be extended. The following applications are examples of desktop mapping software:

• ESRI - Arcview
• Intergraph - VistaMap
• MapInfo Corp. - MapInfo
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - GRASS

Programming Libraries

A few companies are beginning to release programming libraries that allow application developers to produce their own software with mapping capabilities built in. The prices of these libraries varies widely, with some offering royalty free distribution. The following applications are examples of mapping libraries:

• ESRI - MapObjects
• MapInfo Corp. - MapX

Industrial Data Collection

This class of software is intended to be used for field data collection. Such software is optimized for adding and editing information (including GPS locations) associated with objects in the field. The software is usually loaded on a laptop PC, Newton or specialized data collector and used with a GPS receiver, laser rangefinder and/or other instruments. Often, these applications can be highly customized to fit the user's application and data collection requirements.

Workstation GIS and AM/FM Systems

This class of sftware is used for industrial mapping and scientific research. Usually this kind of software can draw from client server databases and is capable of transaction processing, allowing many operators to be editing the map data at the same time. The following applications are examples of GIS and AM/FM software:

• ESRI - ARC/Info
• Intergraph - Framme
• Intergraph - MGE

See Also...

• U.S. Census Department - GIS FAQ and Pointers
• Online Resources for Earth Scientists