Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 19:08:06 +0100
From: "Michael Heathcote" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Libretto & GPS
The software that I personally use in the UK is "personal navigator", which
are basically scanned ordiance survey maps. These are not detailed to
'street level'. You can freely buy similiar 'autoroute' type software that
do go down to street level. All the above mapping software, when they state
can be used with a GPS, generally take the GPS co-ordinates through the
serial port of the laptop connected to the GPS.
The Garmin etrex GPS, I purchased nearly 2 years ago, is a mobile phone
sized unit, basic, cheap, but has data capability. The data lead from Garmin
plugs into the etrex, providing power (cig lighter plug) and connection to a
RS232 serial plug. The etrex then transmits a standard NMEA signal to the
laptop, which the mapping software understands.
Therefore any GPS unit can be used as long as it has standard NMEA output
capability, and any software that accepts the NMEA signals.
The mapping software generally show a direction arrow on a moving map, with
data logging capability. Software that speak to you is not as far as I know
widely available, or is very expensive (if anybody knows of a reasonably
priced UK packages, let me know).
The etrex is approximately 110 pounds, the data lead 40, basic software as
cheap as 50 or less. So for 200 pounds you can have a moving map showing
your position and direction etc on your libretto. Note that mapping software
is disk space hungary. Personal Navigator with the full UK maps loaded is
nearly 1GB. Hence the 810MB 50CT harddrive was swopped for a 6GB.
I hope this gives an overview of a Libretto & GPS.
Cheers,
Mike.
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