>Users: Can anyone assist us with this question? Do you know anyone who is
>using GPS with MapInfo 5.5 using the Blue Marble software? I can not get
>the software to recognize my Trimble Gold Card. Also, is there an
>interface for real time differential correction input into the GPS portion
>of MapInfo?
For fieldwork we use MapInfo Pro v5.5 running on a Toshiba Libretto 110CT.
We use a Magellan ProMark X for our GPS, and a Magellan DBR2 for
differential correction, using the US Coast Guard RTCM104 broadcasts. We've
also successfully used a Magellan Nav 5000 and a Magellan Nav DLX10. We use
the (US market) supplied Blue Marble GeoTracker for GPS input into MapInfo.
The biggest hassles I experience are with the Magellan GPS receiver, as you
have to go through layers of menuing to get to several different obtuse
screens to send data to the laptop. Every time you turn the Magellan off
you have to go through and tell it send data. The Nav DLX10 was better at
that and easier.
We had always found Trimble a bit gold-plated and a bit proprietary - but
perhaps you can get some payback by getting good customer service from them
in solving your problem.
We use the NMEA0183 option for 'GPS Message Type' but you would probably
need to use the 'Trimble TSIP' option (that's under SET GPS RECEIVER
OPTIONS under OPTIONS on 'The Geographic Tracker' window, activated when
you choose Geo Tracker from your Tools Menu.
For differential correction we have the DBR2 receiver (basically a
12v-powered radio receiver) plugged into the GPS unit, and everything set
up there to receiver RTCM104. When everything works, the DBR2 picks up the
continually-broadcast Coast Guard signal, sends it to the GPS which then
processes that signal against the satellites it's receiving, corrects those
satellite signals then displays the corrected Lat/Lon location on screen -
and sends it to the Libretto via the serial port, where the Geo Tracker MBX
receives the signal and displays your location in MapInfo, updated once a
second (or however often you choose). Thus, 'real-time differential
correction'.
This can be excellent when we're out in the woods, tromping around trying
to locate approximate property boundaries - with the GPS and the Libretto,
we can see exactly where we are with a backdrop of a 1m orthophoto, with
property lines overlaid. It's quite amazing, really.
The fly(s) in the soup include: the fact that the DBR (Differential Beacon
Receiver) was designed for marine use and to be permanently mounted and
hooked up to a 12v power source - so you have to lug a small (but heavy)
gel cell; the DBR also needs to have it's antenna mounted to something, so
we need to combine the two elements with a frame backpack (bulky); the
screen on the Libretto is almost impossible to see in sunlight; both GPS
and differential signals are weak and easily lost under forest canopy; it's
a lot of junk to carry around.
But it's almost a miracle when it works!
I would begin my troubleshooting with Trimble, perhaps with a call to Blue
Marble (they're quite informative). Good luck!
Tom
* - * - * - * - *
Tom Curley
Suquamish Tribe GIS Program Manager
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Today is yesterday's future."
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