| After searching an inexpensive way to combine GPS receiver and PC i've finally found a handy software called GPS Utility. It's capable of uploading and downloading information to/from GPS receiver and to display it in variety of ways. | |||
| I tested quite many freely downloadable programs, but GPS Utility was the first that worked right away when i started it. I liked it so much that instead of using it as freeware which it is, i paid the $40 registration fee. After registration i get little bit more functionality too. | |||
| Not only this software is capable of downloading /uploading information from GPS, it can be used as electonic map too. Maps can be scanned in and calibrated to known waypoints and used as a background in map view. Unfortunately my old laptop has so weak battery that i wasn't able to use it while driving, but i'm seriously thinking of bying inverter to get 220V from 12V cigarette lighter socket. This way i'd be able to read my e-mail onboard too. | |||
| According my first tests last weekend i believe this system accurate enough for my use. I can plan routes at home and upload information from PC to GPS for driving. There is a limit of 500 waypoints in my Garmin GPS12, but with this tool i can store more waypoints to hard drive. | |||
| There is also a possibility to create a track in PC and upload it to GPS. Track can be created to form a map and this way cheaper GPS units such as mine could have background map on screen. Of course it's very rudimentary, but could be better than nothing. I have to study this feture more though. | |||
| There is also more studying to do in scanning the maps. First map that i have is scanned in with el cheapo scanner that i have and it just isn't too accurate on showing the names of places. I need to test it with better scanner and perhaps use black/white scanning and then color the maps in Photoshop or something. | |||
| Due to hard wind conditions i wasn't able to perform the accuracy test i planned, but as soon as i get the possibility to do that i will and post some results. | |||
| If you'er looking for something like this i can really recommend to try out GPS Utility ! | |||