Extract GPS data to MapInfo.

[JF]

Hi all!

I want to buy a GPS and be able to transfer route, waypoint in .tab
format (or any type that can be converted to .tab via mapinfo). The
GPS that corespond to my need is the magellan eXplorist
http://www.magellangps.com/products/product.asp?segID=355

I also find a software that can import/export data between mapinfo and
the GPS, it's the GPS utility (GPSU) http://www.gpsu.co.uk/functions.html.
which I never used.

I'd like to know if somebody already used GPSU and if it work well
with the eXplorist series. Also if other freeware can do the job fast
and easy.

JF

[Emil Zegers]

Hi JF,

I have no experience with GPSU but MapInfo Professional includes
another freeware GPS application since 1995: Blue Marble Geographics
Geographic Tracker.

Bundled with MapInfo Professional v10.5 is the latest GeoTracker v4.0
release with new functionalities as live connection and display in
MapInfo Professional.

Short quote on functionality:

"The Geographic Tracker is a GPS application that supports streaming
live GPS position data, playback of recorded GPS log files and
transfer of spatial data both to and from various GPS units. The tool
ships as a free install in MapInfo Professional. The Geographic
Tracker GPS interface control has shipped in every version of MapInfo
since 1995. The version 4.0 update, to be released with MapInfo
Professional 10.5, will include a new look and feel, and expanded
support for Garmin, Magellan, Trimble and other GPS units. The tool
allows you to create profiles for multiple GPS units, import and
export route and track data between MapInfo tables, GPS units, and GIS
data formats, and save data as points, lines or polygons. The new
version also allows users to calculate an offset from the location of
the GPS during collection, which is handy if you are gathering data on
roadside objects in a moving vehicle or some similar workflow."

The Geotracker software can be found on the MapInfo Professionaal
installation DVD and/or at BlueMarbleGeo Geotracker downloads page
http://www.bluemarblegeo.com/products/geotracker.php?op=download

Recently one of our customers went out in the field with four GPS
devices attached to laptops running MapInfo Professional with
Geotracker. They collected data all day and were able to visualize and
analyze it in MapInfo Professional right away!

Doesn't that sound like fun? :-)

Regards,

Emil Zegers