Thread: GPS for Linux

Originally Posted by mst

If somebody is looking for GPS software with voice,"unsavory" has found one at:http://www.kraftvoll.at/software/index.shtml

Unfortunatly all linux GPS solutions I have found out there (including GPS Drive) all use images of maps from a variety of online sources. These cannot do guiildance or route planning.

Vector based maps are required to do navigation and route planning. This is what almost all windows GPS navigation applications use. I don't know why no one has stepped up, designed and wrote a linux GPS application that can use commercial available vector based maps such as the Nav-Tech brand or similar. Then all one would have to do is purchase the correct GPS map database CD or DVD to use with it.

Originally Posted by mst

If somebody is looking for GPS software with voice,"unsavory" has found one at:http://www.kraftvoll.at/software/index.shtml

Aye. The only problem with it despite it's very nice looking UI and aesthetically pleasing maps is the fact that it doesn't route. At all. As in you have to plan the trip yourself using waypoints.

Apparently there is no open-source mapping data available so the Linux guys have not been able to jump on the bandwagen there. However, I hear they just came out with a European model that looks really really nice. But it will be a year at least before we see it here me thinks.

Originally I was going to use Microsoft XBox running Linux as my PC until I discovered there is no viable Linux Nav solution.

Originally Posted by unsavory

Aye. The only problem with it despite it's very nice looking UI and aesthetically pleasing maps is the fact that it doesn't route. At all. As in you have to plan the trip yourself using waypoints.

Apparently there is no open-source mapping data available so the Linux guys have not been able to jump on the bandwagen there. However, I hear they just came out with a European model that looks really really nice. But it will be a year at least before we see it here me thinks.

Originally I was going to use Microsoft XBox running Linux as my PC until I discovered there is no viable Linux Nav solution.

Maybe this is the problem... there will never be free up to data and accurate vector mapping data because this data takes alot of manpower and cost to keep up.

Why can't we build an open source application that can read, display and use a commercial map set from one of the many vendors out there. We have the open source app, and pay for up to date map databases.

Most people out there are willing to pay for an accurate map database.

The simple answer is that hardcore linux programmers with the skills to create such an application do not own cars, as they never leave their parents basement.

All kidding aside though. The maps that route guidence systems use cost money. A LOT of money. Thats why you don't see someone program it themselves.

Originally Posted by fluffy2097

The simple answer is that hardcore linux programmers with the skills to create such an application do not own cars, as they never leave their parents basement.

All kidding aside though. The maps that route guidence systems use cost money. A LOT of money. Thats why you don't see someone program it themselves.

Either way, you need to pay... have you purchased a copy of mappoint ever? That is pretty costly, but it seems alot of people on this board have it. Luckly I got it through my MSDN subsciption (which isn't cheap by any means either). I would say $100 - $300 is a fair price to pay for up to date, accurate gps mapping data. Look how much OEM navigation software updates for systems build into cars cost... usually double that!

All I was stating, is that an open source application that uses these commercial databases would be great.

The problem is that the commercial data is what is not free. It costs. The developers could not legally just use the data without a copyright infringement.

However like I said earlier, they have a European based Linux nav software that was just released. And it looks very nice.

Originally Posted by unsavory

The problem is that the commercial data is what is not free. It costs. The developers could not legally just use the data without a copyright infringement.

However like I said earlier, they have a European based Linux nav software that was just released. And it looks very nice.

That is my point, what is wrong with paying for it? I know I am willing to pay for the data. To use the application when written, all one would have to do is download the application, then purchase and use the commercial map database from a vendor.

Originally Posted by jasonsp6

That is my point, what is wrong with paying for it? I know I am willing to pay for the data. To use the application when written, all one would have to do is download the application, then purchase and use the commercial map database from a vendor.

Gotcha. I see your point. I don't know the first thing about programming routing algorithms but it sounds like an opportunity for someone to grab by the nuts and roll with. Like I said before, the lack of a GPS solution was the only reason I'm not going with Linux.

Originally Posted by unsavory

Gotcha. I see your point. I don't know the first thing about programming routing algorithms but it sounds like an opportunity for someone to grab by the nuts and roll with. Like I said before, the lack of a GPS solution was the only reason I'm not going with Linux.

Same here, I would love to speak to Nav-Tech (or one of the other map providers) and see if I could get a SDK from them to work on developing this, but unfortunatly I have no GUI programming application in Linux... and only VB in windows. However I to know to program command line programs in C++ (windows/linux).