Basic Mapping software with Long/Lat input

12Vsystems · 08-15-2005, 10:22 PM

After working with the destinator SDK for the last two months and getting no where because of their crappy dll and licenesing we are scratching our heads trying to work out how to provide maps/gps with our software.

My new idea is to use a control that allows us to read the NEMA strings comming from the gps, they can be sent to a website and then mapped on google maps. This would allow people to go to the website and view the cars position. It could be expanded to allow routing, tracking and POI.

That part seems easy enough

Now how can that info be displayed on the system in the car.

SMS messages on cell phones won't work
GPRS from T-Mobile is to slow
Verizons service is fast enough but it's $80 a month

If I could get the long/lat co-ordinate from the GPS and map them locally I would only need bandwidth to send gps co-ordinates and receive directions and routing information sent from google.

We used map-point a while back and I might take a look at the new version but I have a feeling it requires .NET and we use VB6.

Anyone know of a basic map program that will map basic long/lat co-ordinates?

fixinstuff · 08-20-2005, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Anyone know of a basic map program that will map basic long/lat co-ordinates?

Do a search on APRS or WinAPRS. This is software used by ham radio operators to show location of vehicle on mapping software. There are several ways to upload data but requires some experimenting. I have even seen it tied to cell phones where the data was sent automatically every 15min to a webserver.

It can also be done with an internet connection. If you use radios you need a license.

This software is often used for weather spotters to see how close they are to the storm and for races to see where runners or bikers are on a course.

12Vsystems · 08-20-2005, 10:43 PM

Thanks for the link. I have looked into APRS before, It's is a great service and it was really cheap to get a radio licenese but the Graphical GUI's I have seen don't looks as smooth as other mapping software I have used.

If anyone else is doing this look into google maps. They have just released an API and you can sign up for a developers key. Plotting long/lat and adding custom markerts is easy.

Alanh · 08-22-2005, 11:34 PM

There is an extra piece of software called OziAPRS that allows APRS to be used with OziExplorer. I use OziExplorer and have used the OziAPRS add-on as well. All you need is the maps.