GPS software

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Indian device design house iWave Systems has unveiled a "military grade" PDA that supports SDIO WiFi and GPS receiver modules. The "iW-Rugged-PDA" is based on a Marvell PXA270 processor, and can run Linux or Windows CE, the company said.

Bangalore, India based iWave specializes in hardware/software reference designs for mobile devices. It previously shipped a generic PXA270 reference platform, as well as a video-centric handheld design based on TI's i.MX27 processor.

iWave called its iW-Rugged-PDA "the first rugged PDA that comes with SDIO WLAN and GPS." Originally created for an unspecified defense agency, the device is intended for use tracking users via GPS and WiFi. It can operate in "extreme outdoor and industrial environments," and was designed to meet MIL-STD-810F and 461E (461 EMI, EMC) specifications for resistance to drops, vibration, temperature extremes, and water and dust infiltration.

The iW-Rugged-PDA is based on a Marvel PXA270 processor clocked at 520MHz. It has 128MB of SDRAM. Storage is divided between 32MB or 64MB of NOR flash for the OS and applications, and 1GB of NAND flash for storage. The display is a 3.5-inch QVGA (240x320) color touchscreen.

I/O includes:
• 2 x RS-232 ports
• 1 x USB
• 8-key keyboard
• Audio I/O
• SDIO supporting GPS and 802.11b WiFi
The Windows CE version appears to include viewers for PDF, PowerPoint, and Word files; a media player; navigation software; clock; browser; and email client. Specifics regarding the application stack for the Linux version of the device were not provided.

Abdullah Khan, director of engineering, stated, "iW-Rugged-PDA [is] resistant to rain, shock, humidity, vibration, salt fog, altitude, and extreme temperatures."

Availability

The iW-Rugged-PDA appears to be a finished design available now for manufacturing. Pricing was not disclosed.

There are many GPS free software you can use with your GPS unit. Most of the software you can download from internet and use it right way. Here is a list of free software:

1. amAze :
Web Address: http://www.amazegps.com/welcome.php
Description: This is GPS navigation for your mobile phone. It covers the US and 15 European countries. This is a java based software which enable you to Search and navigate to businesses listed in yellow pages directories.

2. Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS)
Web Address: http://www.winaprs.org/
Description: APRS™ is a multifaceted system for use with packet radio by Hams, it allows the monitoring of real time geographical information such as the position of vehicles, the status of weather, radio direction finding and much much more. It envolves mapping, GPS tracking, packet radio, etc. It is a VERY interesting facet of packet radio and has much to offer most everyone including non-hams that just want to watch over the internet.

3. Async & RINEX :
Web Download Address: http://artico.lma.fi.upm.es/numerico/miembros/antonio/async/
Description: Helps Obtaining raw data from some Garmin units.

4. Cetus GPS:
Web Address: http://www.cetusgps.dk/
Description: Cetus GPS is the Swiss Army Knife of GPS tracking and field data collection. It is intended for use by GIS surveyors, scientists, explorers and GPS enthusiasts who need to extend the features of their standard GPS equipment.

5. Cotogps :
Web Address: http://core.de/~coto/projects/cotogps/
Description: GPS program for Palm Powered Devices. It shows all important information and serves well on my Geocaching tours.