| I took a look at some of the online offers for | | | | converted to various formats used by other |
| free GPS software and found, like many "free" | | | | mapping programs. |
| offers there were often limits and provisos | | | | If you need to transfer information to and from |
| involved. Often the freeware is a scaled--down | | | | your GPS receiver and your home computer or |
| version of purchasable products. Sometimes the | | | | laptop there are several free programs that allow |
| free product has restricted functionality with | | | | you to do so. There are also programs that allow |
| features disabled, other products are trial--based | | | | Garmin GPS receivers to "talk" to one another. |
| and are disabled after a certain time (hours or | | | | Many of the programs listed here are directed at |
| days or use). | | | | the hiking/trekker community, but there are also |
| An example of limited free GPS software can be | | | | free programs available for auto GPS systems |
| found at GPS Utility. The downloadable freeware | | | | and marine navigational systems. I found a couple |
| is limited 100 waypoints and 500 track points. | | | | of marine navigation programs that allow you to |
| (There are 65,000 of each in the registered | | | | download nautical charts and plotters. |
| version of their program.) The free program | | | | There are free GPS software programs that |
| gives you a good opportunity to try before you | | | | allow you to download street maps that might |
| buy, and this is the benefit of most free | | | | not be included in your auto--navigation system. If |
| programs. | | | | you intend downloading in--vehicle software, make |
| There are online sites that list various free GPS | | | | sure that it has audio capacity, an essential safety |
| software and describe how to use the programs | | | | factor for motorists. One such program offers |
| after you download them. Often individuals who | | | | data for several countries with voice guidance in |
| have used the programs themselves develop the | | | | twelve languages. |
| sites. These are great because they give you an | | | | Free GPS software is also available for |
| unbiased interpretation of the benefits and | | | | downloading to your cell phone. This is mostly |
| disadvantages of the programs before you use | | | | tracking software and can be phone specific. You |
| them. | | | | might want to check with your carrier before |
| Using free GPS software you can download | | | | downloading anything to your cell phone to make |
| programs that allow you to retrieve and display | | | | sure that it does not incur extra charges. |
| aerial photos, topographical maps, USGS | | | | As satellites are constantly moving, it is helpful to |
| landmarks. There are programs available that | | | | know the optimal time for data collection in your |
| allow you import scanned images and add latitude | | | | area. There is free GPS software that includes an |
| and longitude points and other data. | | | | almanac to let you know the availability of |
| Free GPS software downloads are available for | | | | satellites at any given time. |
| PDA units that are capable of communication with | | | | Some of the free GPS software is brand specific. |
| GPS receivers. With these downloads you can | | | | Programs designed for a Garmin receiver may |
| have a useful navigation assistant, location | | | | not work for a Magellan, so check out the |
| database manager, and GPS data converter. | | | | specifications carefully, especially if you intend |
| Programs to manage GPS waypoint and route | | | | purchasing a registered version after your trial |
| files are available for both PC and Mac users. The | | | | period. Other software works with most brands. |
| waypoints and route files can be saved or | | | | |