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