crazyfish
05-05-2007, 12:44 PM
Last update April 5
Ok, gathering up everything I can find on GPS on a Mac. I'll keep updating this post as I get my thoughts and the official information put together. The premise is keeping it simple, using the least amount of different companies, and keeping costs and updates reasonable. I would like to find one company that does it all ( ah hem Garmin ) but that is certainly NOT the case.
It all started with the program below. I'm looking for two things. 1) Native Mac support and 2) Real Time tracking on a Mac laptop with a GPS plugged in. Other neat things as they come along...
I've been playing with Google Earth on my Mac and I have a Garmin 60Csx and I just found this program http://www.cluetrust.com/LoadMyTracks.html
Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/)
Now I can add my tracks to Google Earth and do the "fly over". Kinda neat. $20 annual fee to Google to add GPS - although I just paid and I'd try to drop the files in first because it doesn't import GPS from Mac's on it's own - the feature I thought I was purchasing.
Finally got the garmin 60csx to do live tracking with Google. In the GPS window, select protocol "Garmin PVT". On the GPS unit also select Garmin. The problem ( while sitting in my house ) is that the map continues to zoom in and out to a resolution that is just completly pixelated.
RouteBudd (http://www.routebuddy.com/index.html)y is a nice GPS and mapping program for Mac OS X. It looks really slick, with a nice interface. The main point I see here is live connection of your gps to your laptop.
The base application is $99 but it comes with no maps. North America is $70, US is $50. You can't upload their maps to your GPS.
Garmin (http://www8.garmin.com/macosx). After years of promising Mac support, they are almost here. City Navigator for Mac is almost out and Garmin has a multitude of programs. The base program is Bobcat, MapInstall is the map loading program, a POI loader, Training Center which is for their pretty neat line of sports type GPS, Communicator Plugin - "The Garmin Communicator Plugin lets you connect your Garmin GPS with your favorite website. Once the plugin is installed, just connect your Garmin GPS device to your computer, and you’re on your way. The Garmin Communicator can send and retrieve data from any supported website." I'm not sure what that is for.... and WebUpdater which will update your software automatically.
I don't think you can do real time tracking with Bobcat.
USGS Topo! (http://www.natgeomaps.com/)
From National Geographic .View any point on the topographic map in 3D or draw a route and see a 3D fly thru of your route. Tracking in real time is supported. $60 Back Roads Explorer (http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/247/1488/120.html)This software looks interesting but I think its a laptop only. 18 CD's for $50
GPSUtilit (http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Math-Scientific/GPSUtility.shtml)y
GPSUtility displays GPS data including speed, bearing, position and satellite information. More of a tech peak at GPS info than useful maping. Free
GPSy (http://www.gpsy.com/)
On of the original programs out there for Macs. Connects your Macintosh to a broad range of Global Positioning System (GPS) navigational units and has advanced mapping, logging, and data transfer features. Free demo download $50
RoadNav (http://roadnav.sourceforge.net/)
Roadnav is an open source street navigation solution capable of running on a variety of operating systems. It can obtain your position from a GPS unit, plot a map of your area, and provide directions to locations in the USA. It can also verbalize directions using Microsoft SAPI 5.1, Festival, flite, and OS X's built in text to speech engine.
Roadnav uses the free TIGER/Line (Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing) files from the US Census Bureau to build the maps, along with the GNIS state and topical gazetteer data from the USGS to identify locations. It has experimental support for scripting, LCDproc, importing OpenStreetMap data, and importing GPX waypoints and tracks. Free Intel Macs only
LoadMyTracks
(http://www.cluetrust.com/LoadMyTracks.html)LoadMyTracks downloads Tracks, Routes, and Waypoints from GPS receivers (including those from Garmin, Magellan, and Timex). From these, it can create GPX files (for use in software that understands GPS output) or KML files (for use with Google Earth and Google Maps).
TrueNav GPS and Go
Expand your digital hub by connecting global positioning system (GPS) devices. Experience the wealth of information that GPS devices are able to provide to your Macintosh. Include location information with your data. $50 Website missing now
MacEnc (http://www.gpsnavx.com/MacENC/) (by GPSNavX)
is the professional solution for the mariner that wants to take the Mac aboard for real-time display of position on the vector format S-57/S-63 ENCs (Electronic Navigational Charts) AND raster format BSB and Softcharts. Plug your GPS into your Mac and watch as your vessel moves along in real-time, plotting a track behind and logging a historic position on a seamless quilted digital chart.
MacENC™ is right at home for planning trips and charting new destinations. A GPS is not required to work with charts. Demo Version available. $99.95
GPSRouteX (http://www.grandhighwizard.net/gpsroutex.html)
GPSRouteX is designed to take full advantage of freely available data such as GPX files and Google Earth KML files. It is not moving-map GPS software, and it does not come with any data of its own. However, spend a while looking up freely available GPX data, and then pair it with Google Earth and gps2geX, and you'll have a full 3D "moving map" to complement the routing features of GPSRouteX (or use KisMAC to provide a more conventional 2D moving-map, and scan for wireless networks at the same time!). Turn-by-turn driving directions can be downloaded using Google Earth (save the directions as KML and import them into GPSRouteX)... or you can build your own custom routes quickly and easily (then export them to Google Earth so you can see your route on the "map").$29
GPSNavX
for the boater that wants to take the Macintosh aboard for real-time display of position on full color marine Softcharts and BSB raster charts.$60
Mac GPSPro
(http://www.macgpspro.com/html/newhtml/menu/macgpspro.html)transferring Waypoints, Routes, Tracklogs, and GPS satellite Almanacs. MacGPS Pro works with almost all brands of GPS receivers for a real-time display of GPS information on a moving map on the Macintosh screen. It allows import of maps from a wide variety of sources. These maps can be viewed with no GPS receiver connected, or used in real-time as a moving-map display of your current position and velocity. $50
TopoDraw (http://www.hiketech.com/index.php?content=products)
Allows you to draw new waypoints and tracks directly onto a 2D map simply by pointing and clicking. You can also use TopoDraw to present navigation data gathered with your Garmin GPS unit on a 2D map.$12.95
Route66 (http://www.66.com/route66/homepage.php?cid=US)
Contains more than 6,500,000 streets in the US & Canada, ROUTE 66 Route USA 2004 contains no less than 4,000,000 Points of Interest in over 60 categories like hotels, restaurants and petrol stations, most of which together with their addresses and telephone numbers. What is more, ROUTE 66 Route USA 2004 also provides support for GPS, enabling you to establish your exact location using satellite navigation and ensuring that you will never lose your way again.$40
2004 seems to be the latest update, although they have lots of phone apps.
TerraBrowser (http://www.chimoosoft.com/products/terrabrowser/)
Terrabrowser is an internet browser for satellite photos and topographical maps which are obtained from the Microsoft Terra Server web site. The map data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and therefore only covers the United States at this time (although expansion to other map servers may occur in the future). Although a GPS receiver is not required to enjoy Terrabrowser, using one opens up more extensive features such as bookmark transfer, tracklog and route display, and live tracking*. $15
Trail Runner X (http://www.trailrunnerx.com/)
TrailRunner is a route planning software for all kinds of long distance sports like running, biking, hiking, inline-skating, skiing and more, with geographic display of your workout area. Exports to cellphone or iPod Nano. Free
There are also some nice frameworks and utilities for working with GPS:
MacGPSBabel
utility for converting between GPS formats
FourCoordinates
Cocoa Framework for interfacing with GPS devices
GPSd
daemon that allows multiple connections to a GPS unit, GPSdX is a Mac-specific version
NoSweat
interface to the Garmin Forerunner
gps2gpe
GPS to GoogleEarth converter
Custom Map Sets for Garmin (http://www.miscjunk.org/mj/mp_main.html)
The following projects involve creating custom mapsets for Garmin GPS mapping units. These mapsets can be uploaded directly into the GPS units or integrated into Garmin's MapSource (on PCs) and Garmin's Bobcat/MapInstall (on Macs). Please note that the use of custom mapsets is not supported by Garmin. I downloaded the Wyoming map and used the Garmin software to upload the map. It erased City Navigator and Topo.
Ok, gathering up everything I can find on GPS on a Mac. I'll keep updating this post as I get my thoughts and the official information put together. The premise is keeping it simple, using the least amount of different companies, and keeping costs and updates reasonable. I would like to find one company that does it all ( ah hem Garmin ) but that is certainly NOT the case.
It all started with the program below. I'm looking for two things. 1) Native Mac support and 2) Real Time tracking on a Mac laptop with a GPS plugged in. Other neat things as they come along...
I've been playing with Google Earth on my Mac and I have a Garmin 60Csx and I just found this program http://www.cluetrust.com/LoadMyTracks.html
Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/)
Now I can add my tracks to Google Earth and do the "fly over". Kinda neat. $20 annual fee to Google to add GPS - although I just paid and I'd try to drop the files in first because it doesn't import GPS from Mac's on it's own - the feature I thought I was purchasing.
Finally got the garmin 60csx to do live tracking with Google. In the GPS window, select protocol "Garmin PVT". On the GPS unit also select Garmin. The problem ( while sitting in my house ) is that the map continues to zoom in and out to a resolution that is just completly pixelated.
RouteBudd (http://www.routebuddy.com/index.html)y is a nice GPS and mapping program for Mac OS X. It looks really slick, with a nice interface. The main point I see here is live connection of your gps to your laptop.
The base application is $99 but it comes with no maps. North America is $70, US is $50. You can't upload their maps to your GPS.
Garmin (http://www8.garmin.com/macosx). After years of promising Mac support, they are almost here. City Navigator for Mac is almost out and Garmin has a multitude of programs. The base program is Bobcat, MapInstall is the map loading program, a POI loader, Training Center which is for their pretty neat line of sports type GPS, Communicator Plugin - "The Garmin Communicator Plugin lets you connect your Garmin GPS with your favorite website. Once the plugin is installed, just connect your Garmin GPS device to your computer, and you’re on your way. The Garmin Communicator can send and retrieve data from any supported website." I'm not sure what that is for.... and WebUpdater which will update your software automatically.
I don't think you can do real time tracking with Bobcat.
USGS Topo! (http://www.natgeomaps.com/)
From National Geographic .View any point on the topographic map in 3D or draw a route and see a 3D fly thru of your route. Tracking in real time is supported. $60 Back Roads Explorer (http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/247/1488/120.html)This software looks interesting but I think its a laptop only. 18 CD's for $50
GPSUtilit (http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Math-Scientific/GPSUtility.shtml)y
GPSUtility displays GPS data including speed, bearing, position and satellite information. More of a tech peak at GPS info than useful maping. Free
GPSy (http://www.gpsy.com/)
On of the original programs out there for Macs. Connects your Macintosh to a broad range of Global Positioning System (GPS) navigational units and has advanced mapping, logging, and data transfer features. Free demo download $50
RoadNav (http://roadnav.sourceforge.net/)
Roadnav is an open source street navigation solution capable of running on a variety of operating systems. It can obtain your position from a GPS unit, plot a map of your area, and provide directions to locations in the USA. It can also verbalize directions using Microsoft SAPI 5.1, Festival, flite, and OS X's built in text to speech engine.
Roadnav uses the free TIGER/Line (Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing) files from the US Census Bureau to build the maps, along with the GNIS state and topical gazetteer data from the USGS to identify locations. It has experimental support for scripting, LCDproc, importing OpenStreetMap data, and importing GPX waypoints and tracks. Free Intel Macs only
LoadMyTracks
(http://www.cluetrust.com/LoadMyTracks.html)LoadMyTracks downloads Tracks, Routes, and Waypoints from GPS receivers (including those from Garmin, Magellan, and Timex). From these, it can create GPX files (for use in software that understands GPS output) or KML files (for use with Google Earth and Google Maps).
TrueNav GPS and Go
Expand your digital hub by connecting global positioning system (GPS) devices. Experience the wealth of information that GPS devices are able to provide to your Macintosh. Include location information with your data. $50 Website missing now
MacEnc (http://www.gpsnavx.com/MacENC/) (by GPSNavX)
is the professional solution for the mariner that wants to take the Mac aboard for real-time display of position on the vector format S-57/S-63 ENCs (Electronic Navigational Charts) AND raster format BSB and Softcharts. Plug your GPS into your Mac and watch as your vessel moves along in real-time, plotting a track behind and logging a historic position on a seamless quilted digital chart.
MacENC™ is right at home for planning trips and charting new destinations. A GPS is not required to work with charts. Demo Version available. $99.95
GPSRouteX (http://www.grandhighwizard.net/gpsroutex.html)
GPSRouteX is designed to take full advantage of freely available data such as GPX files and Google Earth KML files. It is not moving-map GPS software, and it does not come with any data of its own. However, spend a while looking up freely available GPX data, and then pair it with Google Earth and gps2geX, and you'll have a full 3D "moving map" to complement the routing features of GPSRouteX (or use KisMAC to provide a more conventional 2D moving-map, and scan for wireless networks at the same time!). Turn-by-turn driving directions can be downloaded using Google Earth (save the directions as KML and import them into GPSRouteX)... or you can build your own custom routes quickly and easily (then export them to Google Earth so you can see your route on the "map").$29
GPSNavX
for the boater that wants to take the Macintosh aboard for real-time display of position on full color marine Softcharts and BSB raster charts.$60
Mac GPSPro
(http://www.macgpspro.com/html/newhtml/menu/macgpspro.html)transferring Waypoints, Routes, Tracklogs, and GPS satellite Almanacs. MacGPS Pro works with almost all brands of GPS receivers for a real-time display of GPS information on a moving map on the Macintosh screen. It allows import of maps from a wide variety of sources. These maps can be viewed with no GPS receiver connected, or used in real-time as a moving-map display of your current position and velocity. $50
TopoDraw (http://www.hiketech.com/index.php?content=products)
Allows you to draw new waypoints and tracks directly onto a 2D map simply by pointing and clicking. You can also use TopoDraw to present navigation data gathered with your Garmin GPS unit on a 2D map.$12.95
Route66 (http://www.66.com/route66/homepage.php?cid=US)
Contains more than 6,500,000 streets in the US & Canada, ROUTE 66 Route USA 2004 contains no less than 4,000,000 Points of Interest in over 60 categories like hotels, restaurants and petrol stations, most of which together with their addresses and telephone numbers. What is more, ROUTE 66 Route USA 2004 also provides support for GPS, enabling you to establish your exact location using satellite navigation and ensuring that you will never lose your way again.$40
2004 seems to be the latest update, although they have lots of phone apps.
TerraBrowser (http://www.chimoosoft.com/products/terrabrowser/)
Terrabrowser is an internet browser for satellite photos and topographical maps which are obtained from the Microsoft Terra Server web site. The map data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and therefore only covers the United States at this time (although expansion to other map servers may occur in the future). Although a GPS receiver is not required to enjoy Terrabrowser, using one opens up more extensive features such as bookmark transfer, tracklog and route display, and live tracking*. $15
Trail Runner X (http://www.trailrunnerx.com/)
TrailRunner is a route planning software for all kinds of long distance sports like running, biking, hiking, inline-skating, skiing and more, with geographic display of your workout area. Exports to cellphone or iPod Nano. Free
There are also some nice frameworks and utilities for working with GPS:
MacGPSBabel
utility for converting between GPS formats
FourCoordinates
Cocoa Framework for interfacing with GPS devices
GPSd
daemon that allows multiple connections to a GPS unit, GPSdX is a Mac-specific version
NoSweat
interface to the Garmin Forerunner
gps2gpe
GPS to GoogleEarth converter
Custom Map Sets for Garmin (http://www.miscjunk.org/mj/mp_main.html)
The following projects involve creating custom mapsets for Garmin GPS mapping units. These mapsets can be uploaded directly into the GPS units or integrated into Garmin's MapSource (on PCs) and Garmin's Bobcat/MapInstall (on Macs). Please note that the use of custom mapsets is not supported by Garmin. I downloaded the Wyoming map and used the Garmin software to upload the map. It erased City Navigator and Topo.