A MapGPS test application reciving NMEA data

MapGPS

Decode & Analyse NMEA GPS Reciever Data

Overview

MapGPS DLL software component library contains functions that let developers create custom solutions which seamlessly integrate data from GPS receivers into applications. MapGPS.DLL is compatible with Windows NT/2000/XP environments. MapGPS.DLL has an Application Programming Interface (API) that is easy to use and lets developers read NMEA strings from GPS receivers via computer serial ports or from text files. MapGPS DLL is designed to cope with NMEA strings from multiple receivers - it uses a multi-threaded solution to give high-level of performance.

MapGPS.DLL contains functions for reading NMEA strings both from files and serial ports. Functions let developers monitor multiple files and serial ports concurrently, depending on a programmer's chosen configuration. A separate thread of execution monitors each source off GPS data. Threads may be started, destroyed, paused and resumed. Threads work completely independently of one another but may be referred to by their unique identification numbers. These numbers are returned to a user on initialisation. Programmers may also specify the required NMEA strings to decode when starting a thread. Single or multiple strings may be decoded.

Programmers sometimes wish to read GPS strings from a file rather than directly from a communications serial port. MapGPS includes functions for reading NMEA data from computer text files. These functions enable GPS data to be recorded and then played back as required. MapGPS also includes functions for specifying sampling rates of NMEA data. Of course, many applications read GPS strings of data from a serial port and process them immediately. Once a thread has started, several functions let programmers manage and monitor it. Once MapGPS has decoded strings of data, its stores the derived data in an area of memory that is unique to a particular thread. Old messages of the same type are overwritten, hence at any time, only the most recent decoded string is available for retrieval.

• Features
  • Initialise multiple serial ports for real-time input from a GPS receiver
  • Handle and manage the flow of GPS signals
  • Access data in component field of the NMEA GPS signal
  • Record data and play back whenever required
  • Specify the required NMEA strings to decode
  • Supports most major manufacturers of GPS receivers.
  • Can be linked to MapServer 5 Turbo toolkit to create custom solutions showing real-time moving vehicles on maps.
  • Includes Manuals, Tutorials, sample source code and sample GPS data to get developer's started quickly
  • Includes technical support by e-mail for 60 days included in the price
  • Includes a royalty-free run-time licence which allows developers to distribute their applications


• Applications Of MapGPS
  • MapGPS toolkit is aimed at developers who are building applications that require input of real-time location from GPS receivers. Our developers have used MapGPS to create custom solutions for management of fleets of freight vehicles. At a simple level, the location of a vehicle is monitored by automatic telecommunications, with the vehicle using GSM communications and interrogating a GPS receiver on the vehicle. The result is held in a log file and displayed by icons on a map in MapServer. At a more sophisticated level, a custom base station application runs on a computer with a modem and calls each vehicle in a fleet at regular intervals and interrogates multiple variables, including GPS receiver data, from a black box on the vehicle. The variables include vehicle identification, driver's name, length of time driving, engine parameters, security, etc. Our customers are using MapGPS DLL in diverse custom application including:
    • Precision farming, forestry and natural resource management
    • Vehicle fleet management and tracking - trucks, buses, trains, cars, ships, aircraft.
    • Management of emergency vehicles - fire, police, ambulances, etc.
    • Surveying, mapping and map revision
    • Location-based analysis of people, vehicles, assets and retail or service outlets
    • Leisure activities including rambling, climbing and cycling
    • Marine navigation, charting and journey logs
    • Asset security monitoring and compliance - valuable engineering plant, equipment, etc.


• Technical Information
  • MapGPS can be accessed from your preferred development environment/programming language such as C++, Delphi or Visual Basic.
  • 60 Days of free technical support.
  • Includes complete user manual, tutorials, sample source code
  • Please contact us for more information


• Pricing and Licencing
  • Licenced on an annual basis
  • 60 Days of free technical support
  • Please contact us for a Quote



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