GPS API tool set

[Torre Quinn]

I am not even sure what group to ask this question so forgive me if this is
not the correct forum. I am really just starting my research on this subject
so pardon me if they are "green".

I am trying to find out more about how to use the Magellan 315 GPS unit I
have in an application I am about to start working on. The application is
more of a hobby than a paid gig. I will be trying to create a set of beacons
for determining a radio signals origin by triangulation. The rub is that the
beacons will not be fixed as the signal will be coming from a small
submersible ROV. (GEEKS RULE!)

I would think that the various GPS manufacturers would have to supply their
own proprietary device drivers and/or toolsets for applications like
MSMapPoint to be able to use them.

Does anyone know of an API toolset for this particular device. (I am also
trying Magellan, but they are yet to respond)?

Seeing as how there are so many GPS units and so many "mapping" software
companies, is there some standard in GPS data reporting that I am maybe
unaware of?

I have downloaded the firmware update for the GPS unit and it installed
fine, So I know that there is viable communication from the laptop to the
GPS unit through the data-cable over the RS232 port.

Any thoughts from anyone, suggestions who I might talk to?

Thanks in advance for the kind support.

 

[Steve Waggoner]

Seeing as how there are so many GPS units and so many "mapping" software
companies, is there some standard in GPS data reporting that I am maybe
unaware of?

I don't know of a API, but I believe there is a standard for the GPS serial
port
data. Search for "standard NMEA0183 protocol".

Here's an example accessing the GPS (fortunately written in VB):

http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/01/01/GPS/default.aspx

 

[Torre Quinn]

Thanks you so much, this was just the direction I needed. I really
appreciate it