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This is the GpsDrive FAQ.
This file is maintained by Fritz Ganter.
Q: Why is this file so short?
A: I'm still working on it.
Q: GpsDrive 2.x: After compiling Gpsdrive from source, I have the
problem that GpsDrive will not display the map when it's running.
All of the graphics in the map area are blank.
A: Compile with gcc 3.x, this bug is know at least with debian and
slackware.
Q: GpsDrive shows "Not enough satellites in view" in the statusbar and don't
display my position.
A: You need at least 3 satellites in view to get a valid position. It may also
take some minutes to get a valid position. You have to be outside,
GPS doesn't work inside the house. Trees, houses or other barriers
can prevent your GPS receiver getting a valid position.
Some GPS receivers have a "Simulation mode" which sends position
signals, but with a "invalid position" flag. GpsDrive won't display
a position if this "invalid position" flag is set. To override this
(do it only for testing!!!) you can call GpsDrive with the
"-F" command line parameter.
Q: I have a USB GPS receiver, it works fine with GpsDrive but if I
leave the program, Linux crashes.
A: This is a bug of the "Prolific PL2303 USB to serial adaptor driver"
which is used. The crash happens if the serial device is
closed. This bug is kernel >=2.4.19
As workaround start gpsd by hand with the -K option i.e.:
gpsd -K -p /dev/ttyUSB0
Make sure that you DON'T use "direct serial connection", you can
this switch of with the command line option "-n" or in the settings
menu.
Another, and better, solution is to use a kernel 2.6.x where this
bug is fixed, or 2.4.18 where it doesn't appear.
Q: Why is there no street navigation which gives turn by turn
directions?
A: Turn by turn directions are not possible with GpsDrive at the present
because no opensource data is available which represents the street
coordinates in a form usable for that purpose. GpsDrive currently
works with bitmap images rather than vector data.
Anyone interested in turn by turn directions should research free
vector data which is published in an open format. The data must
include street name, city name and latitude/longitude coordinates
of the street lines.
(provided by Darrick Hartman)
Q: What is GpsDrive?
A: GpsDrive is an open source navigation system. It displays your current
position provided by an NMEA capable GPS receiver on a zoomable map.
Q: How do I install GpsDrive on a Linux box?
A: I recommend to use the source tarball. Download it from any of the mirrors
(http://gpsdrive.spoiledmeat.net/ is the fastest one in Europe). Unpack
the tarball with `tar xvzf gpsdrive-X.XX.tar.gz` where X.XX is the version
number. Now change into the directory gpsdrive-X.XX and run `./configure`.
Some people (including me, Sven) don't like the Garmin protocol. It can
be easily disabled with the option `--disable-garmin`. Now run `make`.
Depending on your CPU power this will take something between 4 seconds and
3 minutes. An Intel Celeron 1000 takes approximately 50 seconds to have
the version 1.28pre1 compiled. Now do a `su`, enter your root password and
continue with a final `make install`.
Q: I am running FreeBSD. Can I use GpsDrive too?
A: Yes. See the file README.FreeBSD for further information.
Q: I'm trying to run GpsDrive on iPAQ, but I don't have /dev/ttyS0.
A: You may want to use /dev/tts/0. When using gpsd, you will have to change
some parameters in /etc/gpsd.conf. Use -p /dev/tts/0 and -s4800.
Q: I'm too lazy to get out of my bed, how can I test with my GARMIN GPS III?
A: Your GARMIN has a built in simulator. Start it on the "satellite screen",
then go to setup and enter a speed in the simulator menu. Then
"goto" a stored waypoint and look how fine GpsDrive works. Don't forget
to download your maps first.
Q: How can I download maps?
A: There's a "Download map" button. After pressing it, a new window will
appear.
Q: Can I download multiple maps covering a larger area?
A: There is a script called "gpsfetchmap.pl" provided. Use the "-h" option
to get a help screen.
Q: Can I use own maps?
A: Yes. Of course you can use your own (self drawn, scanned...) maps. The
maps must be gif, jpeg, png or other common file formats (the format
must be recognized by the gdk-pixbuf library). The lat/long coordinates
you write into the "map_koord.txt" file must be the center of the map.
The map must have a size of 1280x1024 pixels! Important! The maps must be
named map_* for streetmaps and top_* for topographical maps. If not,
GpsDrive won't display the maps. GpsDrive comes with an import assistant.
Simply press the `import` button and follow the instructions.
Q: Which GPS receivers work with GpsDrive?
A: Any receiver that can pump out NMEA data on a serial port or
USB should work. Verified receivers are listed in the file
GPS-receivers.
Q: Which receiver is the best one?
A: This is a religious question, just like the one for the best editor or mail
client (which is vi and mutt).
Fritz: No, off course its emacs and evolution.
Q: How can I use the Holux GM-200 USB with GpsDrive?
A: This device has the Prolific PL-2303 chip in it for the USB => Serial
conversion. The USB => Serial "pl2303.c" driver seems to work pretty
well!
Quick Start:
Build GPSDrive (Requires GTK 2)
Build new kernel (or module) using "USB Prolific 2303 Single Port Serial
Driver (EXPERIMENTAL)" Load the new kernel || module
Do: `mknod /dev/ttyUSB0 c 180 0` (If it doesn't already exist)
Do: `chmod 666 /dev/ttyUSB0`
Do: `gpsd -p /dev/ttyUSB0`
Do: `gpsdrive`
(provided by Todd E. Johnson)
Hint: You want to use a kernel >= 2.4.18. ;)
Q: Why is such funny english used in gpsdrive?
A: Fritz is from Austria and speaks the same kind of "english" as Arnold
Schwarzenegger.
Q: Can I use GpsDrive without a GPS receiver?
A: Yes. You might want to do this when you have a fast internet connection
for downloading maps etc. Also, you can use it to review stored journey
tracks (see below).
Q: Does GpsDrive handle 'tracks' saved in my GPS receiver?
A: Yes. You should save the tracks in the .gpsdrive directory (using
something like 'garble' or 'gpspoint') - then you can load them into
GpsDrive from the GUI.
Q: I know that we aren't supposed to use GpsDrive 'for navigaton purposes' -
but is it any use to (student) aviators?
A: Certainly - pack your GPS unit in your flight bag (turned on of course!),
then download the tracks into GpsDrive when you get home. It's a great way
to see exactly how good your navigational skills are - or maybe where you
busted airspace! Flying schools could use this to analyse students' solo
navigational trips.
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