GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

Chapter 9Interfacing a GPS Receiverto a ComputerIn This Chapter Transferring data between GPS receivers and computers Dealing with cables Understanding communications settings and protocols Using GPS receiver utility programs Upgrading GPS receiver firmwareAdmittedly, your GPS receiver is pretty darned useful even if you can’tconnect it to your computer. With your receiver, you can find your wayaround as well as your way back, even if you don’t know what a computer is.The ability to connect your GPS receiver to your computer, however, can makeyour GPS receiver even more useful . . . heck, a lot more useful. Essentially, aconnection between your GPS receiver and your computer allows them to talkand share information, such as uploaded maps and waypoints to your receiveras well as downloaded receiver information that you store while on youradventures.In this chapter, I show you why this interconnectivity is a fantastic addition toyour receiver. You’ll discover the ins and outs of the physical connections, howto get your computer and receiver to speak the same language, the lowdownon great receiver utility programs, and how to upgrade your receiver firmware.About (Inter)Face: Connectivity RulesIf you choose to use a mapping GPS receiver (one that you can upload mapsto from a PC), you’re in the right chapter. And kudos to you to getting amodel that really lets you maximize using your GPS receiver. You’ll be outdoornavigating and geocaching (check out Chapter 7) in no time. Here arethe very cool things you can do with a PC-compatible receiver: