I took a look at some of the online offers for free GPS software and discovered that, like many “free” offers, there were often limits and conditions involved. Free software is often a cut-down version of products that can be purchased. Sometimes the free product has restricted functionality with features disabled, other products are trial and disabled after a certain time (hours, days or usage).
An example of limited free GPS software can be found at GPS Utility. The free downloadable software is limited to 100 waypoints and 500 trackpoints. (There are 65,000 of each in the registered version of your program.) Freeware gives you a good opportunity to try before you buy, and this is the benefit of most freeware.
There are sites online that list various free GPS software and describe how to use the programs after you download them. Sites are often developed by people who have used the programs themselves. These are great because they give you an unbiased interpretation of the benefits and drawbacks of the programs before you use them.
With free GPS software, you can download programs that allow you to retrieve and display aerial photos, topographic maps, USGS landmarks. There are programs available that allow you to import scanned images and add latitude and longitude points and other data.
Free GPS software downloads are available for PDA units that can communicate with GPS receivers. With these downloads, you can have a useful navigation assistant, location database manager and GPS data converter.
Programs for managing GPS route and waypoint files are available for both PC and Mac users. Waypoint and route files can be saved or converted to various formats used by other mapping programs.
If you need to transfer information to and from your GPS receiver and your personal or laptop computer, there are several free programs that allow you to do so. There are also programs that allow Garmin GPS receivers to “talk” to each other.
Many of the programs listed here are aimed at the hiking/hiking community, but there are also free programs available for automatic GPS systems and marine navigation systems. I found a couple of marine navigation programs that allow you to download nautical charts and plotters.
There are free GPS software programs that allow you to download street maps that may not be included with your auto-navigation system. If you intend to download software into the vehicle, make sure it has audio capability, an essential safety factor for motorists. One of these programs offers data for several countries with voice guidance in twelve languages.
Free GPS software is also available for download to your cell phone. This is primarily tracking software and may be phone specific. You may want to check with your carrier before downloading anything to your cell phone to make sure you don’t incur any additional charges.
Since satellites are constantly moving, it is helpful to know the optimal time for data collection in your area. There is free GPS software that includes an almanac to let you know the availability of satellites at any given time.
Some free GPS software is brand specific. Programs designed for a Garmin receiver may not work for a Magellan, so check the specifications carefully, especially if you intend to purchase a registered version after your trial period. Other software works with most brands.
