This is the GpsDrive FAQ.
This file is maintained by Sven Fichtner.

Q: Why is this file so short?
A: I'm still working on it.

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 -serial /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.


