Laptop Map Software With Gps

Laptop map software with gps for windows

(Redirected from Comparison of free off-line GPS software)

This article contains a list with gratis (but not necessarily open source) satellite navigation (or 'GPS') software[1][2] for a range of devices (PC, laptop, tablet PC, mobile phone, handheld PC (Pocket PC, Palm)). Some of the free software mentioned here does not have detailed maps (or maps at all) or the ability to follow streets or type in street names (no geocoding). However, in many cases, it is also that which makes the program free (and sometimes open source[3]), avoid the need of an Internet connection,[4][5][6] and make it very lightweight (allowing use on small portable devices, including smartphones). Very basic programs like this may not be suitable for road navigation in cars, but serve their purpose for navigation while walking or trekking, and for use at sea. To determine the GPS coordinates of a destination, one can use sites such as GPScoordinates.eu and GPS visualizer.

Some software presented here is free, but maps may need to be paid for. In this instance, and in the instance that some maps (of specific countries) are not standardly available, Mobile Atlas Creator (MOBAC) can be used (e.g. on OruxMaps, Maverick, Sports Tracker, Maplorer).

Some of the software mentioned can also be run on different devices than what they are intended for. A particular case-in-point is the Android software which can often be run on laptops or PCs (running Linux, Windows or Mac OS X) as well. This can be done using emulators.

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 - review at Laptop GPS World. Microsoft MapPoint - There are two separate versions: one contains map of North America (same coverage as Streets & Trips), and the other is for Europe. Microsoft MapPoint 2013 - review at Laptop GPS World Microsoft MapPoint 2011 Microsoft MapPoint 2010 - review at Laptop GPS. While all of our phones contain GPS antenna that syncs us up to global maps, some industry laptops do not. If you need more advanced and detailed GPS software then you will want a powerful antenna to hook up to your computer. Download GPS freeware for windows garmin magellan lowrance gps. EasyGPS is designed for and supported on laptops, tablets, and desktop computers running Windows 10.

Some of the software mentioned here may run only on devices that are no longer commercially sold (such as the PalmPilot and PocketPC devices). However, these devices are often still obtainable via second-hand websites.

  • 1Navigation software

Navigation software[edit]

Free maps[edit]

Free gps programs for laptops

Navigation software with free maps often uses maps from the OpenStreetMap project.

NameCompanyType of device[7]Operating system3rd-party GPS-able?[8]Software with maps? Follows streets?Open-source?Remarks
Aqua Map[9]GECsmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?Yes, yesNo
Google MapsGooglesmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?Yes, yesNoMaps can be downloaded, but they expire after 30 days,[10][11] ads
Here WeGo[12]HERE Global B.V., Netherlandstablet, smartphone, Laptop (online), PC (online),iOS, Android?yes (color maps), ?Nointended for marine navigation
Magic EarthGeneral Magic B.V.Smartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yesNoFree OSM maps intended for car navigation, hiking and biking
MapFactor[13]MapFactor, s.r.o., Czech RepublicTablet PC, smartphone, car navigation, PC, etc.Android, Windows, Windows Mobile, iOS, WinCE?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yesNoFree OSM maps, optional non-free TomTom maps, ads
MAPS.ME[14]MapsWithMe GmbHsmartphoneAndroid, iOS, BlackBerry?Yes (OpenStreetMap data),[15] yes[16]Yes (Apache License 2.0)[15]?
Navmii (formerly NavFree)[17][18]NavmiiTablet PCAndroid?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yes??
NaviComputer[19]?Windows PhoneWindows Mobile?yes (?), no?For hiking and biking
Navit[20][21]noneLaptop, PC, tablet PC, smartphoneWindows for PC, Linux, Android, OpenMoko?Yes (OpenStreetMap and others), yesYes (GPL 2)Intended for road navigation
OpenCPN[22]?Laptop, PCWindows XP SP3, Vista, 7, 8, IntelMac, Linux (Fedora, Ubuntu, CentOS)?yes (various charts and OpenStreetMap data), N/A?Intended for maritime navigation
OsmAnd[23]OsmAND bvTablet PC, smartphoneAndroid, iOS?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yesYes (GPLv3+)Limited to 7 maps for the free Google Play version,[24] unlimited on F-Droid
Maps can be added manually via PC in program order on smartphone

Non-free maps[edit]

NameCompanyType of device[7]Operating system3rd-party GPS-able?[8]Software with maps? Follows streets?Open-source?Remarks
Aqua Map[25]GECSmartphone, TabletAndroid, iOS?Yes, yesNo
i-Boating[26]i-BoatingTablet, PC, SmartphoneiOS, Android, Windows & BlackBerryYesYesNoMarine Navigation Software, free program, but maps need to be paid for
HandMap[27][28]?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (color maps, basic), ??May be a free program, but maps need to be paid for (hence called 'shareware' at Tucows) ?
Navionics Boating App[29]Navionicssmartphone, tabletiOS, Android?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ??Intended for marine navigation, free program, but maps need to be paid for
SailPalm[30]?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (black and white maps), ??Free program, but maps need to be paid for (hence called 'shareware' at Tucows), intended for marine navigation (sailing)
Skobbler GPS Navigation 2[31][32]?Tablet PCiOS, Android?paipayes (OpenStreetMap data), ?NoProgram is free and can be used without limitations online, offline maps need to be paid for after the first free one

Other satellite navigation software[edit]

NameCompanyType of device[7]Operating system3rd-party GPS-able?[8]Software with maps? Follows streets?Open-source?Remarks
FieldNote[33]Mobile Computinghandheld PC (pocket PC)Windows CE?no, ??mainly intended to mark specific points without a map, not intended for actual navigation
GPSLogger[34]Open Project

Basic Air Data

Tablet, PC, Smartphone

and any android enabled device

AndroidYes, no specific hardwareNoYes[35]Free and no ads. Exports in common formats and via email[36]
osmdroid[37]osmdroid.orgTablet, PC, Smartphone

and any android enabled device

AndroidYes, no specific hardwareyes (?), noYes (Apache)[38]may not allow actual navigation from point-to-point, only showing the current position on a map

Miscellaneous / unsorted software[edit]

Street Map Software

NameCompanyType of device[7]Operating system3rd-party GPS-able?[8]Software with maps? Follows streets?Open-source?Remarks
Maverick[39][40]?Tablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?No?
gvSIG Mini[41][42]ProdevelopTablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?Yes (GNU/GPL)?
OpenSatNav[43]Kieran Fleming et al.Tablet PCAndroid, OpenMoko?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
Minimap[44]?Tablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
MapDroyd[45]CloudMade Deutschland GmbHTablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
OruxMaps[46]?Tablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?No?
AlpineQuest GPS Hiking (Lite)[47]?Tablet PC,Android?yes (?), ???
AndNav 2[48]?Tablet PC,Android?yes (?), ???
Big Planet Tracks[49]?Tablet PC,Android?yes (?), ???
Sports Tracker[50]Sports Tracking TechnologiesTablet PCAndroid,?yes (?), noNoDoes not allow navigation to specific points, only tracking
RMaps[51][52]?tablet PCAndroid,?yes (?), ??may not provide actual navigation, only marking of GPS points, and the current position
AFTrack[53]?Tablet PC, handheld PC (Symbian)Android, Symbian OS series 60?yes (?), ???
CacheBox[54]?Tablet PC, PC, handheld PC (pocket PC)Android, Windows Mobile, Windows for PC?yes (?), ??initially intended for geocaching
Mapopolis[55]?Handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (black and white maps), ??only has maps for USA
Magellan Nav Companion[56]?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
TZGPS[57]?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
Trax[58][59]Luke Klein-Berndthandheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?? (?), ???
SoaringPilot[60]?handheld PC (Palm, some PocketPC/WinCE devices)Palm OS?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ??Originally intended for use in sailplanes
CotoGPS[61]?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?? (?), ??Originally intended for geocaching
GpsPilot[62]?handheld PC (Symbian One)Symbian?no (?), ???
Maplorer[63]?handheld PC (pocket PC)Windows CE, Mobile?yes (?), ???
OSMtracker[64]?handheld PC (pocket PC), smartphoneAndroid, Windows Mobile?yes (?), ?Yes (GPLv3)?
gpsVP[65]?handheld PC, certain smartphonesWindows Mobile 5,6, 2003?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
CacheWolf[66]?Laptop, PCWindows, Mac OS X, Linux?yes (?), ???
Glopus[67]?Laptop, PC, handheld PC (Pocket PC)Windows, ??yes (?), ???
TrekBuddy[68][69]?PC, laptop, handheld PC (Palm, Symbian, BlackBerry), Windows PhoneWindows XP, Vista, Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Symbian?yes (?), ??Runs on Java, hence cross-platform
gvSIG 2.0[70]?PC, laptop,Windows XP, Vista, Linux, OS X?yes (?), ??cross-platform; originally intended as a GIS; however can be fitted with GPS receiver and has support for it[71] and also allows to easily download maps from any location from an online database as OpenStreetMaps, and many others[72][73]
LuckyGPS[74]?Laptop, PC, smartphoneWindows, Linux, OpenMoko?yes (?), ???
Mumpot[75]?Laptop, PC, smartphoneLinux, OpenMoko, GPE?yes (?), ???
Pyroute[76]OjwLaptop, PC, smartphoneWindows XP, Linux, OpenMoko?yes (?), ???
TangoGPS[77]Marcus BauerLaptop, PC, smartphoneLinux, OpenMoko?yes (?), ???
FoxtrotGPS[78]?Laptop, PCLinux, OpenMoko?yes (?), ??based on TangoGPS, actively being developed, especially adapted for use with touch screens
Rana[79]OjwsmartphoneOpenMoko, Neo Freerunner?yes (?), ??runs on Python, so possibly cross-platform
BikeAtor[80][81]?smartphone (OpenMoko, Symbian), tablet PCAndroid, OpenMoko, Symbian?yes (?), ???
Osmarender[82]?laptop, PCWindows, OS X, Linux?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ??Not intuitive
Mobile Trail Explorer[83]?smartphone, ?Symbian, multiple OSs?yes (?), ??Runs on Java, so a cross-platform GPS navigation software
Open Citymap[84]?smartphone (Qt)Windows CE, OpenMoko?yes (?), ???
Mappero?Nokia N810Maemo[85]?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
NaviPOWM[86]?handheld PC, Laptop, PCWindows for PC, Windows Mobile 5/6/2003 SE, Linux?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
GPSSRobin LovelockLaptop or Pocket PCWindows for PC, Windows Mobile?yes (can import)No (but open)Since 1995. www.gpss.co.uk
NaVisu?Laptop, PCWindows, OS X, Linux?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ??Developed for marine applications, not intuitive, built around NASA WorldWind
Cetus GPS[87]Cetus softwareembedded system (Garmin)OS 5?yes (?), ???
GPS interpreter[88]Marcel Durieux, Christian Tavernier[89][88]Embedded system (purpose-build PCB)[90]??yes, ???
Andrew Holme's GPS softwareAndrew Holme[91]Embedded system (several custom PCB's + Raspberry Pi)[92]Raspbian Linux??, ???
AdvRider WD[93]Adi BardaAndroidAndroid?yes (can import)YesSince 2013.
TheGOAT[94]?Tablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?No?

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^'Welcome cgpsmapper.com - Hostmonster.com'. Cgpsmapper.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  2. ^'Chaeron Corporation - GPS (Global Position System) Solutions'. Chaeron.com. 2006-05-03. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  3. ^Having open-source GPS programs available for different devices also allows people to expand on this software for certain projects, like automated or semi-automated steering systems for vehicles
  4. ^Programs like Google maps require an internet connection as the maps are not available offline, in part because this would also make the program very large in filesize
  5. ^'offline - How to use GPS/Maps without an Internet connection? - Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange'. Android.stackexchange.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  6. ^Joe Levi (2013-07-22). 'Here's how to take your Google Maps offline after the v7 update'. Pocketnow.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  7. ^ abcdTablet PCs have touchscreens, laptops do not
  8. ^ abcdsupport of add-on GPS receiver, rather than say the embedded GPS receiver of the device the software was initially designed for
  9. ^[1]
  10. ^'How to use your Google Maps offline'. Android Authority. 2017-08-21. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  11. ^'Google Groups'. groups.google.com. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  12. ^'HERE WeGo App'. Here.com. Retrieved 2017-05-10.
  13. ^'MapFactor GPS Navigation Maps - Android Apps on Google Play'. Play.google.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  14. ^'MAPS.ME'. maps.me. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  15. ^ abMAPS.ME — Offline OpenStreetMap maps for iOS and Android, MAPS.ME, 2017-09-11, retrieved 2017-09-11
  16. ^Happy, Map (2015-06-03). 'The Best Free Offline Maps for Traveling'. Huffington Post. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  17. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2014-04-14. Retrieved 2014-04-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^'Navmii GPS World (Navfree) - Android Apps on Google Play'. Play.google.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  19. ^'Home'. NaviComputer. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  20. ^'Navit'. OpenStreetMap Wiki. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  21. ^'Navit - Car navigation system'. Navit-project.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  22. ^Team, OpenCPN. 'About OpenCPN'. opencpn.org. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  23. ^'Offline Mobile Maps and Navigation'. OsmAnd. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  24. ^maps installation in program
  25. ^http://www.globalaquamaps.com/aquaapp.html
  26. ^'i-Boating'. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  27. ^'HandMap : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive'. Archive.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  28. ^'GPS Plugin : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive'. Archive.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  29. ^'Navionics Boating'. Navionics.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  30. ^'SailPalm : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive'. Archive.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  31. ^'GPS Navigation, Maps & Traffic - Scout (Sat Nav) on the App Store'. Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  32. ^'Apps | Smart mobile navigation based on OpenStreetMap | OSM'. Skobbler.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  33. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2013-01-13. Retrieved 2014-04-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  34. ^'Free GPSLogger for Android'. www.basicairdata.eu. BasicAirData. Retrieved 2016-12-06.
  35. ^'Source code on GitHub'. GitHub. Retrieved 2016-12-06.
  36. ^BasicAirData. 'GPSLogger/apk at master · BasicAirData/GPSLogger · GitHub'. Github.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  37. ^'Source code on GitHub'. GitHub. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
  38. ^https://github.com/osmdroid/osmdroid/blob/master/LICENSE
  39. ^'Products'. Code Sector. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  40. ^'Maverick: GPS Navigation - Android Apps on Google Play'. Play.google.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  41. ^'gvSIG Mini Maps - Android Apps on Google Play'. Play.google.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  42. ^Miguel Montesinos (2012-03-28). 'Home - gvSIG Mini - Confluence'. Confluence.prodevelop.es. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  43. ^'OpenSatNav'. OpenStreetMap Wiki. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  44. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2014-04-15. Retrieved 2014-04-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  45. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2014-04-14. Retrieved 2014-04-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  46. ^'Oruxmaps Homepage'. Oruxmaps.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  47. ^'Presentation'. AlpineQuest. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  48. ^'Android Navigation System'. AndNav.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  49. ^'Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting'. Code.google.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  50. ^'Sports Tracker'. Sports Tracker. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  51. ^'My Android Applications'. Robertdeveloper.blogspot.be. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  52. ^'RMaps free app download'. Android Freeware. 2010-05-28. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  53. ^'AFTrack - GPS Tracking'. Afischer-online.de. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  54. ^'Downloads'. Team-cachebox.de. 2013-10-16. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  55. ^'Mapopolis : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive'. Archive.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  56. ^Dale DePriest. 'Navigation with Palm OS'. Gpsinformation.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  57. ^'TZGPS - a GPS Applet for PalmOS'. Linas.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  58. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2014-04-14. Retrieved 2014-04-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  59. ^'Trax : : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive'. Archive.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  60. ^'SoarPilot - Soaring Flight Computer'. Soaringpilot.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  61. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2014-04-13. Retrieved 2014-04-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  62. ^'ブライトニングフォーミュラの効果はどう？【@コスメ1位の秘密とは！】'. Gpspilot.biz. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  63. ^'Free hiking maps on your Windows CE / Windows mobile based GPS'. Maplorer. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  64. ^'OSMtracker'. Wiki.openstreetmap.org. OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2016-07-23. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  65. ^'Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting'. Code.google.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  66. ^'Home Page - Cachewolf'. Cachewolf.aldos.de. 2015-08-02. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  67. ^'Glopus - Home'. Glopus.de. 2014-03-15. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  68. ^'Outdoor companion'. Trekbuddy.net. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  69. ^'Installation - TrekBuddy Wiki'. Trekbuddy.net. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  70. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2014-05-27. Retrieved 2014-05-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  71. ^'GPS extension for gvSIG'. Joinup.ec.europa.eu. Archived from the original on 2014-12-19. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  72. ^'gvSIG 2.0: OpenStreetMap, adding new servers | gvSIG blog'. Blog.gvsig.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  73. ^'OSM gvSIGv2'. YouTube. 2013-05-16. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  74. ^'LuckyGPS'. OpenStreetMap Wiki. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  75. ^'Mumpot'. OpenStreetMap Wiki. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  76. ^'Pyroute'. OpenStreetMap Wiki. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  77. ^'TangoGPS'. OpenStreetMap Wiki. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  78. ^'FoxtrotGPS'. OpenStreetMap Wiki. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  79. ^'Rana'. Wiki.openstreetmap.org. OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2010-12-21. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  80. ^'BikeAtor'. OpenStreetMap Wiki. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  81. ^'BikeAtor for Android'. Bikeator.de. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  82. ^'Osmarender'. wiki.openstreetmap.org. OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2016-10-26. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  83. ^'Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting'. Code.google.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  84. ^'Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting'. Code.google.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  85. ^'Intro: The Home of the Maemo Community'. Maemo.org. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  86. ^'NaviPOWM download'. SourceForge.net. 2009-11-22. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  87. ^'Cetus GPS (Palm) for Mobile - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com'. Download.cnet.com. 2007-05-15. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  88. ^ ab'Multi-purpose GPS Receiver'. Elektor Magazine. October 2008.
  89. ^'MikroElektronika Forum • View topic - GPS interpreter'. Mikroe.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  90. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2014-04-13. Retrieved 2014-04-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  91. ^'Homemade GPS Receiver'. Aholme.co.uk. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  92. ^'Homemade GPS receiver'. Raspberry Pi. 2013-05-13. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  93. ^'AdvRider WD - Android Apps on Google Play'. Play.google.com. Retrieved 2017-05-03.
  94. ^'TheGOAT'. benpl.net. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Comparison_of_free_off-line_satellite_navigation_software&oldid=917779505'

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

While all of our phones contain GPS antenna that syncs us up to global maps, some industry laptops do not. If you need more advanced and detailed GPS software then you will want a powerful antenna to hook up to your computer. Whether you are connecting the GPS to a fleet vehicle that is traveling through remote rural areas or are navigating on a boat, these USB-based GPS dongles are industry compliant with a variety of the most advanced GPS software.

Our Top Picks

Garmin 18x USB GPS Navigator

Laptop Map Software With Gps System

Garmin is a brand name in GPS navigation and this USB device warrants the esteemed reputation. This small puck is a WAAS Enabled Sensitivity GPS receiver that is manufactured for use in personal automobiles, fleet vehicles and electronics applications where a GPS receiver is necessary. It has 12 parallel channels and an integrated magnetic base, outputting data in an industry standard NMEA 0183 format. It is a low latency unit, meaning it is ideal for vehicle applications that need to be refreshed on the move. Industry-standard 10-foot accuracy also ensures that you will not be far off base when using this device, which works with most industry software.

Stratux Vk-162 Remote Mount USB GPS

With a start time of 32 seconds to get signal acquisition, the Stratux Vk-162 remote mount USB GPS hardware is an affordable option for laptop owners. The attached seven-foot cord, included, works well with the removable magnetic hardware base that attaches safely to any magnetic surface. The cord adds extra function as the Stratux can easily be moved around a room to find the best signal. Water and dustproof, the receiver has an IPX6 rating for protection against outdoor elements. Safe for outside work, the Stratux adds the capability of working with a multitude of open-source software and is compatible with all current versions of Windows computers. It's ready to sync with OpenCPN and Google’s suite of GPS-ready software.

GlobalSat USB GPS Receiver

This GPS patch antenna has been serving drivers and laptop owners for years. The compact device is powered by a highly sensitive chipset that can provide superior performance whether you are in the city or out in the country. Just plug the USB into your Windows PC or Mac and harness the power of SiRF Client Generated Extended Ephemeris (CGEE) technology, which can predict satellite location up to three days in advance and automatically updates every 15 seconds. The device is built with a magnet that can stick to the top of your car and it can withstand both freezing and extraordinarily hot temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about elemental exposure.

GlobalSat ND-105C Micro USB GPS Receiver

Take GPS with you in this compact micro usb with built-in LNA and built-in GPS antenna. About the size of a small thumb drive, this laptop GPS device supports industry standard NMEA 0183 and SBAS. It is compatible with Mac, Windows and Android operating systems and is compliant with all NMEA navigation software, letting you pick the best app or program to create your ideal GPS solution.

The high sensitivity MediaTek GPS chipset has an extremely fast time to first fix, even at low signal level, which makes it ideal in remote areas. A handy GPS LED tells you whether the device is operating, which is also useful in spotty reception.

VFAN USB GPS Receiver

Powered by a Ublox 7 chipset, the VFAN USB GPS receiver is a good choice for laptop owners looking to initiate location-based searches. Designed to work with Windows computers, activating the GPS signal requires the download of UBlox’s UCenter software that initializes the 56-channel VFAN receiver to acquire and continuously reacquire GPS signals. Rated IPX4 for water-resistance, the VFAN’s durability against the elements extends to its 6.5-foot cable that incorporates the same IPX4 rating. The magnetic base helps the VFAN attach to magnetic surfaces, keeping it firmly in place to establish and hold a GPS signal while connecting to software such as OpenCPN, Google Earth Pro and Google Maps. Beyond laptops, the VFAN doubles as an ideal GPS receiver for cars and marine navigation, thanks to the attached USB connectivity.

With

VANWEI VK-162 USB GPS

This inexpensive USB GPS solution pairs an industry-standard, highly sensitivity GPS Antenna with KDS .5PPM high-precision TCXO. The RTC chip and pF capacitor are designed for faster start times even in low signal areas, while a 1-5 Hz position update rate is ideal for map making and car navigation. The device stores the latest satellite information while it receives WAAS/EGNOS signals without software. With compatible applications such as Google Maps you can use NWEA0183 data, making this a versatile and inexpensive solution for fleet vehicles.

Geekstory VK-162 USB GPS

This GPS can pick up a satellite signal in a flash with precise accuracy (it has a hot start time of only one second). Particularly good for travelers, this device is compact, portable and works anywhere in the world without having to pay for any kind of GPS service. And while it’s one of the more affordable USB GPS options out there, it’s also more limited in its compatibility — Android and iOS users will have to look elsewhere as this device only works with Windows and Linux systems. This GPS has 50 tracking channels with a tracking sensitivity of -160dBm and comes with a two-meter-long USB cable for easy setup with your laptop.