Locate outdoor hazards with GPS functions in Pocket PC Creations.  Free download below.
GPS Pocket PC Creations

 Features
  • Develop powerful safety applications using GPS, without programming.
  • Capture 19 GPS outputs in accordance with NMEA standards.
  • UTM Easting, Northing and Zone based on WGS-84 global standard. 
  • Optimised for Navman GPS sleeve for Compaq Pocket PCs. Configuration set up options for other GPS devices.
  • GPS stays open, data can be saved, and points drawn on maps imported to Pocket PC Creations.
  • Include GPS information in Pocket PC Creation's powerful Math functions.
  • Send GPS data wirelessly from Pocket PC using Pocket PC Creations wireless function.

Installing GPS custom point in Pocket PC Creations

Install Pocket PC Creations (Trial or Buy), and download GPS custom point (only 255KB).  Save the PPCC-GPS.exe program file to a convenient folder, close Pocket PC Creations on the desktop and Pocket PC, double click the PPCC-GPS.exe file to install on a Windows PC and Pocket PC connected by ActiveSync. 

  • The GPS point will be available in the "Add New Point" window in Pocket PC Creations design view.
  • Select GPS outputs from GPS Properties dialogue box below.
  • The GPS point can be named anything.
  • The GPS output data can be presented in Edit points with particular ID Names reflecting the GPS outputs selected, eg, eg if the main point was called GPS, then ID Names might be GPS.lat, GPS.long etc.

No need to be confined by limited menus with standard GPS devices. Many applications in mining, agriculture, environment, transport, military, education and recreation. Develop flexible data capture using the full range of other points in Pocket PC Creations. Download a demonstration GPS project. Download a GPS project to capture 10 GPS readings per session. Download a UTM GPS project to capture 10 UTM readings per session.

[Note: If the GPS point doesn't function on the Pocket PC, it is probably because Pocket PC Creations wasn't closed on the Pocket PC before installing the PPCC-GPS.exe program file, see above.]

Establishing a Fix

  • When a project with a GPS point is loaded, the GPS hardware is prepared, but not yet turned on. 
  • When a GPS point is tapped (to record position), the hardware is powered up, and "Fixing Position" is shown. Depending on conditions, it may take a few minutes to locate sufficient satellites (say 4) for the initial fix. 
  • When a "Position Fixed" is achieved, the GPS point stays open and continues to receive data. Tap "Save" to save the data within the GPS point data fields/boxes. 
  • Subsequent uses of the GPS point are instantaneous, because the GPS hardware is still on: this applies to other GPS points in the project, or when creating new sessions of the project.
  • When the project is closed (back to "Project" screen where project icons are displayed), the GPS hardware is turned off.

Example Project

A simple example GPS project in Pocket PC Creations is shown opposite. GPS readings at "Sample" positions are recorded and the position drawn onto a Bitmap image (230 pixels wide) imported into a Sketch point. A GPS reading could be taken for each session, or numerous readings taken in a session by presenting GPS input fields controlled by conditional Logic points (say with a test based on Sample number). Follow the Skills tutorial for easy development of powerful applications. Download a GPS project to capture 10 GPS readings per session. Download a UTM GPS project to capture 10 UTM readings per session.

Data on Pocket PC

GIS data can be presented in columns in the Session window on the Pocket PC, alongside other data, and sorted by tapping the top of the columns (see opposite).  A unique and low cost solution for collection of GIS data, with one device.

See also UltraDrop custom point, to manage hundreds of UTM co-ordinates in the field on Pocket PC.

Where to Buy Navman GPS Sleeve

While the GPS point will receive data from any NMEA standard GPS device (as long as the com port can be located), it has been field tested with the Navman sleeve for Compaq Pocket PCs, shown above. Contacts for Navman are:

North America - Navman USA, Inc.
Mr Jeff Fellows
Office Phone: +1 (603) 577 9600
 Email: jfellows@navmanusa.com

Europe - Navman Mobile Limited
Mr Prash Vadgama.
Phone: +44(1293) 459 734
Email: prash@navman.co.uk 

Australia - Navman Australia Pty Ltd
Glyn Edwards
Phone: +61 2 9818 8382
Email: gedwards@navman.com.au

International - Navman Head Office NZ
Mr Nick Maire
Phone: +64 (9) 481 0500
Email: nmaire@navman.com  

GPS Hardware other than Navman

The GPS point outputs in accordance with NMEA standards.  If other hardware than Navman is used a "Setup" prompt may present, see below. Follow the GPS device manufacturers specifications to configure settings for Port and Baud Rate.