COAA Centro de Observação Astronómica no Algarve
Poio, 8500 Portimão, Portugal
Tel: + 351 282 471529 e-mail: info@coaa.co.uk

COAA Software - GPSmap & pGPS

Introduction

GPSmap and pGPS together give you the opportunity to use your own maps in a moving map display on a Pocket PC connected to a GPS receiver.

About GPSmap

GPSmap is the application that runs on your PC and allows you to calibrate your own scanned maps for use with the associated Pocket PC application pGPS. As well as preparing maps for pGPS, it can also edit and display waypoints and display GPS track history captured by pGPS on your Pocket PC. GPSmap is also used to install pGPS on your Pocket PC.

About pGPS

pGPS is the application that runs on your Pocket PC and shows you a moving map display using calibration data produced by GPSmap. With a hand-held GPS receiver connected to your Pocket PC, your current position and track history is displayed in the centre of the window superimposed on your chosen map of the locality. The program includes comprehensive options for the overlay of user waypoints and the specification of routes to be followed.

For aeronautical users, pGPS can also show you a fully featured HSI display (left) for performing simulated VOR route tracking and simulated ILS localizer approaches. If your Pocket PC is equipped with audio, pGPS can also generate simulated Surveillance Radar Approach instructions including a programmable simulated radar vectored instrument approach.

Disclaimer

In most jurisdictions, the use of GPS is not approved as a primary means of aeronautical navigation. In all jurisdictions, the use of non-approved, hand-held GPS receivers is not permitted as a primary means of aeronautical instrument navigation. Accordingly, the simulated ILS and SRA approaches that pGPS generates must not be used under instrument flying conditions and may only be used as a training aid in visual meteorological conditions where other primary means of navigation and collision avoidance are in use. No responsibility can be accepted for any consequences, however dire, of ignoring this clear instruction.

Getting started

GPSmap and pGPS ship with a simple outline map of the world. Before you can use pGPS to display a moving map in any detail, you must prepare one or more suitable maps or charts of your own area. You may also wish to prepare one or more files of waypoints and routes that you will need for en-route navigation and terminal approaches. Tutorials on preparing these files are included in the comprehensive context-sensitive help file that comes with GPSmap. Note that using GPSmap, you prepare your own charts; there is nothing more to pay for moving-map charts of any area that you choose. GPSmap includes a command to install pGPS on your Pocket PC.

Requirements

Download

GPSmap and pGPS can be downloaded freely and both come in a single self-extracting ZIP file which automatically installs itself. The file size is 1.6Mb.

Registration

GPSmap and pGPS can be downloaded and used freely for 21 days. After that time it must be registered. Registration can be done swiftly and securely on-line and costs only Euro €32 plus 19% VAT for EU residents. We recommend that you satisfy yourself that the system performs to your satisfaction before registering.

Contact us: help@coaa.co.uk

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