GPS - Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System (GPS), is currently the only fully-functional satellite navigation system. More than two dozen GPS satellites are in medium Earth orbit, transmitting signals allowing GPS receivers to determine location, speed and direction.

Since the first experimental satellite was launched in 1978, GPS has become indispensable for navigation around the world, and an important tool for map-making and land surveying. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks.

Developed by the United States Department of Defense, it is officially named NAVSTAR GPS (Navigation Signal Timing and Ranging Global Positioning System). The satellite constellation is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. Although the cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$400 million per year, including the replacement of aging satellites, GPS is free for civilian use as a public good.

GPS Software

"GPS Generator" - NMEA emulation software. Use GPS without GPS receiver!

Here you can read more about and download NMEA GPS device emulator (NMEA 0183 generator). This is software GPS device emulator (virtual GPS receiver). It can be used for development purposes or for testing GPS software before buying. Generated NMEA sentences can be used by a mapping, navigation or other GPS enabled software. This virtual GPS receiver can operate without GPS satellites visible and therefore it can be more effective than hardware GPS receiver indoor. It`s ideal when you need GPS data inputs, but you have no signal or GPS receiver.