Anatomy of a Link: Understanding the Interface Process

Before I talk about how to interface a GPS receiver to a PC, you need to understand the types of data that can be passed between the two devices:

• GPS receiver to PC: Saved waypoints, routes, tracks, and current location coordinates
• PC to GPS receiver: Maps (if the GPS receiver supports them), waypoints, routes, and tracks
  

You can interface a GPS receiver to a computer and transfer data in two ways:

• Cable: Most GPS receivers use a special cable, with one end that plugs into the receiver and the other that plugs into the serial or Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of your computer.
• Memory card: Some GPS receiver models use Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards to store data.

You transfer data between the GPS receiver and your computer with a card reader connected to the computer. If you use a Bluetooth wireless GPS receiver, you don’t need a cable or memory card reader to transfer data. These are designed to be used exclusively with laptops and PDAs
Avoid GPS receivers that can’t interface with a personal computer. The benefits of connecting to a computer far exceed the few dollars you’ll save.