Okay, really quick blog post here to demonstrate how to use the GPS functionality in Microsoft Autoroute 2007. More and more people are going to end up with GPS on their laptops & netbooks because of dual function WWAN/GPS cards like the Qualcomm Gobi & Ericsson 3507, and this brings with it a certain dilemma of how to actually use and interpret that data. Most GPS navigation software is designed for portable devices running Android, Windows Mobile, etc so when you have a Windows or Linux PC the ‘killer’ packages to use don’t immediately jump out.

I haven’t done a huge amount of digging, but I must say I’ve only had positive experiences with Microsoft Autoroute 2007. Honestly, while not being tremendously slick it is perfectly functional for my needs. My needs incidentally are for a reliable, well covered (in terms of maps) GPS Navigation solution that doesn’t require an Internet connection to be available. Important distinction, that last one, because more and more we’re seeing software that maps your location by streaming a relevant section of map that applies to your current location. I suppose this explanation is timely because Google Nav has just been announced, and while it seems on paper to be a nice technical solution, as soon as you step outside of cellular coverage or happen to be smack bang in the middle of a really slow GSM area you’re going to be in trouble. By far the safer bet is to use more conventional GPS software which reads your location, and interprets that on maps it stores in local storage.

1. Get a copy of Autoroute 2007 or above! I’m currently seeing it on eBay for £30 but it’s probably cheaper elsewhere. Not least because a lot of copies come bundled with a USB GPS dongle, which most people reading this will not need.

2. Boot up Autoroute

3. Open the dialog to configure the receiver.

4. You might want to scan for the COM port that your GPS receiver sits on if you don’t know it. Also, be sure to enable the receiver in whatever dashboard is provided.

5. I’m using the Dell 5530 (Ericsoon 3507) so I need to flick the switch in that.

6. The scan in Autoroute will then see the device.

7. Now start the GPS tracking.

8. Read and accept the obligatory safety notice.

9. A GPS data pane will open showing the output of the device. Wait for a lock.
*IMPORTANT* Some people have strangely high expectations of GPS. It’s not magic and it won’t work inside buildings unless you’re very lucky - a clear view of the sky is recommended. Also, it’ll take a while to get an initial (cold) fix, so be patient. If you have got this far and you’re unable to get a fix then I’m stumped. Could be weather, could be software.

10. After a while a fix will be made. I don’t like the mini pane so I choose to use the larger dedicated GPS pane as demonstrated here.

If the demand is there I may post more in the future about other GPS packages under Windows and (especially) Linux. Ideally I would like to get the GPS data passed through into the Android Emulator, but I’m not quite sure if there’s provision for that in the software stack. I had mixed success with a similar approach using WM6 emulation, so we’ll see if that ends up working!