VisualGPS

VisualGPS is a lightweight software application whose purpose is to help you view all satellites, analyze azimuth and elevation graph display for each identified satellite, monitor the HDOP and VDOP parameters, track satellite signal, as well as keep an eye on latitude, longitude, altitude, and NMEA sentences as they are received.

The tool is able to graphically display specific NMEA 0183 sentences (GPGGA, GPGSA and GPGSV) and reveal the effects of Selective Availability (SA) by monitoring the output of a GPS receiver. It includes support for multiple connection paths to a GPS receiver, connection using an RS-232 port, as well as reading and connection options via NMEA text files.

The tool integrates several floating panels inside of its main window for collecting data about the signal quality, navigation parameters (latitude, longitude and altitude), as well as azimuth and elevation details. You may drag and drop the floating panes to the desired position in the working environment and even close some of them if the layout looks too crowded.

The Status bar which is placed at the bottom of the main window shows information about the NMEA data record status, GPS quality indicator (e.g. ‘Fix not available,’ ‘Differential GPS,’ ‘Simulator mode’), fix status (2D, 3D or not available), connection status and number of tracked satellites.

The Azimuth and Elevation panel reveals details about the satellite position and the physical antenna mask angle. Colors are used for signaling that a satellite is being used and tracked while gray is shown when a satellite is not tracked.

What’s more, you can get info about the Physical GPS elevation mask angle using a blue line, check out the position data from the GPS receiver, and monitor info from the GPS receiver in real time (you may stop the current process and erase data from the current window).

VisualGPS uses the GPGSV NMEA message to extract the signal to noise ratio (SNR C/No) which is specified as a number from 0 - 99 dB, and integrates a survey window that captures latitude, longitude and altitude (displaying data graphically). Plus, you can save the generated information to MSK file format or print it.

In conclusion, VisualGPS comes with a handy feature pack for helping you monitor the output of a GPS receiver. On the downside, it hasn’t been updated for a while so it may cause compatibility issues on newer operating systems.