It’s a shock for many people when they realize that shiny new GPS receiver is not quite all that it is cracked up to be. For one thing, in order to take advantage of many of the best features of the GPS, you often have to load it with expensive GPS navigation software, a fact not often advertised by GPS manufacturers.

GPS navigation software can be prohibitively expense. Garmin for instance, charges up to $300.00 per set of software. This means that you have to pay quite a bit of money to get the best GPS navigation software. For those who unable or unwilling afford this, there are tons of Internet sites where you can download free GPS navigation software.

OpenStreetMap

If you are looking for free navigation software for your GPS, OpenStreetMap is a great place to start. OpenStreetMap was created by a group of volunteers manually creating and editing maps using their own GPS receivers. People who download this navigation software to their GPS, PC or Mac find they not only received tons of detailed, street level maps, but they can also upload their own tracks and waypoints, meaning that they can be a part of the collaborative effort that is OpenStreetMap,

OpenStreetMap is an especially good fit for adventurous souls who want to do their own mapping. OpenStreetMap navigation software can be downloaded for free at http://www.openstreetmap.org/.

Google Earth

Google Earth is the most well known GPS navigation software. Google Earth features extremely detailed aerial imagery combined with user tracks and waypoints that can be downloaded into many GPS phones and GPS receivers. A host of satellite applications are available that complements the imagery; for instance, Google Earth Tweeker allows users to combine Google Earth imagery with geocaching software.

Another pretty exciting application of Google Earth’s suite of GPS navigation software is Google Map GPS Cell Phone tracker. It allows you to track a GPS-enabled phone real-time using Google maps and imagery. This is pretty scary stuff—cheaters beware.

Google Maps with GPS Tracker basically does the same phone, only for a GPS receiver, not a smart phone. This GPS navigation software allows you to see your real-time location and tracks on vivid Google Earth imagery.

MapMonkey

Another choice for navigation or tracking software for your GPS is MapMonkey. MapMonkey is another example of free GPS navigation software that is primarily used for vehicle navigation. MapMonkey includes lots of great features that help make driving easier, such as the ability to view your speed at all times on your GPS receiver. Visit MapMonkey’s homepage at http://www.mapmonkey.net/ for more information or to download it for free.

Try these free GPS navigation software options before buying expensive applications.

For anyone with a GPS receiver, it is always difficult to figure out which GPS mapping software is best for your needs. If you use you GPS receiver primarily as a vehicle navigation device, you should consider using Microsoft Streets and Trips as your GPS navigation software.

Some versions of Microsoft Streets and Trips are even sold with their own GPS receiver, which includes maps, route planning, and other GPS capabilities. Most other GPS receivers come without mapping software or software that is inadequate, so it might be advantageous to consider buying Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS mapping software.

Address Find Feature

Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS mapping software gives users the ability to search for points by address. This saves a lot of time for people who do not want to fool with maps or faulty directions. Whether Microsoft Streets and Trips is being used on a personal computer or a GPS, all users have to do is type in an address and the mapping software in their GPS automatically calculates driving directions to the address.

If you are using the GPS mapping software to find a business, chances are you do not even need to know the address to get the directions. Just type in the name of the business, and the software will do the rest.

Waypoints

Waypoints are grid coordinates that people save on their GPS receivers. These can be made a variety or ways and used for many purposes. Hikers who find a particularly beautiful landmark, for instance, can plug the waypoint into their GPS so they can return later. Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS mapping software can be used to import waypoints from GPS receivers to save on your PC or Mac and even share with other users on the Internet.

Voice Prompt Feature

The most desirable characteristic in GPS mapping software is voice-prompt navigation. Pressing buttons or staring at a tiny screen is not ideal while driving and can lead to accidents. Microsoft Streets and Trips uses voice prompts to both give routes and answer questions, but of course you have to speak in a loud, clear voice.

Using Microsoft Streets and Trips in Other Countries

In order to use Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS mapping software outside of North America, users must download or purchase compatible maps outside the U.S. Microsoft AutoRoute is the European version of the software, and contains GPS mapping support for the entire European continent.

GPS receivers are quickly becoming the coolest gadgets around. Today’s GPS devices are nothing like their gargantuan predecessors; they can easily be held in one hand and even stuffed into the pockets of the tightest jeans. Some GPS receivers are even specially designed for vehicle use, and can give elaborate, real-time tracking to any destination.

For those who want to make the most of their GPS, it is necessary to load the correct GPS software into both the device and a home computer. Specialty GPS software is available to complement a host of pastimes.

GPS Software and Hiking

So you know your GPS can help you avoid getting lost, but did you know that you could also download software for your GPS that pre-loads topograpgical maps into your receiver? Specialty hiking GPS software contains detailed topographical maps complete with contour lines to show relief such as hills and valleys, as well as hiking trails, rivers, lakes, roads, and every other manmade or natural topographical feature. This GPS software can replace expensive hiking maps, which can cost up to $5.00 each and are hard to find. For lightweight backpackers covering a long distance, this type of GPS software is especially attractive, and can save pounds of backpack weight, as it eliminates the need for bulky sets of maps.

GPS software containing topographical maps is also useful when geocaching. Geocaching is a hobby where participants hide and search for caches all over the world. Using GPS coordinates, the game is like a huge version of hide and go seek. While traditionally geocachers would have to search for coordinates to these treasures online, there are several applications now, such as the Geocaching GPS software for the iPhone that allows users to download these coordinates directly to smart phones and other handheld computers.

GPS Software for Fishing and Boating

Garmin is one of several software providers that sell a suite of GPS software that includes maps of U.S. waterways, including rivers, lakes and coastal waters. This GPS software also shows fishermen where to find the best fishing hot spots. Garmin GPS software does not have to be loaded on a boat-mounted system, and can instead be carried in the same handheld device you use for huking or driving.

GPS Software for Driving

Many GPS software applications make driving a breeze. This GPS mapping software literally contains all of the large and small roads of a country, and also includes major landmarks, even waypoints for businesses, such as restaurants and stores. Using GPS software in your car guarantees you will never get lost.

All you have to do to use this software is enter an address where you want to go. The GPS software does the rest. Using the GPS receiving function, it automatically calculates your current position, and leads you to your destination. If you do happen to make a wrong turn, or if construction blocks your route, the GPS software automatically calculates a corrected route, allowing you to get where you are going safely.

Many companies provide free or cheap GPS navigation software. Free GPS software applications include OpenStreetMap, Freedrive, MapMonkey, and Google Earth. Pay software offers even more options than free GPS software and tends to be kept much more up-to-date. These applications include the Garmin suite, TomTom Navigator, Nav N Go and Microsoft Streets and Trips.