Create a standalone GPS system with offline maps
Hey Linux, Go Home
© Lead Image © Somyot Techapuwapat, 123RF.com
Use a low-cost GPS module and Navit to build a portable GPS system.
There are many places in the world where there is still no cellular or Internet access. Luckily, for only about $20 and around half an hour of time, you can create your own GPS system that can get you to those hidden camping spots and hiking trailheads.
Navit [1] is an open source car navigation system that includes a tool to create lightweight custom maps that can be used fully offline.
The hardware for this project does not need to be high-end. I had good results using both old Atom and i386 32-bit processors (Figure 1). I also tried using a Raspberry Pi 3, and it appeared to function fine. However, I found that a small 12" or 14" laptop was a better fit than a Rasp Pi, because I didn't need to worry about power or an external screen. You also have some choices on GPS modules, with a low-cost USB VK-162 module starting around $20.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.