[GRASSLIST:5143] GPS -> GRASS

[Michael Ash]

This is not quite a GRASS question, but perhaps some of the GRASSLIST participants have suggestions.

I would like to do some do-it-yourself mapping of sites, lines, and areas in a region for which I already have good vector and raster maps.  I thought that I would use a handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) device (1) to take location readings at the sites (waypoints in GPS terminology), and then (2) upload the sites data to the computer for import to GRASS with s.in.ascii.  (I suppose that I can then use s.to.vect and v.digit to create areas, lines, etc. or I can directly edit dig_ascii, dig_att, and dig_cats files according to ascii_formats.html.)

My question is about GRASS users' experience with low-budget GPS hardware (e.g., Garmin eTrex Venture) and about interfaces between GPS devices and the PC (linux or Windows).  Please let me know if you have any suggestions or advice 

Best regards,

Michael Ash