Use of MapServer for GPS data

[Frank Warmerdam]

Norman Barker wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I would like to use MapServer for the display of GPS data, which
> I have in Garmin MapSource format (.img) and Polish Format.
>
> Ideally I would use the WMS to provide backdrop satellite image,
> and use the vector data in the MapSource (and or Polish format) files
> in the WFS, or as a shapefile overlay.
>
> So 2 questions,
>
> 1) has anyone used GPS data with MapServer, or any applications with GPS
> 2) Anyone know how to convert GPS data into shapefiles (at no cost!)

Norman,

For most GPS formats it should be pretty easy to write a script in the
scripting language of your choice to convert to shapefiles.   You can
use the commandline utilities from shapelib (http://shapelib.maptools.org)
to create a shapefile, and points one at a time if you want.  Or you can
get one of the shapelib language bindings (I think python and perl ones
exist around) to do a more direct operation.

I think you can also write shapefiles with mapscript (perl, python, etc)
so that might be the most direct route.

You could also write a small C program to do the conversion using shapelib.

Best regards,
--
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I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, warmerdam at pobox.com
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and watch the world go round - Rush    | Geospatial Programmer for Rent