The RouteTrak Engine can work with a variety of GPS receivers. Most of the receivers on the market today output GPS data "live", or in real time. LinksPoint's GlobalPoint Bluetooth GPS receiver has the additional capability to record GPS information in its internal memory. This is useful if the PDA cannot be powered on continuously and in range of the GPS throughout the day. In this situation, the GPS data logger will record points while the PDA is disconnected, and the RouteTrak based application can read the data when it is convenient to do so.
Live Vs. Logged data
The LinksPoint receiver is a dual mode receiver, outputting real time, or live, data while at the same time recording the points in its memory. It is not possible to mix these two data sources in a single RouteTrak log file because sequencing and duplication problems would result. It is up to the application, therefore, to decide which data source to direct to the log file. The logged data requires some additional software development to implement an appropriate schedule for the transfer of data from the logger's memory. In either case, the live data should be used for any feedback to the user. Here are some guidelines to help decide whether to record logged data:
- If the PDA cannot be powered on continuously or cannot be connected to the GPS continuously throughout the day, you should use logged data.
- If you want to record "unauthorized" usage of the vehicle, possibly at times when the driver has not identified himself, you should use logged data.
- If you want to get an application developed quickly, and (1) and (2) do not apply, you should use live data.
- Because it would be difficult to synchronize the logged data with extra data,if you plan to extend the data with your own real time information, you should use live data.