gpsmon

GPSmon is an open-source software tool designed for monitoring and analyzing Global Positioning System (GPS) data in real time. It is primarily used for debugging and troubleshooting GPS receivers, providing detailed insights into satellite signals, positioning accuracy, and device performance. The software is particularly popular among developers, hobbyists, and researchers working with GPS hardware.

GPSmon interfaces with GPS devices via serial or USB connections, allowing users to view raw NMEA sentences—a standard protocol for exchanging information between GPS devices and computers. The tool displays essential metrics such as satellite count, signal strength, dilution of precision (DOP), and positional data, including latitude, longitude, altitude, and speed. It also highlights issues like weak signals, signal drops, or incorrect fixes, which can help identify hardware or configuration problems.

Developed in C++ and released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), GPSmon is cross-platform, supporting operating systems like Linux, Windows, and macOS. Its lightweight design makes it suitable for embedded systems and portable devices. While primarily a diagnostic tool, GPSmon can also be used for educational purposes to understand how GPS positioning works.

The software is often paired with other tools like Gpsd (GPS daemon) to enhance functionality, allowing for more advanced logging and integration with other applications. Updates to GPSmon are periodically released to improve compatibility with newer GPS hardware and address user feedback. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable resource for anyone working with GPS technology.