Here are some choices you may find that will make that almost perfect gps system, as close to perfect as it can get:

GPES EXPLORER

This software program works with Garmin gps systems.
It is a mapping system
It has plug-in function ability
It can identify a Garmin unit
It has serial plug ins
The program is written in java format

It can be downloaded at many sites including:

http://www.geocities.com/garminmaploader/
Gps3d

This is a small application
It is a mapping application that will display textured maps
It allows for 3-D viewing
You can broadcast information via the internet and through a gps device

It can be downloaded at many sites including:

gps3d-1.20.tar.bz2

Tour Point Editor

Is used for making maps which can be used for touring
These are professional looking maps
They work for both dash mountable and portable systems
The system is very easy to use

A free download of a trial of the software can be found at:

http://www.travelbygps.com/authoring.php
XAstir

This system is used for retrieving and plotting positions
It supports many formats
It is easy to use and customizable
It supports 125 map formats
It has access to a weather station
It has the ability to distinguish seven languages

It is free to download under GPL license.

To learn more about downloading and its many functions visit:

http://www.xastir.org/

Viking

This free and open source program can help the user to manage their GPS data
You can plot tracks with this
You can import tracks with this software
You can add new coordinates to your maps
You can make completely new maps
You can add waypoints
Works with most computer programs

To learn more about this program and to download it, visit:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/viking/

Clew

This is a chart plotting program
It easily connects to your computer via a USB port
It can replay logs in real time

To learn more about this program and to download it, visit:

http://www.baum.com.au/~jiri/clew/clew.tgz

GPSylon

Can help to show the user maps downloaded from the expedia server
Can help the user to track given position on maps
It is a serial device
It shows maps in many scales This is perfect in case you are missing one scale.
User can download one single map or a series of maps at a given time

To learn more about this program and to download it, visit:

http://www.tegmento.org/gpsylon/

NavSys

This is a mapping application
It is used for navigational purposes
It is also a media application that will allow the user to play audio files in the automobile
It allows the user to track history

It can be downloaded at many sites including:

http://nixbit.com/cat//utilities/navsys/#

EveryTrail

With this program a user can upload data to view on Google maps
The user can also upload pictures for viewing on Google maps
Find maps with tracks and coordinates
View your trips in 3-D format
Share your trips and maps with a community of users

To download your free software program visit and to join the community:

http://www.everytrail.com/

Geosetter

This is a free tool that works with windows
It is used for displaying and changing geo photos
Works well with Google Earth
Can embed the exact location into the heading of the photo

To learn more about this free download and its applications, visit:

http://freegeographytools.com/2007/geosetter-the-best-free-photo-geotagging-app

Yes, it is nice to get free anything, especially free software gps programs.  But remember some of the better programs, may cost you a little.

As you can see, gps software can make a gps system more usable.  It can provide the system means to communicate with other systems such as basic computers and even weather stations.  It can give the user the ability to download more maps or to make the maps they are currently using more customizable.

Where can one purchase gps software (if the above ones do not meet your needs0?  At any local electronic store, at any local or online store that sells gps systems and at many sites that cater to navigational needs or sporting needs.

Is your gps system missing something? Could that something be a new improved gps software program?  Investigate your choices in free and reasonably priced gps software today and see if you can find something that will fill your needs.

GPS software
There are many GPS units you can buy. You can buy handheld devices to help you navigate your way, watches to chart your course and time it, too, auto GPS to keep you from getting lost to name a few.

All of these units come with some exceptional functions.  Yet, many of us love the idea of upgrading.  We can do this by adding additional software programs to our devices.  These software programs will make our units even more invaluable and easier to use.

Here are some software choices you may want to consider:

Google Earth

This allows its user to view map and satellite images. 

Type in an address and you can zoom right onto it.  You can also search for areas schools, restaurants, parks, etc.

You can save your favorite searches.

This is a free tool offered by Google.

3D ROUTE BUILDER FOR GOOGLE EARTH

With this software program you are able to build and edit GPS routes in Google Earth.

Real time Playback.

EXPERT GPS

This is a mapping software program that will work with Windows XP and Vista.  It allows its user to view GPS waypoints and tracklogs from almost any brand handheld tracking device (such as Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance and Eagle to name a few brands).  It also allows its users to course a map or track and then send it to its receiver once it is satisfied with the completed results.  Works with both Topo maps and aerial maps.

EASY GPS

This is another free software program that will allow its user to transfer data such as your routes and tracks from almost any GPS device to a computer.  It is a fast and easy to use program tool.  

The tool will list the waypoints on the left side of the screen.  Then it will show a plot of the data collected from the GPS device on the right side of the screen.

Its user can back up data, organize data, print maps and load new waypoints easily and quick.

MAPQUEST NAVIGATOR 5.0

This is a special subscribed software program.  It gives its user the ability to enjoy voice guided directions and other wonderful features such as:

Easy to use menus

3D moving maps

Clear voice that can give turn by turn directions

Real time traffic alerts (great when driving in congested areas)

Special no glare night lighting

A special area to save favorite or used often directions called My Place Foloder

Plus, area gas prices

16 million points of interest

Monthly subscription usually runs a little over $4.00 a month.  May not be operational in all areas.

TRAIL RUNNER SOFTWARE

This software program is great for all types of sports enthusiasts such as:  bikers, runners, skiers, even inline skaters.

You can time your workout routes from start to finish.

You can check your pace.

You can load and design maps of your course.

You can monitor your heart rate.

You have the internet capability to add any background and elevation data you may need.

If you are using a Garmin device it can work along side the Garmin training center to help you plan your workouts.

PROLOOPER

This is a golf game analyzer software.  It uses a yardage device to gauge every shot a golfer makes.  Then it can analyze the shot to tell you exactly where it lands, accuracy of the shot, pattern of the shot, score, distance each club makes as well as sand saving percentages and scrambling percentages.

This software only works with devices that are compatible with handheld GPS yardage devices. User must also have an account with prolooper.com and a computer that is enabled with Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater.

STARCADDY

This is a golfing software program that can be downloaded onto your PDA device. 

It can display a digital map of your golf course.
Give you the exact distance to the green, sand trap or any where else on the course.
Analyze key elements that can help you to choose which club to use each time for each stroke.
Help you to  improve your game.
Easy to pinpoint or zoom in on your position with an easy to read X.
Keeps score for you.

Some software programs are all ready loaded onto your GPS devices when you buy them.  Some you need to purchase.  Other programs can be found for free online.

You don’t necessarily need additional software programs to make your GPS device run better. You may be satisfied with its current capabilities.  But if you are the type of person who likes the best in everything, then you may want to consider adding more software programs to your devices today.