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.