This software is a service daemon that keeps track of GPS devices attached to a host computer through USB or serial ports.
One standout feature of gpsd is its ability to allow multiple GPS client applications to share access to GPS devices without any losses or contention. This is particularly useful for navigational and wardriving software, among others. Additionally, gpsd responds to queries with a format that is substantially easier to parse than the NMEA 0183 utilized by most GPS devices.
As far as development tools are concerned, gpsd includes a linkable C service library, a C++ wrapper class and a Python module to simplify communication with the daemon. The project also provides auxiliary tools for diagnosing and profiling GPS devices, as well as feeding GPS-aware applications with specified track data for diagnostic purposes.
Overall, the goal of the gpsd project is to create an efficient and simple layer of open-source infrastructure for programs running under Linux and other open-source Unixes that make use of location data. The focus is on straightforward, robust interfaces, streamlined operation, and an easy learning curve for developers. Applications that currently use gpsd include pyGPS, Kismet, GPSdrive, gpeGPS, position, and roadmap.
Version 2.38: N/A