CAD software Virtual-GPS

calibrationtrackingpositioning

Overview
Getac Virtual-GPS (VGPS) is a software utility that replicates physical GPS output to multiple virtual COM ports, enabling several COM‑based and modern applications to share a single GPS source on Windows-based Getac devices.

How it works
VGPS reads NMEA output from the device's physical GPS module and duplicates that stream across up to five virtual COM ports. It also provides GPS sensor data to the Windows Location API and handles COM port control lines (DTR/RTS) for legacy application compatibility. Installation can auto-detect baud rate and COM settings; NMEA sentence filtering and logging are available for diagnostics and compliance.

Key features

• Splits one GPS COM port into up to 5 virtual COM ports for concurrent GPS applications
• Provides GPS sensor data to the Windows Location API so modern and legacy software can access the same positioning source
• Supports DTR/RTS signaling on virtual COM ports to address legacy communication requirements
• NMEA sentence filtering to deliver only required sentences to legacy applications
• NMEA logging for traceability, diagnostics and audit
• GPS-based time calibration as an alternative to internet NTP servers
• Automatic baud rate and COM port detection during installation
• Tested with dual-frequency receivers and compatible with multiple satellite constellations

Use cases / Typical applications

• Public safety – enables first responders to run AVL, CAD, mapping and records applications concurrently on one device
• Utilities – supports GIS, inspections and maintenance applications on a single field device
• Transportation – allows telematics, route optimisation and fleet systems to share the same in-cab GPS source

Technical specifications

• Product name: VGPS (Getac Virtual-GPS)
• Supported OS: Windows (provides Windows Location API data)
• Maximum virtual COM ports: 5
• Provides GPS sensor data for Windows Location API
• Supports DTR/RTS signaling on COM ports
• NMEA sentence filtering and logging
• GPS-based time calibration (alternative to NTP)
• Automatic baud rate and COM port detection at install
• Compatible with dual-frequency receivers and multiple satellite types