The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →FoxtrotGPS is free, open-source GPS/GIS mapping software for a computer—not a GPS receiver. Its 1.2.2 manual describes a moving map that can show your live position, record tracks, and support trip planning. To use live positioning, the computer needs GPS hardware that works with gpsd, either built in or connected externally. The project lists version 1.2.2 as available on July 10, 2019; that does not establish its current maintenance or compatibility status.
What FoxtrotGPS does
The FoxtrotGPS project describes it as “an easy to use, free & open-source GPS/GIS application that works well on small screens, and is especially suited to touch input.” It spun off from tangoGPS in 2010. FoxtrotGPS is GTK+-based mapping software: it uses a computer display and GPS data rather than functioning as a standalone navigation device. The project website lists version 1.2.2 as available on July 10, 2019. FoxtrotGPS project website
The 1.2.2 manual describes these uses and map tools:
- Live position: View your position on a map that moves as you travel.
- Navigation and trip planning: Use the map to explore and plan a trip.
- Track logging: Record GPS tracks, including for OpenStreetMap-related work.
- Map interaction: Click the map to identify coordinates, measure distance to another location, or set a waypoint.
- Offline reuse: Download map data in bulk and reuse cached tiles. Panning fetches map data as needed; the manual says tiles are usually cached in
~/Maps.
OpenStreetMap is the default map source in the 1.2.2 manual. Other map sources are possible, but the manual characterizes some as experimental. Feature descriptions here refer to that documented version, not a guarantee that every distribution or later build behaves identically. FoxtrotGPS 1.2.2 manual
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Bright, high-resolution 5” glass capacitive touchscreen display lets you easily view your route
- Get more situational awareness with alerts for school zones, speed changes, sharp curves and more
- View food, fuel and rest areas along your active route, and see upcoming cities and milestones
- View Tripadvisor traveler ratings for top-rated restaurants, hotels and attractions to help you make the most of road trips
- Directory of U.S. national parks simplifies navigation to entrances, visitor centers and landmarks within the parks
What GPS hardware do you need?
FoxtrotGPS relies on gpsd to communicate with GPS hardware. If your computer has a built-in GPS, that may be enough. Otherwise, you may need an external receiver; an external unit can also help when the built-in receiver has difficulty getting a position. Hardware setup depends on the computer, receiver, connection, operating system, and gpsd support. The manual describes hardware categories, but does not establish compatibility for specific modern receiver models. FoxtrotGPS 1.2.2 manual
| Setup | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in GPS | Use the computer’s integrated receiver if available. | Confirm the system exposes it in a way supported by gpsd. |
| External USB GPS receiver | Connect a receiver directly over USB. | Check the receiver’s operating-system and gpsd support; no particular model is verified here. |
| Serial handheld GPS | Connect a handheld receiver over a serial connection, or through an appropriate adapter. | On a laptop without a serial port, a USB-to-serial adapter may be needed. Verify the receiver, adapter, operating system, and gpsd support together. |
Do not assume that any generic USB GPS receiver will work simply because FoxtrotGPS supports GPS hardware through gpsd. Compatibility is not established for specific current receivers or adapters by the cited manual.
Rank #2
- 6” high-resolution navigator includes map updates of North America
- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
- Road trip–ready features include the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
- Driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness
- Access live traffic, fuel prices, parking, weather and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
Can you use it without an internet connection?
The manual says FoxtrotGPS downloads map data as you pan and caches tiles, usually under ~/Maps. It also documents bulk map downloads. That allows previously downloaded map tiles to be reused locally, but it does not mean every area is already available offline: download the coverage you need in advance. The manual’s default source is OpenStreetMap, and other sources may have different availability or behavior. FoxtrotGPS 1.2.2 manual
Can FoxtrotGPS add locations to photos?
The 1.2.2 manual describes geotagging JPEG photos by correlating photo EXIF timestamps with timestamps in a GPS track. This requires additional software rather than being an automatic, self-contained FoxtrotGPS feature: the upstream repository lists gpscorrelate and jhead as runtime requirements for photo geotagging. You need a track and photo timestamps that can be matched for the process to place locations accurately. FoxtrotGPS 1.2.2 manual FoxtrotGPS repository
Rank #3
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
What is known about its current status?
The project website’s listed version, 1.2.2, is dated July 10, 2019. Debian and Ubuntu manpages also document FoxtrotGPS and its command-line options, but distribution package documentation does not by itself show that upstream development is active or identify the latest upstream release. The available version and feature evidence therefore should not be read as confirmation of maintenance or compatibility in 2026. Check the project and your distribution’s package information before relying on it for a current system. FoxtrotGPS project website Debian manpages Ubuntu manpages
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Bright, high-resolution 5” glass capacitive touchscreen display lets you easily view your route
- Get more situational awareness with alerts for school zones, speed changes, sharp curves and more
- View food, fuel and rest areas along your active route, and see upcoming cities and milestones
- View Tripadvisor traveler ratings for top-rated restaurants, hotels and attractions to help you make the most of road trips
- Directory of U.S. national parks simplifies navigation to entrances, visitor centers and landmarks within the parks
Rank #4
- 8” navigator with high-resolution, dual-orientation display and map updates of North America .Special Feature:Large Display; Voice Assist; Hands-Free Calling; Live Traffic and Weather; Traffic Cams and Parking; Smart Notifications,Driver Alerts; Tripadvisor; National Parks Directory; Find Places by Name; Garmin Real Directions Feature.
- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
- Road trip–ready features include the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
- Driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness
- Access live traffic, fuel prices, weather, parking and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
