GPS Data Mapping
In this tutorial, we focus on how to manipulate GPS data we receive from our Pi in the Sky (PITS) and display the geographic information on the Google Earth platform. In order to explain the whole process effectively, we categorise our actions into three sub-tasks: Firstly, convert the raw GPS location data (plain text file) that is received, to a more commonly used data type, i.e. Keyhole Markup Language, known as KML. Secondly, connect all the individual locations to a travel path and display on Google Earth. Finally, record a video on Google Earth to demonstrate and present flight in different aspects and angles.
The full list of software we need:
- Google Earth Pro
- GE-Path 1.4.6.
- GPS Visualizer (online version: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/convert_input?convert_format=gpx)
- Text file editor
Task A: (Convert GPS text file to KML file)
Save GPS information received from PITS in text file editor.
Add headline on the top of the file with category titles: ‘latitude’, ‘longitude’, ‘elevation’, ‘name’ and then save it.
Open GPS Visualizer and choose the function ‘Google Earth KML’.
Find the section ‘Upload your GPS data files here’ on the new page and click the button ‘Choose the file’.
Find the GPS text file we just edited in Step 2 on local PC and browse for it online.
Click ‘Create KML File’ button which will create a KML file in a new page automatically. Click the link to download it.
Task B: (Link the location points in KML to travel path)
Download GE-Path. (http://ge-path.soft32.com/ ) In this tutorial, we demonstrate with version 1.4.6.
Install and open GE-Path. Click the button ‘file’ on the top toolbar and select ‘Open KML’.
Find the KML we just downloaded from GPS Visualizer and select it which will produce another KML linked path.
Task C: (Record a video on Google Earth about our travel path)
Download Google Earth Pro (https://www.google.co.uk/earth/download/gep/agree.html ) and install it.
Click the ‘file’ on the top task bar and open the KML file.
The travel path will display on the screen. Choose the ‘Tools -> Movie Maker’ on top taskbar.
Select the video format and resolution and then choose a local address in the browser bar to save the video.
Click ‘Create video’ and display the travel path in different angles, aspects and viewpoints.
When you want to stop recording, click button ‘Stop recording’. Then, the demonstration video will be saved in a pre-chosen location.
Now open the video in your default video player and enjoy your journey on screen.